Technical Questions

How do I get started ?

To get started, please consult: http://cloudbroadcaster.com/articles/centova/how-to-get-started/

How do I stream music from my computer?

Please refer to our articles http://cloudbroadcaster.com/articles/encoders-dj/. The Nullsoft SHOUTcast DSP plug-in is the most basic and free encoder.

What is the difference between SHOUTcast and IceCast ?

SHOUTcast and IceCast are both streaming server applications. Unless you’re doing anything really exotic, SHOUTcast and IceCast serve essentially the same purpose.

IceCast offers a few more advanced features and is open-source software, but it’s usually harder to configure.

SHOUTcast is much easier to configure, but it’s proprietary software and thus closed-source.

Both products are typically very stable and reliable, offer similar core feature sets, and are widely used by many high-traffic streaming radio stations.

Most people choose SHOUTcast over Icecast, since an Icecast stream can’t get listed on SHOUTcast.com

How to get my radio running on port 80?

We do offer dedicated IPs for some radio stations that want to run on port 80. But since IPv4 is nearly depleted, we now offer dedicated IP for $10/month.

Why would I want my radio to run on port 80?

Well, most customers don’t see any difference. When you run on a shared IP, you get a static IP that will never change, and you will be assigned a port number in the 8000 to 10000 range. It fits the need of most radio stations.

Large radio stations may want to run their radio on port 80, since it’s easier for people behind really restrictive firewalls to listen to their radio station.

How does it work?

Port 80 is the standard port used to distribute web pages. Servers like Apache, Lighttpd, Nginx, etc. all serve their pages through port 80. In fact, when you type an address into your browser, you are automatically connected through port 80 by default. So, it’s much harder for a business firewall to put a block on port 80—since it’s used for simple Web browsing—than it is to block a less common port like 8000.

How do I get a dedicated IP?

If your radio is large enough, you can request a dedicated IP by contacting our sales department. Note that this option is not needed for everyone. Most radio stations run on ports in the 8000 range. But if you receive complaints about some listeners being unable to connect from their work place, then it’s a good idea to request this option.

I want to change my server location; will I incur any downtime?

It mostly depends on how you are executing the change.

We will open a new account with the same specification as your original account on the server location of your choice. You will have the opportunity to run both accounts for a few days in order to take the time to configure your new account and move your MP3 if you have AutoDJ.

Once everything is set up properly in your new account, we will then delete your old account.

Doing so, you will minimize the downtime and inconvenience to your listeners.

Can I keep the same IP if I move to a different location?

No each location has a new IP, and we can’t move an IP to a different location even if you have a dedicated IP. Your port will also change, since port allocation is done automatically by the system.

Why would I want to change my server location?

If a new location is available, and it’s closer to your listeners and where you are streaming from, it may be worth changing.

Can I change my username?

Your username is only used for logging in to your control panel and has no impact on what your listeners see.

If you still want to have a different username, we recommend you to contact us.

I get : « Server status: Server is currently down », what should I do?

If your SHOUTcast DNAS page shows this message “Server is currently down”, it means that the server is ready to receive your stream. It doesn’t mean that our server are down, it’s simply telling you that no source is currently connected to the server.

What do I do if my radio stream is buffering/skipping/disconnecting?

This is usually related to poor connectivity between the DJ (source) and the server.
We monitor our own servers 24/7 with network latency tools to ensure that there is no problem at our end.
Please consult: http://cloudbroadcaster.com/articles/troubleshooting/

Billing Questions

What forms of payment do you accept?

At this time, we only accept payment by PayPal.

PayPal accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard.

When am I billed for my account?

You will be charged when you sign up for your account. Thereafter, every thirty days an invoice will be generated. Invoices are generated seven days before their due date.

A free account is not charged.

How long does it take to process my order?

It’s instant!

As soon as you have submitted your payment, your account will be activated.

Why was my order detected as Fraud?

