Older Icecast Releases
This chapter's motto should be, "just because it's old, doesn't mean it no longer works." In other words, though icecast version 1 is deprecated and is no longer under active development, it still offers some unique features not available with the latest icecast2 release. This chapter examines how icecast1 is still a viable audio server solution. It still has many features as of yet not implemented on icecast2 as well as a loyal following of users. Many administrators still use icecast1 for much of their production streaming. Though the emphasis of this book is on introducing users to the latest technology, something must be said about the reliable standby.
However, a word of caution is merited here; icecast1 is no longer supported. If you do have issues with its installation and use, please do not send an email to the icecast mailing list. They will tell you to upgrade to icecast2, which is really what you should be using anyways. This chapter is mainly designed as an informative forum for the older release.
Which Version to Use?
Because support for icecast1 has been deprecated the instructions included here may not be entirely applicable to the latest icecast documentation found on the icecast home page. The icecast developers no longer support this older release, even though there are many still who continue to use this older version with much success. Consider these instructions legacy support for those who still feel an affinity for icecast version 1 or who find the older features more appealing over the newer release.
 | Consider this HowTo section much like the instructions presented for the latest Apache release. Though Apache version 2 has many unique features and though the developers highly recommend users migrating to Apache 2, there are still many who feel a close affinity to Apache version 1. |
Be aware, however, icecast2 can accomplish most everything icecast1 does. It is anticipated that as icecast2 matures, it will have all the functionality of icecast1 plus many added features. Consider migrating to the latest icecast2 source code and acquainting yourself with version 2, if you have not already done so. Once everyone is using icecast2, developers of other applications can migrate as well and provide any needed support. The icecast developers brought back the original icecast1 source due to the many requests by users.
If you are unsure as to which version you should use, consider the following; if you are a long time user of icecast1 and are relatively familiar with the layout, format, and syntax used by icecast, you might want to continue using icecast1. If, however, you are looking to use the latest audio formats and already know icecast or consider yourself a novice, definitely use icecast version 2. If you are a new user, icecast2 is the best solution as well. It is best to become familiar with the latest syntax and streaming formats.
If you are already acquainted with icecast and know the features contained in the earlier version or happen to be using both releases or simply want to stream in MP3 format, consider icecast1 as a viable release. It is dependable, stable and also provides a few options not yet included with icecast2, such as password encryption. However, consider moving to icecast2 as soon as possible, if only to support the community.
Whatever final choice you make regarding a streaming audio server, recognize the pros and cons of the very latest release as well as that of the tried and tested versions. This chapter explains more about the older icecast version.