I have a simple requirement but so far I haven't had any luck. I have a Joomla website with all video plug-in installed. I want to streaming audio/mp3 files in our server. And since all video doesn't offer anti-leech/hotlinking protection, I want to have some kind of protections for the files. I've done some research, and I know there are various methods to this. Using mod rewrite, PHP link encryption, PHP token-system that changes the link every hour, store file outside of web root etc, but I don't know how and which one is the best to use. 1. I've heard that it is possible to not only prevent the file from hotlinking use it, but also prevent people from directly type the URL in the browser to download it. But will it block the download software such as Internet Download Manager? What are the disadvantage of using this Cpanel hotlinking protection method? I've heard it has some flaws, something has to do with search engine? 2. As for PHP, which one is better? Hiding a link or obscurate it? Further more, it is possible for PHP to link the files to remote server without spending double bandwidth? (one on main and one on remote). I've heard this is possible if remote server also has PHP but I don't know how. Any idea or suggestion please? You can PM me if you can do one of those things, along with the cost, I'd really appreciate it. Forgot to add: I don't require people to register to listen to the files, so member system is not an option right now.