We use a fraud protection system that automatically scores your order. If the system detects a risk that is too high, your order will be flagged as fraud.

Most common reasons:

1. Using fake billing address information. Even if you order a free service, you must enter your real data.

2. Ordering while you are behind a proxy.

3. Creating more than one customer account to get more free service packages, or more discounts, which are restricted to one per customer.

If you think your order has been marked as fraud by mistake, please contact our billing department.

Are there any bandwidth restrictions or overage charges?

Simple answer: No

You can use the plan you bought from us to its full extent. So, if you subscribed to a 250-slot package from us, you can fully use 250 slots 24/7. We won’t kick you out; our business model has been designed so that you can use your plan to its full extent without us incurring any financial lost.

Free service coupon code conditions

There is a limit of one free account per customer per radio station, when such offers are available.

We reserve the right to terminate any account that does not follow those conditions.

Is there a referral bonus or any discount available?

Not at this time. When discounts become available, they will be displayed on our website.

Is there any discount if I prepay for a full year?

We currently offer month-to-month billing terms only. We need to earn your business every month ;)

How do I update my billing information?

Please log into our billing control panel at https://secure.cpcustomer.com/clientarea.php and go to “My Details”

If you need assistance, please contact our billing department: https://secure.cpcustomer.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3

Where can I find my invoices?

You can find your invoices in the client area under “My Invoices”:https://secure.cpcustomer.com/clientarea.php

How do I cancel my account?

Cancellation can only be done through our billing system at https://secure.cpcustomer.com

Click on “My Services”, select the services you want to cancel, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click “Request Cancellation”

If you need assistance, please contact our billing department at https://secure.cpcustomer.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3

How do I cancel my streaming account if I have a PayPal subscription?

You can cancel your PayPal subscription from your transaction history.

*Note: PayPal Subscriptions can be canceled up until the day of the next scheduled payment.

To cancel an active PayPal Subscription, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click the “history” tab.
3. Find your last transaction with us.
4. Select the transaction and click “cancel subscription”.

If you need help, you should contact PayPal support or our billing department.

How do I upgrade/downgrade my service?

In order to place an upgrade order, you first have to log into your client area. Go to “My Products/Services”, click the “View Details” button next to the product or service you wish to manage, and then click on the appropriate buttons to upgrade the package.

The amount you haven’t used of the current cycle for the existing product/service will be refunded and then charged for the remainder of the cycle at the new product/service price. The next due date doesn’t change.

Old Package
Price per day * Number of days until next due date = Amount credited

New Package
Price per day * Number of days until next due date = Amount debited

Amount debited – Amount credited = Total payable today

If you want to downgrade, you will have to contact our billing department: https://secure.cpcustomer.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3

My PayPal subscription has been canceled; what do I do to keep my service active?

If your payment subscription has been canceled, your service won’t be canceled. It will only be canceled if you request a cancelation from your billing control panel.

The billing system will send you an invoice by email when your service is due, and you will be able to set up a new PayPal subscription through the link provided in the invoice.

If you have any concerns, you should contact our billing department: https://secure.cpcustomer.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3

Am I charged sales tax?

We only charge Federal sales tax if you are located inside Canada. If you are located in Québec, then you will be charged Federal and Provincial tax.

I made an overpayment; how can I get my money back?

If you made two payments for the same invoice, the amount will be credited to your account automatically and will be applied to the next invoice generated by the system.

If you want to get a refund for your overpayment, please contact our billing department, and we will issue a refund for your available credit shortly.

AutoDJ Questions

Does AAC+ work with AutoDJ?

AAC+ is not supported by AutoDJ; only by the custom encoders like SAM or Winamp DSP.

How to stream with AutoDJ

Please consult: http://cloudbroadcaster.com/articles/centova/autodj/

Do you provide transcoding for AutoDJ?

Not at this time. You need to convert all your MP3s to the same bit rate. Please consult to learn how: http://cloudbroadcaster.com/articles/converting-mp3/