Internet radio stations via iTunes

There are two different ways to add streaming stations to iTunes depending on whether you know the direct URL to the stream or are adding a link from a broadcaster.

If you have the direct URL (and it needs to be the URL directly to the stream, not a link to a web page), in iTunes go to 'Advanced' and then 'Open Stream'. Enter or paste the url and the station will begin playing. The link will then be in your library and you can, if you wish, drag it to a playlist.

To add a playlist from a broadcaster such as Live365, go to the broadcaster and select the station you want. The playlist (a .pls file) should download to your system. If the station does not begin to play in iTunes automatically, double-click or drag and drop the .pls file into the iTunes library window and the playlist's link will be added to your Library. Again, once in the library you can drag it to your own playlist if you wish.

Note that this presumes that the station in question is streaming in an iTunes-compatible format. Some stream only in Real Media or Windows Media format, which can only be played in their respective players (or in the case of Windows Media, a few compatible players).

I have been trying unsuccessfully for hours. I get the URL (it is an mp3 link) from the station. I then open a stream and paste it. It then plays. But I can't save it or return to it or add it anyplace else. Please help. I am sick and tired of wasting huge amounts of time on tasks that should be comparatively easy.

Hi,

Do you know if this will work with any of the BBC internet stations?

Thanks.

Do you know of any way to play Sirius Stations through iTunes. I would like to take advantage of my airtunes and play Sirius stations on my home theater system.

I know whatever the extension of the streaming clip is, you can set to default play with itunes. HOWEVER, I cannot get .pls stations to play (or any streaming stations) to play with itunes anymore. Have spent way too many hours trying to resolve the issue. Finally just have given up and resorted to playing them with real player. (which i'm not happy with) but i'm out of ideas, time, and patience -- unless someone has a great breakthrough idea.

How do you get the url for BBC radio 2? I got details from the Real page and I end up with this massive URL ( http://uk.real.com/R/R.&p=home&sp=&ssp=&gctry=uk&viewer=na&sn=na&part=(radiotv/:17326:20050426:bbc radio_2:bbc_radio2)&area=na&ltype=na.R/scripts.euro.real.com/guide/launch.ram?h=http://www.bbc.co .uk/go/syn/real/radio/radio2stream/-/radio2/realmedia/fmg2.rpm?rpurl=http://www. bbc.co.uk/radio2/) which is too much for iTunes "open stream" window. I tried using just the last part www.bbc.... but it does not play.
What am I missing?