Linux Applications

For Internet Broadcasters

Written By
David Childers

www.ScenicRadio.Com
Relaxing Entertainment for the World

www.BroadcastingWorld.Com
Global Broadcast Information Portal

Creative Common License

This body of work is released under the Attribution-ShareAlike version 3.0, Creative Common License.
The work may be freely distributed or modified for commercial or non commercial purposes.
If this work is modified, compliance with the Attribution-ShareAlike version 3.0, Creative Common License is required.
These requirements include:
- Any derivatives of this work must be attributed to David Childers.
- Any derivatives of this work must reference any additional sources that may be used.
- Alterations, transforming, or building upon this work requires distributing the resulting work only under the same,
similar or a compatible license.
For the complete legal code, please refer here:
www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode
Cover graphic Server Linux Box.
www.clker.com/clipart-1907.html
Cover graphic Penguin.
www.clker.com/clipart-penguin-14.html
Foreword graphic - Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pieter_Claeszoon_-_Still_Life_with_a_Skull_and_a_Writing_Quill.JPG

About The Author

David Childers is the Content Manager for the Global Broadcasting portal www.BroadcastingWorld.com. He is very
active in the Internet broadcast industry and has written numerous guides and a book about this growing technological
field. He is also the webmaster of www.ScenicRadio.com, the global destination for relaxing entertainment.
Mr. Childers' work has been cited in several national and International publications, including these:
Five Essays on Copyright In the Digital Era
Turre Publishing
Research On High-Profile Digital Video Production
Digital Content Association of Japan
Video Podcasting in Perspective: The History, Technology, Aesthetics and Instructional Uses of a New Medium
Journal of Educational Technology Systems
Video Podcasting: When, Where and How it's Currently used for Instruction
The National Convention of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology
IP Packet Charging Model For Multimedia Services
National University of Rwanda
Preservation of audiovisual mediums: Problems and challenges
Platform for Archiving and Preservation of Art on Electronic and Digital Media
P2P Technology Trend and Application to Home Network
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute Journal
Peer To Peer Computing - The Evolution of a Disruptive Technology
Idea Group Publishing
Peer-to-Peer Systems and Applications
Lecture Notes In Computer Science
Springer Berlin / Heidelberg

Feedback
Please feel free to contact the author if you have any questions or comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
You can contact the author here: www.KL7AF.com

Foreword
Good Day,
Open source software powers the infinite reach of the Internet and has achieved global recognition for its ability to
perform. This same software can be used to operate a broadcast station (Internet or terrestrial) with dependability and
functionality. There is life beyond Bill Gates, and there are alternatives to Microsoft Windows.
The musical inspiration for this guide is Freud - World of wonders.
I would like to thank Scarlet Coker for providing assistance with the editing of the manuscript and James Davey at
Broadcasting World for allowing me the opportunity to create this guide.
It is my sincere hope that the reader finds this guide beneficial.
David Childers
May 2012

Posveeno Nei Vidmar.

Ipsa scientia potestas est.

Unix, MS-DOS, and Windows NT (also known as the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly).
Matt Welsh

Index
- Introduction
- Desktop Environment
- Windows Emulation
- Jackaudio
- Station Automation and Streaming
- Audio
- Video
- DJ and VJ Software
- Multimedia Transcoder
- Multimedia File Meta Tag Editors
- Graphics
- General Tools
- Online Services
- Desktop Publishing
- System Software

Introduction
Open source software has established itself as a credible alternative to proprietary / closed source software. The
majority of the Internet networking grid runs on open source software and has achieved an excellent operational
record. One of the greatest strengths of open source software is anyone can make contributions, correct flaws or add
new features. It is a community effort for the greater good.
Open source software can be used to run all aspects of a broadcast station.
These include:
- Production.
- Distribution.
- Administration.
The Linux operating system can be run on a variety of hardware platforms, without excessive system resource
requirements. It can easily be run on the latest hardware or older computer systems. There is also a growing catalog
of system drivers available for a wide variety of hardware components as well. Most software applications used on
Linux systems are created by open source software developers and are available for free at various software
repositories. These software packages can be used for a broad range of applications.
There is no need to break the bank for acquiring and using software for a broadcast station. Internet multimedia
distribution can be achieved with solid performance at minimal cost and fuss.

