Stream~2~Stream: Next Generation Streaming

Stream-2-Stream implements multicast+, a next generation streaming protocol (click for more info). Multicast+ is more efficient and requires less bandwidth than direct streaming (e.g. shoutcast/icecast). Stream-2-Stream (abbreviated "s2s" or "S2S") stations have no user limit; stations can be set up without paying a fortune for bandwidth. Stream-2-Stream saves bandwidth by passing streams from one peer to another through multicast and unicast p2p, rather than everyone getting a stream from one central server (Shoutcast/Icecast).

Multicast+ will allow the internet to gradually upgrade to multicast, a more efficient method of streaming. A multicast stream is broadcasted to listeners capable of receiving it, if a listener cannot receive the stream (behind a non-multicast router) then it can request a unicast p2p stream. Stream-2-Stream keeps all the multicast address info away from the user. When a station is set up an open multicast address is found automatically or can be specified manually if desired. A user must simply provide the client with the address (server IP:port, not multicast) of the s2s server to listen.

Stream-2-Stream is free software available for anyone to use.

Stream-2-Stream's features include:

• Integrated MP3, Ogg media player. No external media player needed to listen!!!
• Easy to use GUI
• Bandwidth is tested automatically for the best p2p streaming performance
• Settings are saved to xml
• Easy to use server command-line
• A shoutcast/icecast internet radio/TV Station is used as the source
• Freeloaders/Leechers (peers that only listen but don't want to send out the stream to other listeners) will be detected
• The data stream can be signed; you can be sure that it arrives unchanged
• Very efficient communication (low overhead).
• The network structure can be viewed with a monitor
• Peers can be denied service
• Streams can be recorded to files for later viewing
• Integrated Station viewer allows you to listen (or watch) by double-clicking on a station

Latest News

May 9, 2006

• s2s protocol version 3 provides streaming through TCP, UDP, and Multicast+.
• The number of listeners can be seen.
• GUI mechanics fixed
• Connecting improved
• LanPages changed to multicast
• Player and Web ports switched for easy port forwarding.
• Public player connections can now be toggled in the options menu.
• Xml file can be specified with the arg -x file.xml

January 9, 2006

• Volume slider added
• Server accepting code slightly more efficient
• Server options panel cleaned up
• Station Viewer added
• Ogg recording fixed