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Streaming audio

November 30, 2007

The Admirals moved their radio broadcasts across the dial to SportsRadio 1250AM this season. When the announcement was made in the offseason, I was all for it. 1250 offers a webcast of the games, as well as a stronger over-the-air signal than any of the recent stations that aired Admirals games. It was also noted that the team would have a higher priority and would not be preempted very often... another plus.

A few months later, my positive thoughts about the new station have tamed a bit. A few issues have touched a nerve, but I'm still in favor of the new station... just not as much as I thought I would be.

To be honest, I haven't listened to every road game this season... probably 8 of the 12 games so far this season.

When I listen, it's always online. I do not have an AM radio in my "Cave of Entertainment" (my bedroom). Internet, XM radio, TV/DVD/CD, and PS2. No need for an old fashioned radio in that environment as long as I can get the hockey games online.

Unfortunately, the webcasts of the games are a bit disappointing. Aaron Sims is doing everything the same as before. I have no complaints with his work. He does a fine job. My issues deal with technical issues with the radio station and webcasts.

- When going to commercial, Sims is usually cut off in mid-syllable... as if whoever presses 'play' on the commercial machine jumps the gun by a half second or so.
Minor irritant.
- The webcasts do not air the commercials heard on the air, instead we hear 15-30 second promos for other shows on the station. I really dislike a few of those clips. I'd rather listen to the ads of those businesses who choose to support the Admirals.
Medium irritant.
- One of the annoying station promos has background music of an early-80s rap song in the background (wicky wicky wicky wicky... from "Jam On It"). I hated that song then, I still hate it now.
Medium irritant.
- I also can not stand Jim Rome, whose nationally syndicated show is advertised several times during a session of listening to a game.
Medium irritant.
- And on some occasions, like tonight, I lose the webcast connection completely. Dead air. Not sure if it's an issue on my end, or from the source. I have no problems accessing other web sites with streaming audio or video, and since it's an intermittent problem, I'm leaning towards a problem with the source. **Update** - as I type this, the feed magically reappeared on it's own, about a half hour of dead air. Definitely not a problem on my end.
Huge irritant.

posted by Todd # 9:00 PM

Comments:

I really miss this section. Please keep updating! This is a great blog.

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Anonymous : December 26, 2007 1:36 AM

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