Timeline: For an experienced admin, installation can take 1–3 hours. For new users or larger deployments, full setup and testing may take up to 1 day.
Customisation
Branding & Rebranding: Replace logos, apply custom themes, and rebrand the web interface using HTML5/CSS.
Reseller Support: Hosting providers can create reseller accounts with their own domains and branding.
Localization: Supports multiple languages; businesses can localize the interface for regional markets.
Custom Scripts: Ability to run scripts after specific tasks (e.g., after track changes or playlist updates).
Media Management: Customize preloaded media, share MP3 libraries across multiple streams, or adjust storage paths.
Station Pages: Each station can have a custom homepage with now-playing info, track history, and listener maps.
Integration: Works with SHOUTcast v1/v2 and Icecast, allowing flexibility in streaming technology.
Automation: Advanced AutoDJ scheduling for playlists, ads, or time-specific programming.
Additional Costs
License Fees: Core cost is the Centova Cast license (monthly, annual, or lifetime).
Setup/Installation Fees: If you request Centova’s paid installation service, it covers only Centova Cast itself.
It does not include OS setup, MySQL installation, or fixing pre-existing server issues.
Maintenance Costs: Software updates are included with active licenses, but server maintenance (Linux, MySQL, etc.) is the user’s responsibility.
Support Charges: Standard email/ticket support is included. Priority or extended support may incur extra fees depending on the provider.
Customization Costs: If you need advanced rebranding, integration, or development, costs depend on whether you hire external developers or use in-house staff.
Hosting Costs: Since Centova Cast is software, you’ll also need to pay for the hosting server (VPS or dedicated server), which is separate from the license.
Training
User Manuals & Guides: Detailed client, reseller, and administrator manuals are available in both PDF and HTML formats.
Knowledge Base: A searchable online knowledge base covers common setup, troubleshooting, and usage questions.
Step-by-Step Setup Guides: Walkthroughs for configuring SHOUTcast/Icecast, AutoDJ, and playlists
Community Forums: Peer-to-peer support and discussions with other broadcasters and hosting providers.
Ticket-Based Helpdesk: Direct support from Centova Technologies via a ticket system for sales, billing, and technical issues.
Language Support: Assistance is available in English and Spanish, broadening accessibility for global users.
Security Measures
Account Isolation: Each broadcaster’s account is sandboxed, preventing cross-access between users.
Encrypted Access: HTTPS is supported for secure logins and control panel sessions.
Role-Based Permissions: Admin, reseller, and client accounts have distinct access levels to minimize risks.
Server-Level Security: Centova Cast relies on the underlying Linux server’s firewall, SSL, and OS hardening for protection.
Automated Monitoring: Built-in service monitors detect failures and restart services, reducing exposure to downtime-related risks.
Data Privacy Compliance: Royalty reporting and listener statistics are handled internally, minimizing third-party data exposure.
Updates
Manual Update Control: Centova Cast does not auto-update; administrators decide when to apply upgrades.
Update Utility: A built-in command-line tool (update) allows admins to apply full updates or update specific components.
Release Cadence: Updates are released periodically (not on a fixed schedule) to address bug fixes, security patches, and new features
Cron Jobs for Maintenance: Background tasks (like log rotation and media library updates) are managed via cron jobs, ensuring smooth operation between updates.
Version Upgrades: Major version upgrades (e.g., v2 to v3) require manual intervention, ensuring admins remain in control of compatibility and stability.
Data Ownership and Portability
Ownership: Centova Cast’s license agreement makes clear that users retain ownership of their own data (such as media libraries, playlists, listener statistics, and reports). The software itself is licensed, not sold, but user-generated content remains the property of the broadcaster.
Portability: Data such as playlists, logs, and listener reports can be exported. Since Centova Cast runs on standard Linux servers with MySQL databases, administrators can back up and migrate data to other servers or platforms if needed.
Restrictions: Users cannot redistribute or resell the Centova Cast software itself, but they are free to move their own content and listener data.
Scaling Up / Down
Flexible Licensing: Centova Cast licenses are based on the number of stations/accounts. Organizations can upgrade to higher-capacity licenses if they need to host more stations or downgrade if they need fewer.
Reseller/Provider Model: Hosting providers can scale by adding reseller accounts, each with their own branding and client management.
No Lock-In: Scaling does not require reinstalling the software; it’s handled by updating the license key and adjusting server resources.
Server Resources: While the license can scale easily, organizations must ensure their hosting server (CPU, RAM, bandwidth) can handle the increased load.
The terms & conditions for contract renewal and cancellation
License Renewal: Licenses can be purchased on a monthly, annual, or lifetime basis. Renewal is automatic if billing is active.
Cancellation: Users can cancel through their client area. Cancellation immediately stops billing, though the software may continue to function for a short grace period before deactivation.
Refunds: Generally, Centova Cast licenses are non-refundable once issued, as per the license agreement.
Upgrades/Downgrades: Switching between monthly and owned (lifetime) licenses is possible by purchasing a new license key and updating the installation.
Termination: If a license is canceled or expires, the software will eventually stop functioning, but user data (media, playlists, logs) remains on the server and can be exported.
Compliance
Music Licensing Compliance: Centova Cast includes royalty reporting tools that generate detailed playback reports, helping broadcasters comply with licensing bodies such as SoundExchange, PRS, or SOCAN.
GeoIP Restrictions: Built-in GeoIP blocking allows broadcasters to restrict streams to specific countries, ensuring compliance with regional licensing agreements.
Data Privacy: While not marketed as GDPR- or HIPAA-certified, Centova Cast supports secure HTTPS access and account isolation, aligning with general data protection best practices.
Broadcasting Standards: By supporting SHOUTcast and Icecast, Centova Cast adheres to widely accepted streaming protocols, ensuring interoperability and compliance with industry norms.
