Live URL and Direct Stream Connection are two different types of priority streams in PlayIt Live that allow you to bring in external audio sources such as remote presenters or outside broadcasts.

Live URL streams work by connecting to an external streaming server. When you select this type, you enter a Live URL (such as an Icecast or SHOUTcast stream address) that PlayIt Live will continuously try to connect to. This is ideal when you want to pull in audio from an existing streaming server or when a remote presenter is broadcasting from their own streaming setup.

Direct Stream Connection streams work by allowing remote users to connect directly to your PlayIt Live system via a designated port. When you select this type, you choose which user account will be allowed to connect and stream audio directly to your system. Remote users can connect using any Icecast-compatible encoder such as PlayIt Live, BUTT or Rocket Broadcaster. This method gives you more control over who can stream to your system and doesn't require the remote user to set up their own streaming server.

Both types function identically once active - they will take over normal live-assist playout when audio is detected above the silence threshold, and playout will resume when the priority stream becomes inactive.