Why am I seeing a small "X" in the box where the video should be playing?
Be sure the computer from which you'll be watching the webcast has the latest version
of the Microsoft Windows Media Player.
If your computer doesn't have a media player, or if you're not sure if it's latest
version, you can download the latest version for free by clicking on the image below.
I have the latest version of Windows Media Player. But I still can't get the webcast
to work properly.
One common possibility, especially if you're in an office environment, is that your
computer is behind what's known as a firewall. In short, a firewall is an electronic
barrier between your network and the Internet. Many network administrators set up
their firewalls to block streaming and other forms of media for various reasons.
If you're having connection problems with the stream, this is a likely cause.
Contact your network administrator about un-blocking streaming media during the
duration of the webcast.
I can see the webcast. But the quality of the stream is very poor. Why?
Be sure to select the correct bandwidth (connection speed) to use to watch the webcast.
By default, Windows Media Player 10 is set to automatically detect your bandwidth.
To make sure your version of the media player is properly configured, open the player
and go to Tools / Options / Performance. Under "Connection Speed," make sure that
"Detect connection speed (recommended)" is selected.
1. Be sure your computer has the latest version of Windows Media Player.
If your computer doesn't have Windows Media Player, or if you're not sure if it's
latest version, you can download the latest version for free.
To download the latest version of Windows Media Player:
- Open the Internet browser (most likely Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator)
on the computer on which you'll be watching the webcast.
- Click the appropriate Download Now button and start the download.
2. Be sure your computer has speakers.
Be sure that the computer you'll be using to watch the live event has speakers,
so you can hear the event.
3. Be sure you're using a recent Web browser with up-to-date plugins.
The computer you're using to watch the Webcast should have a recent version of Internet
Explorer. We recommend Internet Explorer 6.0 or above.
To download the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer:
- Open Internet Explorer, then copy or type the following URL into the Address
bar: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp?
- Select Internet Explorer from the list under Top downloads. On the
Web page that appears, select the language you want and click Go. Follow the instructions
that appear.
Internet Explorer should also have the latest plugins - that is, software programs
that add features to your Web browser (such as the ability to watch movies or listen
to audio from the browser). Check with your system administrator to be sure you
have the correct plugins.
4. Be sure multiple computers in your work area aren't trying to view the webcast
all at once.
If your office colleagues are trying to watch the webcast from computers that share
the same Internet connection, the speed and quality of the webcast will be affected.
Try to watch from just one computer, or from computers that are on different Internet
connections (for example, in another building).
5. Close any other programs on your computer while you're watching the webcast.
If you the quality of the webcast is poor, close any other programs (such as Microsoft
Word or Microsoft Outlook) while you're watching the webcast. Running other programs
will adversely affect the speed and quality of the webcast.
6. Be patient when you open your media player to watch the webcast.
When you start to watch the webcast, it may take your computer between 20-40 seconds
of buffering to start the webcast. This is normal. If it takes longer than a minute,
make sure you clicked on the correct link and that you have the most up-to-date
version of your media player. In addition, other network resources may cause problems.
Make sure no large file downloads, uploads or other actions are taking up your bandwidth
while you're attempting to view the webcast, then try the media player again.
If you still have any problems with the webcast, check with your system administrator.
They should be able to help you identify and solve your computer problems.
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