Streaming Audio. New guy needs old answers.

Okay, I'm working on my little 512 plot, and I've decided that I want some sound. Lot's of folks have been doing this for some time, so I'm hoping that it's been honed into a routine by now. I've looked around the forums, but I keep getting puzzle pieces, but no clear picture of what to do.

Here's what I'm lost on: I've read mentions of Shoutcast, WinAmp, and sound URL's, but I don't want to host it from my computer. I'd like to hook up to internet radio, or whatever people are doing on their parcels. If I need a server to host the stream, where do I go for that? I'm okay with assigning it in SL, I just need to know where to find it and aquire a free host if possible. And what the hell? What if I do want to do this from my own mp3's? How taxing is that on my bandwidth? I have a moderately powerful system with 1.5mbps DSL. Should I even try that without cable?

If there are threads or websites with good info on the subject, then it would be wonderful if someone could post a link. Seriously, I'm at that point where I can't find my coffee cup because it's in my other hand. Unless the information actually bites me, I'm going to need some help.

Ugh... this is the music section of my local Best Buy all over again!

Okay, the Shoutcast site has some data. I'll need to dive into that tomorrow afternoon after the 10K run. If I've just solved my problem, then I'm sorry for bugging everyone. If there's additional info, then I'm all ears. I mean, eyes, on the internet, I guess. Come to think of it, both of those images are gross. I'll be paying attention. There. That works a little better.

Thanks to everyone in advance!

I'd like some info on streaming as well. I did a search here and found some posts from people concerned about hiding radio urls etc, to prevent copy and paste thieves, apparently this costs them money. I believe it's true most of the SL newbies don't know this! It would be great to have some simple clear instructions on how to stream music and find free URLs that do not come out of someone's pocketbook.

Im almost positive theres a whole section for it at sluniverse.com (might not be site if not google search sl universe) go to knowledge something i think it was (bad memory haha) and you can find it there, if you still cant find go under the searchtab and search it.

EDIT: i got bored and did work 4 u...go here http://www.sluniverse.com/kb/article.aspx?id=10046&cNode=3F0J6L

See, I knew it was going to be like that. Something really easy, that I would never find in a million years of hair-pulling derangement. Tupac, thank you! You are the MAN!


Gydeon.