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radio.friko.pl

Radio.friko.pl is an internet radio station that operated between 2005 and 2010 as part of the Friko.pl platform, offering users access to music streaming, l...

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radio.friko.pl

Radio.friko.pl – Technology for an Internet Radio from 2005-2010

Radio.friko.pl is an internet radio station that operated between 2005 and 2010 as part of the Friko.pl platform, offering users access to music streaming, live broadcasts, and archived recordings. The project was born out of a passion for online radio, allowing listeners to enjoy a diverse range of audio content at a time when internet radio stations were gaining popularity in Poland. As a developer, I designed and implemented this site using the technologies available during that period to ensure stable streaming and easy usability. Below, I present the details of the project in the context of the technological realities of 2005-2010.

The Purpose of radio.friko.pl and Its Audience

Radio.friko.pl was created as an online radio platform with the goal of providing music and live broadcasts to a wide audience. The site offered real-time streaming, a programme schedule, and access to archived recordings. It was aimed at music lovers, online radio enthusiasts, and the Friko.pl community – mainly youth and adults exploring new media in the era of expanding broadband. My task was to develop a solution that combined audio streaming with basic website functionality, adapted to the technological limitations of the time.

Technical Functionalities of radio.friko.pl

For this project, I implemented technical solutions characteristic of the 2005-2010 period, in line with the web standards of that time:

  • Browser Compatibility – The structure was based on HTML 4.01 and CSS 2.1 using a table-based layout, optimised for Internet Explorer 6-8, Firefox 2-3.6, and early versions of Chrome.
  • Audio Streaming – A Flash (ActionScript 2.0) audio player integrated with a Shoutcast/Icecast server, supporting MP3 streaming at bitrates of 64-128 kbps.
  • Programme Schedule – A static list in HTML/PHP 5.2 generated server-side from a MySQL 4.1/5.0 database, with basic sorting by days and hours.
  • Basic SEO – Optimisation for search engines with meta tags for title and description, without dynamic sitemaps or indexing APIs.
  • Backups – Manual backups of the database and recordings on an FTP server, exported using phpMyAdmin with a cron job set for weekly backups.
  • Performance – Caching at the Apache 2.2 level using mod_expires for static resources (e.g. JPG, CSS), limited by the capabilities of shared hosting.
  • Archive of Recordings – A simple section with links to MP3 files stored on the server, organised with a basic folder system and manual FTP uploads.

Technical Challenges and Their Solutions

During the development of radio.friko.pl between 2005 and 2010, I encountered challenges related to the technologies and internet infrastructure of the time, which I addressed as follows:

  • Streaming Stability – Poor user connections caused interruptions in playback. Solution: I reduced the bitrate to 64 kbps and added buffering in the Flash player.
  • Flash Compatibility – Differences in Flash Player support complicated playback. Solution: I used a simple embed code with a fallback to Windows Media Player.
  • Server Load – An increasing number of listeners overloaded Shoutcast. Solution: I optimised the Icecast configuration and limited simultaneous connections.
  • Managing Recordings – The lack of automatic archiving hindered access. Solution: I manually organised files into folders and generated links using PHP.

Technologies Used

To build and maintain radio.friko.pl, I used technologies available at that time:

  • PHP 5.2 – Server-side language for site logic and schedule generation.
  • MySQL 4.1/5.0 – Database for storing broadcasts and user data.
  • HTML 4.01 – Markup standard for site structure, using tables for layout.
  • CSS 2.1 – Styling with basic support for float and position.
  • Flash (ActionScript 2.0) – Audio player technology for MP3 streaming via Shoutcast/Icecast.
  • Apache 2.2 – Web server with mod_php and mod_expires for caching.
  • FTP – File transfer and backup management on the hosting server.
  • phpMyAdmin – Tool for database administration and SQL exports.

Management and Technical Support

Radio.friko.pl operated from 2005 to 2010 and required ongoing support within the technological context of that period. Content and recording updates were performed manually via FTP, with changes tested in a local WAMP environment. Streaming was maintained via a Shoutcast/Icecast server, monitored through logs and basic PHP scripts, while stability depended on manual configuration of bitrate and connection limits. At that time, the site had potential for expansion into features like song voting, integration with emerging social media (circa 2007-2010), or a podcast archive, but limitations of shared hosting and the absence of modern streaming technologies (e.g. HTML5 audio, which emerged later) would have required significant investment. Radio.friko.pl was a pioneer in internet radio during its era, reflecting the growing interest in online media in Poland.

If you plan to recreate a classic internet radio or develop a modern audio platform, and need support using contemporary technologies, contact me to discuss the details and create a solution that meets your requirements.

Summary

In 2007-2010, radio.friko.pl served as an internet radio station, offering live streaming, scheduled broadcasts, and access to archived recordings, all within the technological limitations of the time. It was a pioneering project that showcased my ability to work with early online media technologies.

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