Radio does not end when the sound reaches the server
The operator needs feedback: whether the metadata was sent, how many listeners the server reports, what was aired and what happened when something went wrong. That is why On Air Studio has several layers of records, each with its own purpose.
Listener count
The application reads listener statistics from the SHOUTcast or Icecast server: the current count, peak and maximum, when the server provides them. A short history of the latest readings shows the trend in the working environment. If the server does not provide statistics, the application clearly shows that the data is not available, instead of making up a number.
This gives you a basic picture of your audience without opening the server’s admin panel.
Metadata
When the content on air changes, On Air Studio sends the song title to the server or encoder, so compatible players show “Artist — Title”. If the update fails, the application logs the server’s response and the technical context for diagnostics. Manual entry is also available in live/Line In mode.
Broadcast reports
A daily record of the main content and of content played over the programme: type, title, path, note and ad break details where relevant.
This is not the same as a technical log. The log tells you what the application was doing, while the broadcast report tells you what was part of the broadcast.
Technical logs and diagnostics
Logs and the event “black box” record stream starts, reconnections, listener status and other situations that help determine the cause of a problem. Diagnostics show the system status, encoder sessions, the previous shutdown and the daily log — read-only, without displaying passwords or licence keys.
What you get
- basic listener statistics from the server;
- metadata for web players and directories;
- a record of aired content;
- better verification of ad breaks;
- technical logs for diagnostics;
- a clear distinction between “what was on air” and “what the application was doing in the background”.
The listener count depends on what the specific SHOUTcast/Icecast server exposes through its status. On Air Studio cannot show data that the server does not provide or that it has no access to.