Windows Media Help Page
There is no audio or video.
1. It is possible that you are trying to access a channel that currently has no programming. An example of this would be a live broadcast that has not started yet. You may test to see if your Media Player is working correctly by clicking the link below.
-If that link did work you may have to try reconnecting to the webcast later.
2. Make sure that you have Windows Media Player installed on your computer. If you do not have Windows Media Player you can download it for free by clicking the icon below. Windows media player is available for all Windows operating systems capable of playing video (Windows NT, 95, 98 ,SE, ME, 2000, XT, etc)and for Mac OS 8.1, 9, X(10), however some older computers and operating systems will not achieve optimal video playback.
3. Use Internet explorer as your web browser. The web page interface has been tested with Internet Explorer. If you do not wish to use Internet Explorer and the video does not show up using your Web Browser follow the instructions for "Viewing The Program Without A Web Browser" below.
-NOTE: Firefox has been tested in both regular and safe modes. It will work however, depending on your configuration it may not automatically open a video window particularly a video window embedded in a webpage. If this is the case use the instructions for "Viewing The Program Without A Web Browser" below.
I see the video but don't hear anything.
Make sure that the volume is turned up on your normal computer volume control AND on the volume control on the Media Player. These operate seperately and each one can turn down your audio.
Viewing the Program without using the web browser to launch.
1. Open Windows Media Player.
2. In Media Player, click "File" on the top left portion of the window and then click "Open URL".
-If you do not see a "File" menu to click on in Media Player, your menu bar has been hidden:
For Media Player Version 9: look for a small round button with an up and down arrow in the upper left of the the Media Player Window and click it to show your menu bar.
For Media Player Version 10: right click the mouse in the top area of the Media Player window, or click the triangle (arrow) in the top right corner of the window.
For Media Player Version 11 : right click the mouse in the top area of the Media Player window
If this does not work look for "Menu Bar" in the Media Player help.
3.Find the Webcast address (listed right under the video window) on the webcast page.
4. Either cut and paste or manually enter the Webcast address into the "Open URL' Window and then click "OK".
Here is a test URL to try: mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test112k.wmv
Bandwidth test
If you have still not been able to view a test video, you may not have sufficient bandwidth to reliably view audio/video webcasts. Webcasts, particularly live broadcasts require a certain amount of constant bandwidth. Most of our webcasts will require between 100Kbps and 350kbps or constant bandwidth. Below is a set of links with different bandwidth requirements. You can use them to determine your available bandwidth. (Note: a general rule of thumb is that you need about 2/3s of the listed bandwidth to reliably view the video. For example a webcast optimized for a 56kbps will require somewhere around 40kbps at a minimum.)
High quality modem connection: 56 kbps- mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test56k.wmv
ISDN connection: 112 kbps- mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test112k.wmv
Low broadband connection- 256kbps- mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test256k.wmv
Medium broadband connection- 384kbps- mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test384k.wmv
High broadband connection- 768kbps- mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test768k.wmv
Excellent connection- 1mbps- mms://150.135.40.125/media/test/test1m.wmv
Firewall test
Unfortunately, internet security issues can cause problems receiving webcasts. Mainly the problems exist behind corporate firewalls, however, personal firewalls can also block video. This test can usually determine if you have a firewall/security issue. The files below are delivered in a "firewall friendly" protocal. This protocal will not allow you to view live broadcasts.
High quality modem connection: 56 kbps- http://vas.calsvideo.arizona.edu/test/test56k.wmv
ISDN connection: 112 kbps- http://vas.calsvideo.arizona.edu/test/test112k.wmv
Low broadband connection- 256kbps- http://vas.calsvideo.arizona.edu/test/test256k.wmv
Medium broadband connection- 384kbps- http://vas.calsvideo.arizona.edu/test/test384k.wmv
High broadband connection- 768kbps- http://vas.calsvideo.arizona.edu/test/test768k.wmv