OtsAV is a series of program packages that perform audio web broadcasting, web radio automation, or video web broadcasting. With my recent upgrade to Windows Vista, I was forced to seek alternatives to popular web broadcasting software such as SAM Broadcaster and Winamp. OtsAV, recommended to be my friend DJ Tarsis, fit the bill but was problematic. While it claims Windows Vista support, it did not enjoy my microphone configuration, something I’m attributing to its complex configuration options, not complete Vista support and my lack of a microphone only soundcard.
Problems aside, OtsAV is a very deep program worth looking into, and different than Winamp but does compare to SAM Broadcaster. OtsAV comes in three flavors, DJ, Radio, and TV. For most DJ’s, Video support is not necessary, landing most of them to gravitate towards the DJ or Radio package. The DJ package pricing begins at $199.95, but skyrockets to $299.95 with its Pro Package. DJ and Radio packages both stream to shoutcast servers, and perform much the same SAM Broadcaster does. The difference is that OtsAV automatically adjusts all of the played music so that it plays at the same sound level, which is great. CD’s from different eras are mastered differently causing tracks to play at different sound levels. OtsAV automatically adjusts all of the tracks to the same sound level, eliminating this problem. Another feature many DJ’s would enjoy would be the automatic beatmatching in the Pro package.
The major differences begin with Ots’s lack of file support, I frequently complain that SAM Broadcaster does not support ACC+ files, and neither does OtsAV. The difference is that OtsAV does not support a wider range of files than SAM Broadcaster. This lack of feature is made up by an impressive media library and media library functions, a music viewer, and for those karaoke fanatics a karaoke viewer (a feature that is not very helpful online.)
Although OtsAV DJ contains many powerful tools, it is the most expensive of web broadcasting software available online. It could as a replacement for SAM Broadcaster, but I cannot recommend the software for most web broadcasters. Its breath of features does not make up for the lack of flexibility and complexity as compared to cheaper software. If you are a major radio station or need software for specific purposes (such as Karaoke, or web radio automatition) I would highly recommend it for you. Otherwise stick with your current software.
I want to thank you for this article. I refuse to spend $200 for 3-6 hours a week. I'd buy my own parcel and server with that kind of money.
Cheers!!
Oh dear I am sorry wrong blog. 😉 I did look at the free version of OtsAV and might see if it works with BUTT or WinAmp