Desktop Environment
The term, Desktop Environment, refers to the graphical user interface used to access, configure, or modify frequently
accessed features of an operating system.
Multimedia manipulation or processing requires a substantial share of a computers resources. It is important to use a
desktop environment that will not tie up vital computer resources. Functionality and ease of use are equally important
for the system user.
LXDE
Lightweight desktop environment software.
www.lxde.org

Windows Emulation
Wine
This application enables other operating systems to run Windows software.
www.winehq.org
Package search:
-

Fedora
RedHat
OpenSuse
Suse
RHEL

rpm.pbone.net
- Debian
www.debian.org/distrib/packages
- Ubuntu
packages.ubuntu.com
PlayOnLinux
A graphical front end for the Wine software compatibility layer.
www.playonlinux.com/en/
Wibom
Software that is used to manage Wine software bottles.
wibom.sourceforge.net
Winecfg
Graphical environment configuration tool for Wine, designed to easily edit the windows registry.
wiki.winehq.org/winecfg
Winetricks
A helper script that downloads and installs various redistributable runtime libraries.
wiki.winehq.org/winetricks
Q4Wine
A qt4 graphical environment for Wine.
sourceforge.net/projects/q4wine/
WineXS
Simple graphical environment to configure Wine.
www.tsx.nl/winexs.html

Jackaudio
Jackaudio
Software that can take the audio output of one application and send it to another software application, without the use
of cables or hardware.
www.jackaudio.org
Additional Jackaudio Applications
QjackCtl
Qt graphical environment to control the Jackaudio sound software.
qjackctl.sourceforge.net
JAMin
Jackaudio Connection Kit (JACK) audio mastering interface.
jamin.sourceforge.net
JACK Audio plugins
- Stereo valve (tube) overdrive amplifier.
www.linuxdsp.co.uk/download/jack/download_odv2_jack/index.html
- JP1 Jack Patchbay.
www.linuxdsp.co.uk/download/jack/download_jp1_jack/index.html
- Gate/expander with sidechain.
www.zamaudio.com/?p=112
-

Monosynth - Simple monophonic synthesizer with 2 oscillators, multimode filter and an envelope.
Organ - Versatile organ/pad synthesizer, capable of producing many types of sounds.
Compressor - Dynamic compressor with a variety of settings.
MultiChorus - Multi-tap stereo chorus with adjustable number of voices.
Flanger - Simple stereo flanger with linear interpolation.
Reverb - Simple reverb with basic controls and relatively neutral sound.
Multimode filter - Selectable 12dB/24dB/36dB rolloff, lowpass or highpass with inertia/smoothing for cutoff.
Vintage delay - Simple simulation of tape echo, with a filter in a feedback loop and BPM based time setting.
Phaser - Basic stereo phaser with typical settings.
Rotary speaker - Used to amplify and modulate raw organ tones.

calf.sourceforge.net/?id=3
VideoJack
Modification of Jackaudio used to route video signals between applications running on the same computer.
www.piksel.org/videojack
UcvJack
A VideoJack client that can generate a video out connection for all devices supported by unicap.
unicap-imaging.org/vjackplugin.htm

Frei0r
Minimalistic plugin API for video effects.
www.piksel.org/frei0r

Station Automation and Streaming

Airtime
Radio automation software.
www.sourcefabric.org/en/airtime/
Rivendale
Radio automation software.
www.rivendellaudio.org
R4DIT
Radio automation software.
www.raditaudiopro.com
Butt - Broadcast using this tool
Audio streaming tool that supports both ShoutCast and IceCast.
butt.sourceforge.net
VLC
Software application that can be used as a server or as a client to stream and receive multimedia streams.
- IPV4 and IPV6.
- Unicast and Multicast.
- Audio and Video.
www.videolan.org/vlc/
www.videolan.org/streaming-features.html
wiki.videolan.org/Documentation:Streaming_HowTo
Landell
An audio and video streamer that can receive data from several sources. It can source the multimedia to a Icecast
server or retain it locally as a file. It uses the Vorbis+Theora codecs.
landell.holoscopio.com

Audio
Audacity
Sound recording and editor application.
audacity.sourceforge.net
Audio cleaning with Audacity.
www.makeuseof.com/tag/remove-ambient-noise-audio-files-audacity/
Ardour
Hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation application.
www.ardour.org
Linux Sampler
This is a digital audio sampler that maps a set of sounds across a MIDI keyboard so that the sounds can be "played". It
also can be used to to add effects with installed software plugins.
www.linuxsampler.org
The Gnome Wave Cleaner Project
Gnome application that can clean audio files.
gwc.sourceforge.net

Video
Cinelerra
Advanced non linear video editor and compositor.
www.cinelerra.org
Kdenlive
KDE integrated multi track video editor.
www.kdenlive.org
Openshot
Gnome integrated multi track video editor.
www.openshotvideo.com
Lives
Basic video editor.
lives.sourceforge.net
Avidemux
Multi purpose video editing and processing software.
www.avidemux.org
Pitivi
Basic movie editor.
www.pitivi.org
Blender
3D content creation suite.
www.blender.org
GNOME Video Effects
A collection of GStreamer effects to be used in different GNOME Modules.
live.gnome.org/GnomeVideoEffects
WebcamStudio For GNU/Linux
A virtual webcam that can mix several video sources together.
www.ws4gl.org

