StreamEncoder PRO launches for professional multi-protocol radio audio delivery

Broadcasters are under increasing pressure to synchronize legacy terrestrial feeds with diverse digital endpoints. StreamEncoder PRO’s ability to multiplex a single audio capture into diverse protocols like HLS and RTMP reduces the hardware footprint usually required for multi-platform distribution. This efficiency is critical as the industry shifts toward virtualized master control and Audio-over-IP (AoIP) workflows. By integrating high-end processing with low-overhead encoding, the software challenges the necessity of dedicated hardware DSPs for streaming. Industry observers should watch for adoption rates among regional clusters looking to consolidate multiple station feeds into single-server environments.

The launch of StreamEncoder PRO coincides with a significant shift toward IP-based infrastructure in the radio sector. Per Nielsen, February 2025, audio now accounts for nearly 20% of daily media consumption in the U.S., with terrestrial radio maintaining 67% of daily ad-supported audio time despite the rise of digital-only platforms. This persistent dominance has pushed approximately 58% of broadcasting companies to adopt hybrid FM and online streaming models as of late 2025 to maintain reach across smart speakers and connected vehicles, according to Business Research Insights, May 2026.

The integration of professional processing tools like Thimeo’s Stereo Tool is a key differentiator in this market. Thimeo reported in late 2024 that its technology is now used by over 14,000 radio stations globally. Historically, high-quality audio processing required specialized hardware costing upwards of $10,000; however, software solutions are increasingly achieving parity in loudness and peak control. Per RedTech, November 2024, the industry is also seeing a rise in "FM-over-IP" solutions that deliver near-lossless composite signals at bitrates as low as 320 kbit/s, further blurring the line between traditional transmitter links and web distribution.

Meanwhile, the foundational protocols for these services are diversifying. While Shoutcast and Icecast remain staples for directory listing and open-source flexibility, modern encoders are increasingly judged by their support for the DANTE digital networking standard. Audinate, the developer of Dante, reported in April 2026 that over 500 manufacturers now have Dante products in the market. Although Audinate saw a revenue dip in fiscal year 2025, it maintains the largest share of the stadium and large-venue AoIP market, making Dante compatibility a requisite feature for professional-grade streaming software in 2026.