#amigazeux FAQs (frequently-asked questions)

Digital radio is not crap, but you have to be sensible about what you can play. Expecting CD quality streamed mp3 on a 56k modem is just not realistic. But there are things you can do to make the performance as good as possible on your current setup. Read this section of the FAQ thoroughly.

Because 56k modems can't actually do 56k. They do about 45k (about 4500cps) on most phone lines, even the better ones. In-built modem compression makes up for this sometimes, but mp3 is already compressed so this has no effect here. You could try using an accelerated serial port (which will also take some load off the CPU), but be warned - the speed increase is not great at all!

No. Your connection is just not fast enough. This is not ANR's fault.

This may depend on the stream, how far away it is (in geographical terms) and the quality of the routers between you and the stream server. In other words, it depends on the internet. Try to pick a stream closer to where you are, or if that fails just pick a better stream. Even if you have a T1 ethernet connection that Russian 128kbps stream just might not be able to get to you fast enough.

Also, it can depend on your CPU and graphics system (if you don't have a GFX card). If you are placing too much strain on your CPU or chipset, transfer will suffer.

There are issues with some ethernet cards and/or drivers sucking CPU too, particularly if you use Miami/MiamiDX without MNI drivers. PCMCIA cards are also major CPU drains.

AHI is also a CPU sucker. Don't use 14bit on paula unless you have an 060 or better, and try 28KHz (or less) if you just can't keep that 44.1KHz speed up.

Also, if you use the standard Amiga serial port for internet this is a serious bottleneck, especially if you run deeper AGA screens like 7 or 8 bit - or even worse - VGA modes like DblPAL or Multiscan. AGA just isn't up to it. You can compensate by turning some of the quality options down.

ANR needs CPU power to play mp3 and to stream. Some stuttering is unavoidable on weaker CPUs in multitasking situations. Try reducing scope effects or mpeg quality to get some CPU time back.

Also, running Petri Nordlund's excellent Executive can "steal" CPU time away from ANR. If you really don't like the stuttering, try setting the priority of the AmiNetRadio task above the dynamic priority range, or set to Leave Alone.

If you don't run Executive, you can also use the cli argument (or tooltype) DECODERPRI=1. See "Shell arguments" in the guide for more info.

It's not ANR that's crap here... get out of the stone age or don't complain. ;)

But seriously, if you want the best streams, you must consider a faster connection. 56k will allow you to listen in, but the quality will suffer for it.