VideoLAN Movie Creator

A non linear editing software for video creation.
trac.videolan.org/vlmc/
Packages:
vlmc.minus.com

DJ and VJ Software
Internet DJ Console
Source client for streaming live radio shows using Shoutcast or Icecast servers.
idjc.sourceforge.net
Mixxx
DJ software.
www.mixxx.org
Lives
VJ software.
lives.sourceforge.net
lives.sourceforge.net/manual/LiVES_manual.html#section7
Gephex
Modular video jockey software.
www.gephex.org
Veejay
A visual instrument and realtime video sampler.
www.veejayhq.net
Luz
Music visualization studio.
gnomecoder.wordpress.com/luz/
Software download.
launchpad.net/luz/
Freemix
Live video performance software.
freemix.forja.rediris.es
FLxER
Audio video mixing software based on Adobe Flash technology.
www.flxer.net/software/flxer/

Quase Cinema
Software for live video editing and presentations.
www.quasecinema.org/QuaseCinema2.html
Manual in English.
www.quasecinema.org/quasecinema/manual/quasecinema_manual_english.pdf

Multimedia Transcoder
Arista
Multi purpose multimedia converter.
www.transcoder.org
Transmageddon
A video transcoder that uses a Gstreamer core.
www.linuxrising.org/transmageddon/
Mencoder
A command line multimedia decoding, encoding and filtering tool.
Package search:
-

Fedora
RedHat
OpenSuse
Suse
RHEL

rpm.pbone.net
- Debian
www.debian.org/distrib/packages
- Ubuntu
packages.ubuntu.com
lincoder
A Java graphical environment frontend for MEncoder.
sourceforge.net/projects/lincoder/
FFmpeg
A command line multimedia decoding and encoding software application.
Package search:
-

Fedora
RedHat
OpenSuse
Suse
RHEL

rpm.pbone.net
- Debian
www.debian.org/distrib/packages
- Ubuntu
packages.ubuntu.com

FFmpegGUI
Graphical environment frontend for Ffmpeg.
sourceforge.net/projects/ffmpegfrontend

Multimedia File Meta Tag Editors

EasyTag
A utility for viewing and editing tags of audio files.
easytag.sourceforge.net
Kid3
A KDE utility for viewing and editing tags for various format audio files.
kid3.sourceforge.net
Jaikoz Audio Tag Editor
A tool that allows the user to organize, edit and correct audio data tags, using the MusicBrainz open license music
encyclopedia.
www.jthink.net/jaikoz/

Graphics
GIMP
GNU Image Manipulation Program.
www.gimp.org
GIMP Plugin Registry
Allows authors to list extensions and tips related to The GIMP.
registry.gimp.org
GIMP Plugins For Web Design
-

Anti aliasing: Smooth and fix straight lines.

Adaptive contrast enhancement: Intelligent adjustment of contrast.
Fourier Transformation: GIMP plugin version of Fourier Transformation.
Refract/Reflect: Refraction effects to simulate falling water drops.
Borders: Add borders to image.
Save for Web GIMP plugin: Find optimal compromise between minimal file size and acceptable quality of image.
Aqua Bou: Create web buttons in Aqua Bou style easily.
Chrominium: Create a chrome logo with glow and sparkles.
Liquid Rescale: Keep the features of the image while rescaling along a single direction.
Steel Text: Create a text effect that looks like shiny steel (or gold) and a dropshadow.

Photography Plugins For GIMP

-

Pandora: Stitch together multiple images to make a panorama.

Film Grain: Add film grain for a classic feel, to black and white images.
Copyright Text: Add a copyright text to image.
FocusBlur: Makes an image out of focus with luminosity and depth.
Lomo: Make photographs clear, sharp and crisp.
ISO Noise Reduction: Implements an ISO noise reduction.
Photo Effects: Various scripts for use with photographs.
RedEye: Quickly remove red eye effect caused by camera flashes.
Shadows/Highlights: Eliminate shadows and highlights in photographs.
Gradient Along Path: Strikes a vector applying a gradient orthogonally to the path.
Digital IR: Simulate a black and white infrared image.
GimpPublishr: Publish images to Picassa and Flickr directly from inside GIMP.

GIMP Plugins For Photoshop Like Functionality

-

Wavelet Denoise: Reduce noise in each channel of an image separately.

