How do users connect
to the broadcasts?
We provide you with a simple bit of HTML code to
copy and paste on your web site. That "embeds"
your broadcast schedule on your web site, complete
with all of the necessary links for listeners to
download QuickTime, contact us for technical support
and, of course, listen to the broadcasts. We leave
the creation of a broadcast schedule page up to
you for two reasons: 1) it allows complete freedom
for you to make changes as necessary, and 2) users
go through your web site (rather than our's) to
launch the broadcast...we want the experience to
be as seamless as possible for your listeners. We
can also register a custom domain name for your
broadcast page if you'd like! TOP
What
kind of technical support does Stretch provide?
Stretch provides unlimited phone and e-mail support
to its member schools and organizations. We also
provide e-mail support to your listeners. We don’t
expect you to have the time or expertise to help
listeners who are experiencing any type of problems
with the webcast. Your broadcast page has a link
to our outstanding support page and includes our
support e-mail address. We respond to most support
e-mails within 10 minutes. TOP
Why does
Stretch use QuickTime?
Quite simply to save you money. Unlike other streaming
servers, QuickTime Streaming Server does not charge
"per-stream" license fees. That means
we can offer streaming to an unlimited number of
listeners without raising our fee. QuickTime also
offers many other benefits, such as the creation
of customized ad-based interfaces. And though QuickTime
is an Apple product, QuickTime 6 was downloaded
more than 350 million times, with 98% of those downloads
by PC users (at a rate of over 10 million per month).
For more on the "QuickTime advantage,"
visit
the QuickTime web site. TOP
How is the
sound quality?
Our broadcasts are remarkably clear and audible,
assuming we're getting a decent feed from your end.
We use the Qualcomm PureVoice codec, which encodes
audio at exceptionally low bit rates while providing
exceptionally clear audio. To ensure high-quality
results, we work with each school or organization
individually to fine-tune the sound. We will run
several tests before your first broadcast to make
sure the audio is as good as it gets. TOP
How many
listeners can tune in to the webcasts?
Stretch utilizes relay streaming servers to accommodate
an unlimited number of listeners. Your listeners
will never encounter buffering or "choppy"
audio. TOP
Can
we broadcast two events happening at the same time?
Yes! We have several secondary systems that we can
utilize for simultaneous broadcasts. We just ask
that you give us advance notice so that we can provide
you with a secondary dial-in code. TOP
Are
there any long-term contracts?
Unlike several streaming services, Stretch does
not lock in teams or schools to lengthy contracts.
Our Varsity Package requires no long-term commitment...
you can stream on a game-by-game or season-by-season
basis. What equipment
do we need?
You don't NEED any additional equipment beyond a
land line or cell phone. It's as simple as dialing
into our server when you're ready to broadcast and
we take it from there. Of course, more elaborate
professional mixers and headsets will allow for
studio sound, but even the most basic equipment
will provide an excellent audio broadcast. We have
also joined forces with Broadcast Supply Worldwide
to secure preferred pricing on every item they carry. TOP
Can we
charge listeners?
Not currently. Stretch's credo is to make streaming
so affordable for schools and organizations that
fans don't have to pick up the tab. TOP
Can we include
our advertisements during the broadcasts?
The "airtime" is your's. That means you
can run as many advertising spots as you wish. And
don't forget that you also can incorporate unlimited
rotating banner ads into the QuickTime interface.
Stretch does reserve the right, on occasion, to
utilize the interface for spot advertisements, though
we will never run ads that conflict with your sponsors. TOP
Can
we simulcast our radio broadcasts over the Internet?
In almost every case, Stretch can fluidly simulcast
radio broadcasts over the web. As long as the radio
station has an available phone line that can be
patched into the live, on-air feed, Stretch can
transmit the audio over the web. About 75 percent
of our members have radio simulcasts, so we're very
experienced at working with radio stations. TOP
