Can I even broadcast at 128?....Am I wasting my time?

[rgATL]

Hey everyone,

I'm getting a bit worried:

I'm looking to add a high quality stream to my website, but can I even send 128 kbps from my cable modem? I was testing a stream, and some people said it was buffering a lot when they connected to my computer directly, and it was unbearable when I went through a remote DNAS. So is the problem on my end?

My cable modem is ATTbi (now Comcast) and rated at 1.5 Mbps downstream / 256 kpbs upstream. DSLreports.com and BuyTelco.net consistently gives me upstream values above 250 (270, 273, 275, 287 on different attempts and servers). So, with 256 kbps upstream, shouldn't I be able to easily send a 128 kbps SHOUTcast stream to a single listener or to a DNAS? Are there other factors I don't know about?

If I can't even send 128 kbps to a DNAS; what's the point? How can I have a high quality stream? Must I stick with Live365 (or someone like them) and pay their crazy 128 kbps prices? (OH NO!)

If you all would be so kind, would you please listen to my test stream and give your comments? How's it sound? Does it buffer a lot? I guess the ultimate question is: Is the stream quality such that you would WANT to listen to it?

Also, I've noticed that the stream slips to 24 kbps sometimes, even when I set it to broadcast at 128 (I do NOT use sound card mode, not yet) - any clue why that happens? (yeah, I know...it sounds crazy...but it happens)

http://66.56.68.229:8000
http://66.56.68.229:8000/listen.pls
(I'll try to leave something on that you'll be able to listen to for a few minutes...ie, something in English.)

Also, if someone would be so great as to let me test sending through their DNAS, please email me rgATL@hotmail.com or contact me here.

Thank you all very much for taking the time to read this (long) post and for your help,
rg.