Capture / Record Streaming Audio with Ubuntu 9.04 and VLC

To record streaming audio:

(a) Install the VLC media player with Synaptic. VLC includes vlc, vlc-nox, vlc-data, libviccore0, libvlc2, libvcdinfo0 and libavcodec52.

(b) Determine target web address. This may require testing Listen Now, MP3 or Media Player options on the web site and saving and reading a shortcut file.

Examples: A local college radio station offers a “Media Player” option. Choose “Save File” to create a “.wax” file. Open the file with a text editor and copy the site address.

The local NPR station offers a “Listen With” option for “MP3”. Saving the link creates a “.m3u” file. Open the file with a text editor and copy the site address.

(c) Test the audio stream with VLC. The menu commands are:

- MEDIA.
- OPEN NETWORK.
- [ enter site address ]
- PLAY.

(d) Test saving the audio stream to a file. The menu commands are:

- MEDIA.
- CONVERT / SAVE.
- NETWORK.
- [ enter site address ]
- CONVERT / SAVE.
- OUTPUT options:
- Check FILE box and enter NAME.
- PROFILE options:
- The AUDIO CODEC is MPEG-2.
- Check the AUDIO box.
- Select MPEG AUDIO. [Test other options if needed.]
- Do not check the STREAM ALL box.
- SAVE
- This will create the audio file.
- Click STOP to finish.

Capture / Record Streaming Audio with Ubuntu 9.10 and VLC

To record streaming audio:

(a) Install the VLC media player with Synaptic. VLC includes: vlc, vlc-nox, vlc-data, vlc-plugin-pulse, libviccore2, libvlccore-dev, libvcdinfo0 and libavcodec-unstripped-52.

(b) Determine target web address. This may involve going to a Listen Now, MP3 or Media Player option on the web site and saving a file.

Examples: A local college radio station offers a “Media Player” option. Choose “Save File” to create a “.wax” file. Open the file with a text editor and copy the site address.

The local NPR station offers a “Listen With” option for “MP3”. Saving the link creates a “.m3u” file. Open the file with a text editor and copy the site address.

(c) Test the audio stream with VLC. The menu commands are:

- MEDIA
- OPEN NETWORK
- [ enter site address ]
- PLAY

(d) Test saving the audio stream to a file. The menu commands are:

- MEDIA
- CONVERT / SAVE
- NETWORK
- [ enter site address ]
- CONVERT / SAVE
- DESTINATION:
- Enter path and audio file name.
- Note: If the DISPLAY THE OUTPUT box is checked, the audio plays and saves. Left unchecked, audio is saved, not played.
- PROFILE:
- Set to MP3.
- START
- Press STOP to finish.