| NETSCAPE USERS: We don't recommend Netscape, primarily because there is no plug-in to play Windows Media (.wmv) video format files, we also use variable size media player windows and Netscape won't automatically resize. | |
| Opera 5.1 Users: Opera does not recognize Microsoft Media Player, so, while you can see the site, none of the videos will run properly. | |
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**Media Player 7.x or newer
Media Player 7 brings new functionality to receiving streaming media, more options means that the default settings may not be exactly right right for your system. Variations of graphics and screen capabilities affect your final view. (Does anybody else remember when you had to "tune" your new TV for best reception?) If you click on the INTRO button and only see a black for tan screen after buffering, you'll need to adjust the settings. When you get to step 4 (As described above), change "Proxy Server" to "No Proxy". If you receive a picture, but it appears dark, right click on the video and select "Properties", CLICK "Advanced", highlight "MPEG-4 Video Decompressor" and CLICK on the "Properties" button for the various picture quality controls like brightness and contrast, etc.. If audio is a problem, CLICK on the "Windows Media Audio Decoder". |
This site uses many of the newer web techniques and plug-ins available. If your PC is more than a year months old, you'll probably need to upgrade some components. Most needed add-ins will load automatically, with your approval, but you can save time by upgrading your workstation using these links and instructions. The site has been designed to be viewed at 800 x 600 resolution with High Color (16 bit). 16 bit is actually better than 24 or 32 bit for these videos by making the the work easier on your graphic card.
Our Netcasts are meant to be viewed using Microsoft's Internet Explorer Version 5 or higher. If you don't have it or are unsure CLICK the IE button.
Our streaming
videos run on Windows Media Player Version 6.4 or newer. If you don't
have it or are unsure, CLICK the MEDIA PLAYER button. After
installation, your Media Player is best configured according to the
settings below.*
MediaPlayer 9 is available from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp
For those of you who use a Macintosh, there's a media player for you. Microsoft's released an updated player.
Our Netcasts will run on AOL using a standard 56K modem, If you subscribe to AOL and want to view our Netcasts, CLICK on the AOL Users button.
*Media Player Configuration Instructions:
more info on tuning your Media Player...
1) Once the video in Media Player 6.4 has started buffering, (the video starts to BUFFER after it contacts the server - - it will say "Buffering" in the black space under the video), position the mouse cursor ON the video window and RIGHT click on the mouse to bring up a menu OR in Media Player 7.0 or newer click on the <Tools/Options> menu and click the <Performance> tab at the top. (Media Player v7.0+ viewers skip to step 4)
2) Select OPTIONS on the menu
3) Select ADVANCED, highlight "Streaming Media (Windows Media)", then click on CHANGE
4) In the Advanced window, the "seconds of data" buffer should be changed to read "30" (5 is the default).
5) Click APPLY at the bottom of the window, then click OK
6) Click OK again
7) Then click the REFRESH button to reload the page
Java Chat Clicking: Some machines have an assigned sound for navigation within Internet Explorer, you usually only hear a click from page to page. The Java based chat server we use updates every four seconds, the clicking sound can become distracting.
The Control Panel has an icon for sounds, navigate to the sound library. Scroll down to the explorer heading and you may find two "Navigation" settings. Delete the associated sound.
Media Player Troubleshooting: If you get sound, but no picture, check your bandwidth. Move your cursor to the player windows , right click and choose Statistics. The Advanced tag will show your current incoming bandwidth use. For more advanced testing, go to http://www.PCpitstop.com and check your internet connection.
If you get neither, it may be that you don't have the latest codecs. Use the link above to get or update Media 9 Player. It takes awhile to download, but it's worth the wait.
If you're still having problems, email us and we'll try to help.
