Media Clip Help
I already have Windows Media installed, but the player won't work. What's wrong?
For sound quality and bandwidth considerations, we are using the newest version of the Windows Media Player (WMP) system.
You may need a newer version of Windows Media player than the one you have installed on your computer. To see which version you have, launch WMP and under the "Help" menu select "About Media Player." You must have version 7.0 or higher installed in order to listen. If you have an older version, you will need to upgrade.
You may need to clear your browser's cache to listen to the new Windows Media stream. To clear your cache using Internet Explorer, click on Tools>Internet Options>General>Delete Files.
If you use Netscape as your browser, you may need to download a special plug-in from Microsoft which is available under the 'Windows Media Tools and Services" drop down menu.
How do I install Windows Media player?
If you are upgrading, you must uninstall the older version of Windows Media player first. If it is not uninstalled, the remnants of an older player on the computer may cause problems. Uninstall the player through the Control Panel>Add/Remove programs option.
Choose your primary browser, either Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. It is important that you use the browser you plan to use when you visit the Microsoft site to download the install program. Using your selected browser go to the Windows Media Download site at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download
A drop-down menu offers several versions of the Windows Media Player. Select the one for your operating system (Windows 95, Windows ME, Macintosh, etc.). In the "File Download" dialog box, select "Save This Program to Disk" option. Download the file and follow the instructions.
Related Link: Windows Media Download site
I recently upgraded my browser and now the stream won"t play. What can I do?
Windows Media Player needs browser plug-ins installed in order to work correctly. If you switch browsers, or install them in the wrong order then the live stream may stop working. You may need to install the Windows Media player software again using your new browser. It is important that you install the browser before you install the players.
Sometimes when I'm listening, the live stream cuts in and out and the player starts re-buffering. Why?
The short answer is that internet traffic is heavy at that moment. The long answer requires some background information. Streaming audio is the process of sending dozens of small files called 'packets' over the internet every second. Your Windows Media Player is constantly reassembling these packets into audio. When internet traffic is heavy, some of these packets get held up on the way, or even lost in the process. The "buffer" is a built-up store of packets that the player draws upon while waiting for more packets. Usually the buffer is about five seconds. If more packets don't arrive before the buffer runs out, then you get the "re-buffering" message. Essentially the player is waiting for more packets, which are slow in arriving because of internet traffic. Once the internet rush hour is over, the re-buffering problems should get better.
What do I need in order to listen to the live stream?
You need a soundcard with speakers or headphones, and a Windows Media Player program. The computer can be running Windows, Macintosh, or Unix/Linux/Solaris operating systems.
Can I run Windows Media Player on a Macintosh?
Yes. Windows Media player is a program that you can install on a McIntosh running OS 8.1 or later. The latest version of the player for McIntosh is available on the Microsoft download site.
Related Link: Microsoft download site.
How can I adjust the buffer settings on my Windows Media Player?
To change the buffer settings on WMP, click on View>Options>Advanced>Change. Change the buffer setting from "use default buffering" to 'buffer", and change the number to a higher value (e.g. 15 seconds).
Can I listen from behind a corporate firewall?
If you are behind a corporate firewall, you might have trouble using streaming media content. To overcome this problem, you will need to connect to the broadcast site from outside the firewall or ask your IT department to open port 80 which supports audio and video streaming.
If you have a proxy server, you may need to change the settings in Windows Media player. Information on how to do this is available in the Windows Media Player Help menu.
I've read all the questions and followed the advice here and I still can't listen. What do I do?
Email us and we'll figure out what's wrong.
Which browsers do you recommend for listening?
We recommend and support Internet Explorer 7.0 or Netscape 4.7, and all higher versions. The player may work with other browsers but we do not actively support them.
We also recommend that you choose one browser to use. The process of installing the Windows Media software can become complicated if you switch between Netscape and Internet Explorer.
Related Links: Download Internet Explorer Browser; Download Netscape Browser