random sucks...somebody has to know a work around...
 

i've posted this comment before, but the default random in winamp (i've tried to different versions now) sucks when using it with my shoutcast server. i have about 5000+ songs and i just hear the same 20 artists over and over, depending on how it starts...

there was one plug in and it didn't work worth crap. any ideas gang? this is starting to piss me of!!!

thanks all.
shawn feller
www.carboncow.com
www.carboncow.net

Create your own playlist? Or don't use winamp?

Ben,

thanks for the genius answer! what, i'm not allowed to say the "shuffle feature sucks"? who wants to create a specific playlist for 5000+ songs?

i select the songs (playlist) hit shuffle and hope I hear variety. not.

why is there always a guy on a BB who states the obvious? and not a constructive solution?

i thought it wasa constructive solution

you dont HAVE to use winamp, you know

Thanks jwhalen, I wasn't trying to be a complete smart azz, just kind of. :) And as far as the playlist, it's not exactly unheard of to create a 24 hour playlist. If anything, you can only make your station sound better by doing it manually. You know what songs would sound good together, some software doesn't. About 98% of FM stations do it, and I'm sure quite a few internet stations do it too.

Many folks realize there are certain limitations to Winamp and either get a plugin or other 3rd party song selector (oddsocks) and/or just move on to a more robust Streaming Audio Manager.

such as SAM2 ( www.spacialaudio.com ) ... Set your own rules as to how the playlist runs, like mine, same artist? not within 3 hours same song not within 6 hours ;)

OR www.drs2006.com

The list goes on...

Another option is StationPlaylist

A good friend of mine runs his LPFM broadcast station with it. The program never crashes and it's inexpensive compared to SAM and DRS2006.

It does however require a little bit of effort to set up. You'll need to drop the songs into seperate category folders and setup clock hours/formatting. The program automatically generates a new playlist everyday, so once you've set everything up it'll basically run without needing to manually do anything else.

Could have something to do with a question with such an obvious answer.

Someone who doesn't want to hear the same 20 songs, which would be you.

Now for the most obvious answer of all...

If you have 5,000 songs put them all in the playlist. Select SORT LIST and RANDOMIZE at the bottom of the playlist. I guarantee you will not hear songs repeat. No software or modifications at all needed.

Now I guess I have to ask why people post on BB when the answer is so obvious.