The VideoLAN Forums

When I try to connect early to listen to a radio stream that is not yet broadcasting, why does VLC ask me for a username and password to log in to that stream?

Because server is asking them.

Then why doesn't WinAmp (and others) ask for a log-in when the stream is still offline?

Could you give us URL?

http://kwkat.pandakc.com:9000/
Most of the time the stream is inactive with DJs only getting on in the weekday evenings (US time).

Also, the login window keeps popping up, followed by the log window and by the time I get both closed the login pops back up faster than I can click on the main window's close button (can't close the main when the others are open).

Any clues yet why VLC wants to log into a stream's server (user & Pass) when the stream isn't on instead of just waiting til the stream is available to play?

Server responds

access_http debug: protocol 'ICY' answer code 401

and 401 is

401 Unauthorized
Similar to 403 Forbidden, but specifically for use when authentication is possible but has failed or not yet been provided.[2] The response must include a WWW-Authenticate header field containing a challenge applicable to the requested resource. See Basic access authentication and Digest access authentication.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_HTTP_status_codes

But what does that mean for the stream listener? If Winamp doesn't ask me for a login when the stream is offline, why does VLC?

Then Winamp doesn't follow specs.