PLS (file format)
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| Filename extension | .pls |
|---|---|
| Internet media type | audio/x-scpls |
| Type of format | Playlist |
PLS is a computer file format that stores multimedia playlists, originally used by SHOUTcast and Icecast for streaming media over the Internet, such as a desktop icon used for listening to an online radio station that supports PLS, using the user's .MP3 player. PLS is a more expressive format than basic M3U, as it can store (cache) information on the song title and length (this is supported in extended M3U only). With PLS version 2, playlists also include a PLS version declaration.
iTunes, QuickTime Player, RealPlayer, Winamp, AIMP, XBMC, XMPlay, VLC media player, Rhythmbox, and foobar2000 are able to interpret PLS files.[citation needed] Media Player Classic with the K-Lite codec installed does work with PLS format but still requires the appropriate MIME or file extension associations.
A simple software MP3 player often draws far less of the System Resources than the typical multi-function Internet Browser, particularly if video streaming is not there or disabled in the music player. This inability to play video advertisements is seen as a disadvantage by many for-profit radio stations, and the PLS format has declined in popularity for radio station streaming. However, because audio streaming requires less bandwidth than video, PLS connections are popular with users of dial up and other low bandwidth, or poor Internet connections. Radio streaming PLS files are normally obtained via free download from either a participating radio station's Web site, or a radio-tuner type site such as SHOUTcast.[1]
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Specification [edit]
The format is essentially that of an INI file structured as follows:
Header
- [playlist] : This tag indicates that it is a Playlist File
Track Entry
Assuming track entry #X
- FileX : Variable defining location of stream.
- TitleX : Defines track title.
- LengthX : Length in seconds of track. Value of -1 indicates indefinite.
Footer
- NumberOfEntries : This variable indicates the number of tracks
- Version : Playlist version. Currently only a value of 2 is valid.
Compare with [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Obtaining radio PLS files normally involves trial and error locating a site that supplies them. One source is: http://www.shoutcast.com/faq see: "How do I access radio station streaming PLS files on SHOUTcast.com?" ....Step 2: Check the option that says "Play SHOUTcast stations in default media player ( eg: Winamp / iTunes / Windows Media Player )" A PLS file will be downloaded to play your selected station, if that station supports PLS.
External links [edit]
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