Basics - listening to internet audio

[Telegram Sam]

The various VLC documentation and FAQ's that I have found all seem to be aimed at developers and programmers, but provide no guidance for the basic user with limited technical knowledge. If there is a very basic "how-to" user manual I would appreciate knowing where to find it.
I use VLC to listen to one internet radio station in particular (thearrow.co.uk) but typing the URL into the VLC search box does not work. Instead you have to use the stream data and in the past I was able to store this so that it was always there under Media - Open File. The station has recently changed its stream data (this may not be the correct terminology) and I cannot figure out how to again store it for future use. I have tried "Open Network Stream" and "Stream" but without success.

This is such a basic task that I am ashamed to have to ask it here, but equally surprised that it should not be more obvious how to do it - not least from consulting the VLC Help file.

[bat999]

... The station has recently changed its stream data (this may not be the correct terminology) and I cannot figure out how to again store it for future use...

Hi
This link plays OK for me in VLC:-
(mp3)

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http://media-ice.musicradio.com:80/ArrowMP3

And this one too:-
(aac)

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http://media-ice.musicradio.com:80/Arrow

[Telegram Sam]

Thanks - that is the not-so-difficult part! How do I perform the "simple" operation of storing this stream data (?) in VLC so that I can just click on it under Media-Open File to tune in, as I managed to do in the past?! [VLC won't accept the URL as I mentioned]
Is there a VLC user manual that sets all this out in idiot-proof language?
Thanks

[bat999]

How do I perform the "simple" operation of storing this stream data (?) in VLC so that I can just click on it under Media-Open File to tune in...

Paste these 3 lines of text into Notepad:-

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#EXTM3U #EXTINF:0,The Arrow http://media-ice.musicradio.com:80/ArrowMP3

Save it as The_Arrow.txt
Then re-name it The_Arrow.m3u
You'll be able to open the m3u file with VLC.

This text to use aac feed instead of mp3:-

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#EXTM3U #EXTINF:0,The Arrow http://media-ice.musicradio.com:80/Arrow

[Telegram Sam]

Many thanks I will try this. I suppose that the idea is to save it in My Music (for example).
Again is VLC all programming-driven rather than by GUI for ignorants? Supposing I wanted to do this for other stations.

[bat999]

Supposing I wanted to do this for other stations.

You play the "not-so-difficult part" link in VLC.

Then Media > Save Playlist To File > Save Playlist as... Radio_whatever.m3u

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http://sc3.radiocaroline.net:8030/

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http://stream-sd.radioparadise.com:9000/rp_192.ogg

[Telegram Sam]

What you recommended seems to have worked, thanks.

If I wanted to add other internet radio stations / their streams, such as Radio Caroline and Radio Paradise in your examples, is it a matter of going through the Notepad routine again substituting what comes after the http: accordingly? But I would need to add or adapt the extensions to .m3u?

I can't tune in to these stations directly by inputting the stream data somewhere in VLC? And then when the stream is in action Saving Playlist To File etc?