Timed recording of streamed audio

[blu]

In the last few months I have converted to Ubuntu Dapper after 25 years of Windows OS. So, I am still learning and coming to grips with Linux protocols.

I have successfully installed VLC and just started to use it.
My first obstacle is this:

I intend to record streaming audio, which is broadcast in the (very) early hours. Using Win XP I could use SDP and its built in timer function to start the streaming connection as well as the recorder for any desired time of the day (or night).

I have not yet discovered a native timer function in VLC however, and this is my problem. Although I can use Audacity's timer to capture any audio stream being passed thru my sound card, I find that the broadcaster often re-sets the streaming around midnight, presumably for the next day's program.
I can start VLC/stream in the evening, but inevitably I find an empty file in the morning.

The process works OK during the day, where I have tested recording both manually and using the timer of Audacity.

Your help is much appreciated.