Streamer

It works by having some listeners (red) who are downloading the audio stream from the server (green) then upload it to other listeners, who in turn upload it to even more listeners, forming a branching tree.

The broadcasting server only sends the stream to a few of them, instead of sending it to every one individually, as happens in conventional client-server systems.

New listeners tag on the the outside edge of the tree, and because each one provides new upload capacity to the network there is no limit to their number. They also move around in the tree according to their upload bandwidth and listening time, and as others leave and join the network. High bandwidth and long-stay listeners tend to move closer to the broadcast server (closer = less hops)

This all means you don't need an internet connection with a lot of bandwidth to broadcast to a huge number of listeners. A low bandwidth modem connection can work just fine. Higher bandwidth connections naturally increase the quality of the audio that is possible. It's almost-free broadcasting, for just the cost of a net connection.

The program includes a chat system that enables you to connect to multiple channels in order to chat with the radio DJ. It uses a gnutella-like mesh to distribute the messages. It also has an embedded web site for each station which streams alongside the audio.

The program includes a chat system that enables you to connect to multiple channels in order to chat with the radio DJ. Add playlists, a web cam, ad banners, whatever you can think of. (currently though only the index.html is streamed, the other files must be on a web server).