http server .pls configuration

[pocketlitter]

An http server has to be configured to handle .pls files, right? The reason I ask is I'm linking to my stream via a link on a web page. The link is associated with a .pls file. When I click the link I receive a "Forbidden" message stating that I don't have permision to access the document on the (apache) server. This problem is a direct result of the server not being configured to handle this file extension, right?

[FesterHead]

Don't think so.

When a potential listener clicks on the .pls file, the browser should pop up the download dialog.

Generally, listeners would want to 'Open from location' which would then trigger their listening software (properly configured, such as Winamp default install) to begin streaming.

Your problem sounds like a security/server misconfiguration. Do you get the same error trying to acces an html file from the same directoy/location on the server?

I think you can set Apache up to be able to browse to locations and still have the files locked down. Sort of like being invited to a party, getting to the door, but not actually being let inside. Give the Apache docs a go and and see if there are permissions you can tweak.

I could be way off base here.

[pocketlitter]

No problems accessing .html files in the same directory. I tried accessing the .pls file in other directories with the same results.

Am I wrong? What happens when a file on a server is accessed and that file type has not been configured?

[Tom]

Usually the default is set to text, so if it is an unknown type the file is shown in plain text. Your problem is that your permissions on your .pls are such that it is not allowing others to access them. If you have shell access type ls -l in the directory the .pls resides and compare the first column for an .html file to that of the .pls. To change the permissions use chmod, if you are unsure of its usage type man chmod.

Tom

[pocketlitter]

I gave full permission (chmod) for the .pls file and directory the .pls file resides. Results are error 500 - Internal Server Error.

This is the content of the .pls;

[playlist]
File1=http://www.someurl.com
Title1=http://www.someurl.com
Length1=-1
NumberOfEntries=1
Version=2

Am I missing something?

[Tom]

Talk to your webhost... they know how everything is setup on their end and should be able to help you out.

Tom

[pocketlitter]

My web host is emailing you (or someone at shoutcast) for help. Maybe you've already helped them out? Thanks.

[Tom]

You can try setting the MIME types if you want (not sure if it will help). In the directory where the .pls resides add the following to the .htaccess or create an .htaccess with the following:
AddType audio/x-scpls pls