Program Help/Instructions for Viewing
Many people watch multimedia via the Web. It is a fast-growing technology that has become very user-friendly and widely accessible through a variety of browsers. If you should encounter any difficulties viewing our multimedia, this section will provide some troubleshooting techniques.
We stream the multimedia files from our servers using the Microsoft format. In order to receive PREVLINE multimedia, you must have Windows Media Player installed on your computer.
Please check your browser version, and, if necessary, install the latest version to minimize problems. Windows Media Player comes with Microsoft Operating Systems, so installing the latest browser ensures the best compatibility with current multimedia technology:
- Internet Explorer 7 (or higher): Install newest version of IE
- Firefox 2 (or higher): Install the newest version of Firefox
- Microsoft Media Player: Install the newest version of Windows Media Player
- MAC users: Download the Windows Media Player for the MAC OS
- Sound card and speakers: Make sure the volume is turned up.
- Volume: Make sure your volume is turned up.
- Wait for the buffering; it is normal and the length of time required for buffering is determined by your computer and Internet traffic.
- Make sure you meet the minimum system requirements for viewing the Programs.
- Check with your system administrator to see if you have the necessary requirements.
Information for Your System Administrator
We stream our live programs through port TCP/1755 and Port 80. In order to view a live program, ports 1755 and 80 must be open on your firewall. Please check with your system administrator to ensure these ports are open through your network.
What You Need on Your Computer
- Windows Media Player 10 or higher. We recommend Windows Media Player 10.
- 220MHz Processor. Broadband connection is highly recommended.
Operating Systems If your operating system is Windows NT4, we recommend that you install Windows Media Player, version 11.
Download Windows Media Player If you use the MAC operating system, you need to install the Windows Media Player for your version of the MAC operating system.
Download Windows Media Player for MAC OS
**Important**
Should you need to install the Windows Media Player, we recommend you seek the assistance of your system administrator or technical support staff. If you do not have administrative access to your computer, you may not be able to install any software.
Here is a checklist of questions (with answers) for you to use while troubleshooting if you are having difficulty viewing our multimedia files:
Are you allowing enough time for your computer to download the video?
A common complaint among new multimedia Web users is that once the media player opens, nothing happens. A short delay of 20 or 30 seconds is normal. During this delay, your computer begins to collect the information from the connection it has made with another server. Once a packet of information is received, your computer begins to display what it has stored. This process is called buffering. The faster your Internet connection, the less time will be required for this initial buffering.
You can tell if the video is downloading by watching the toolbars of the Windows Media Player window. There will be a message that reads "Connecting," "Loading," or "Buffering," and a progress bar or dial will let you know how much has loaded and how much is left to load.
Do you have the most recent version of your Web browser installed on your computer?
To check which version you own, click the "Help" menu and scroll down to "About Internet Explorer" or "About Firefox." The About window will tell you which version you own.
Download the most recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer
Download the most recent version of Firefox
If you already have the most recent version of your browser installed on your computer, or downloading the most recent version does not solve your problems, please move on to the next step.
Do you have the most recent version of Windows Media Player installed on your computer?
To check, open the Windows Media Player from your 'Start' menu or desktop, and then click the "Help" menu and scroll down to "About Windows Media Player." The About window will tell you which version of Media Player you have. If you have a previous version installed, please download the most recent version and try watching the Programs again. Note: Real Player is not compatible with Macintosh computers.
Why don't I have any sound?
- Make sure the speakers are switched to "on."
- Check the wires from your speakers to your computer to ensure there is a solid connection.
- Make sure your volume is turned up. Check this in two areas: First, in the control panel under sounds and audio devices, then under volume. Check on the actual Media Player to see that the sound is turned up there as well.
- Check to see that you have a sound card.
Does the network you are connected to use a firewall for Internet security?
We stream our live programs through port TCP/1755 and Port 80. In order to view a live program, ports 1755 and 80 must be open on your firewall.
Does your computer have a sufficient amount of hard drive space available?
If you have completed all of the items on the list so far to no avail, then the problem could possibly be the amount of space you have available on your hard drive. Each video must be temporarily downloaded to your hard drive before you can view it, so if there is insufficient hard drive space on your computer, the file download will not be able to complete. To check the amount of hard drive space available on your computer, open Windows Explorer, right-click on the hard drive (usually the C:\ drive), scroll down, and click on "Properties." This window should tell you how much free space is available. If the amount is less than 250 megabytes, this could be the problem.
Read all of these tips before contacting us. When you do contact us, please list all of the specifications of your system in the email so that we can better help you. Click here to submit a request to technical support.