Refuge Radio is now broadcasting to the internet in a new and VERY cool streaming technology called AACPlus. You know how MOST web broadcasts sound like your listening underwater? Well NOT anymore!! This new streaming format allows us to sound better than anything that was possible through the internet before. It's just like listening to your iPod or MP3 player. Have I peaked your curiosity yet? Alright, let's get started!!

(1.) For the majority of us running Windows PCs with XP and Vista operating systems, this should be relatively painless. First you'll need to download a special plug-in for your Windows Media Player that will allow you to listen to this new format. Think of this new plug-in, kind of like a switch to go from AM to FM on your radio. REMEMBER: This particular Orban plug-in for Windows Media Player ONLY works with Windows XP or Vista systems. If you have another computer version such as Windows 98 or a Mac scroll down and follow instruction (2) below.

Click on the gray button below to download the aacPlus plug-in for Windows Media Player..

When prompted, save the file to your computer in a place where you'll be able to find it later after the download. The file is small, should only take a few seconds to download, and it's really easy to set up. Once the file downloads to your computer, make sure your Windows Media Player is closed and go to the place you saved the plug-in. Double click on the file to install it on your computer. Once the installation is complete you "should" have 2 new icons appear on your desktop. One says "Tuner2 - your ears will know" and the other says "AAC-aacPlus Plugin Read Me". You can delete both from your desk top once you've begun listening to the new webcast.

Click this (Listen Now) button to start your Windows Media Player.

If that doesn't seen to work, open Windows Media Player back up manually, and go to your file menu (you might have to "right" mouse click in the bar at the very top of the player to get the file menu). Then pull down to (Open URL). In the box, copy and paste this link in...
(http://www.christiannetcast.com/listen/dynamicasx.asp?station=refugeradio-sc).

If neither one of the above seems to be working email us at webcast@refugeradio.com for help.

NOTE: If you're a Firefox user you will also need to download a plug-in for your browser to automatically play or "pop-up" the stream properly. This is required regardless of which stream you choose. Please visit the following link to attain the Firefox plug-in for Windows Media Player.
http://port25.technet.com/pages/windows-media-player-firefox-plugin-download.aspx and install the plug-in. You should then be able to listen via the Firefox browser.

(2.) For listeners who are running other computer systems (IE: Windows 98, ME or Mac etc), you'll need a different type of player. The Orban aacPlus plug-in for Windows Media Player DOES NOT work on systems other than XP or Vista. One option is a player called VLC. Follow the links below to download the appropriate VLC player for your system.

For Windows ME or earlier systems click on this link..
(http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html)

For Mac users click on this link..
(http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html)

Choose from one of the servers listed above to download the appropriate VLC player that matches your computer system. Then save the player file to your system desktop or another easy to locate place. Once your player has been downloaded, click and install it on your computer. Once the installation is complete do the following:

Windows Users
Open the player and click on (File) and pull down to (Open File) and paste in the following: http://sc1.christiannetcast.com:9010

Mac Users
Open the player and click on (File) and pull down to (Open Network) and paste in the following into the 'Media Resource Locator (MRL) box: http://sc1.christiannetcast.com:9010

OK, SO NOW THAT I'VE GOT THE VLC PLAYER, HOW DO I GET THE REFUGE STREAM TO COME UP AS MY DEFAULT STATION EACH TIME I START THE PLAYER??

To save the the stream as the player's default. Open VLC and go to (Settings) and pull down to (preferences). About 6 icons down click on (Playlist). Down where it says "Default Stream" there is a box (to the right) where you can copy and paste in the link http://sc1.christiannetcast.com:9010. Click "save" down at the bottom of that window once your finished. Now each time you bring up the the VLC Player it will automatically start the Refuge aacPlus stream.

ONE OTHER PLAYER OPTION..

Another player for all Windows based systems is called Winamp. You can download the player from this link. (http://www.winamp.com/player)

I do understand that there are some "cubicle bound" listeners who don't have administrator authority to install software or plug-ins and will not be able to listen to the new stream. No Worries!! We will continue to offer a 32k Stereo stream in the regular Windows Media format as well. However, you owe it to your ears to try everything you can to get the new aacPlus webcast.

All of us here at The Refuge are working hard to be a blessing and make your listening experience better all the time. We will also be adding song title and artist information to both our website and in each webcast player in the near future. Meantime, if you have any technical questions or would like my help with the transition please feel free to contact me directly at (webcast@refugeradio.com) or Christiannetcast at (support@christiannetcast.com).

Blessings,

~BG