GREYCstoration: Removes grains or small artifacts (JPEG blocks effect) from images.
Liquid Rescale: Brings Photoshops content aware scaling to GIMP.
Image subdivide: Divide image into specified number of rows and columns and save any part.
Save for Web: Incorporates a Save for Web feature.
PSPI: Photoshop plugin wrapper that lets you use Photoshop plugins in GIMP.
Slice and Merge: Split one image file into smaller files, and to recombine it successively.
Unsharp Mask: Improves on the default unsharp functionality.
Photo finish: Round photo edges and apply a shadow border.
Photoshop pattern loader: Load Photoshop PAT patterns set as image in GIMP.
Soft focus: This script simulates soft focus.
Watermark: Add text as a watermark into an image.
Removing timestamp: This script removes the timestamp imprinted on photos by digital cameras.
Shadowed thumbnail: Create a thumbnail preview of an image with a shadow effect.
Flash SWF Export: Exports a GIMP image as a Shockwave Flash file.
Plastiwrap: Script-fu that replicates the Photoshop filter Plastic Wrap.
Backup: Script that backs up working image.
Wavelet Decompose: Losslessly decompose an image into different detail scales.
High quality rescale: Improved upscaling using a new proof-of-concept algorithm.
Noise generator: Generate different types of visual noise.

Pencil drawing from photo: Script to create pencil drawing from photographic image.
Tear off: Python plugin that crops application screenshots with a jagged torn-off appearance.
GIMP reflection: Extends lower section of an image as a reflection of the original image.
Pandora: Simplifies the process of stitching together a sequence of panorama images.
Shadow recovery: Recover image information in dark parts.

GIMP plugin Information provided by:

Free GIMP plugins.
www.techzilo.com/gimp-plugins/
26 GIMP Plugins to get Photoshops best features.
www.techzilo.com/download-free-gimp-plugins/

General Tools
DeVeDe
DVD and CD authoring application.
www.rastersoft.com/programas/devede.html
DVDStyler
DVD authoring application.
www.dvdstyler.org/en/
TeleKast
Script editor and teleprompter application.
telekast.sourceforge.net
Skype
A voice over Internet Protocol application that also provides video chat capability.
www.skype.com
Gnu Cash
Personal and small business financial accounting software.
www.gnucash.org
Turbo Cash
Personal and mid sized business financial accounting software.
www.turbocashuk.com

Online Services
Cue Prompter
Free online teleprompter/autocue service. Your browser works like a teleprompter - no extra software needed.
www.cueprompter.com
Easy Prompter
Free, web based, plugin free, browser independent, online and offline teleprompter.
www.easyprompter.com
Screenr
A web based tool that allows the creation of screencasts without installing any software.
www.screenr.com
Screencast-O-Matic
Online screen recorder for one click recording.
www.screencast-o-matic.com
ABC 2 MP3
Free online text to speech conversion. Multiple accents available.
www.abc2mp3.com
From Text To Speech
Free web based text to speech service.
www.fromtexttospeech.com
Cover Creator
CD / DVD online cover creator.
rwtverio.ncte.org/materials/cd-dvd/index.html
DVD Cover Online
Create DVD Cover for instant download.
www.ebookcoveronline.com/DVD/editor.php

Desktop Publishing
Scribus
Professional desktop publishing features, such as color separations, CMYK and Spot Color support, ICC color
management, and versatile PDF creation.
www.scribus.net
Libre Office
Personal productivity: Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math and Base.
www.libreoffice.org
Libre Office Extensions
These are software plug ins that are installed as extras to the standard LibreOffice download. They add additional
functionality to the suite.
www.libreoffice.org/features/extensions/
Calligra
Productivity suite designed by KDE and created from Koffice.
www.calligra-suite.org
The Open Clipart Library
The largest collaboration community that creates, shares and remixes clipart.
www.openclipart.org

System Software
FreeNAS
Software based Network Attached Storage Server. (Based on FreeBSD.)
www.freenas.org
Open Media Vault
Softeware based Network Attached Storage Server. (Based on Linux.)
www.openmediavault.org
Alpine Linux
Software based router and firewall.
www.alpinelinux.org
Devil Linux
Software based router and firewall.
www.devil-linux.org
Floppyfw
Software based router with the advanced firewall capabilities.
www.zelow.no/floppyfw/
Freesco
Software based router.
www.freesco.info
IP Fire
Software based firewall.
www.ipfire.org
PFSense
Customized distribution of FreeBSD tailored for use as a firewall and router.
www.pfsense.com
Zeroshell
Software based Router/Bridge Linux firewall.
www.zeroshell.net/eng

BSD Router Project

Software based router. (Based on FreeBSD.)
www.bsdrp.net