Infopeople Webcast Frequently Asked Questions
- I'm using a Mac and I can't see the video when I play a webcast archive. Why not?
- The video doesn't run smoothly. It's more like a series of snapshots of the speaker. Anything I can do to improve video quality?
- What is a webcast?
- How do I download files for a webcast?
- Why do I need to download handouts?
- I don't have PowerPoint (or Word, or Acrobat Reader); how can I use the files without it?
- What browsers can I use to participate in a webcast?
- Why can't I use Windows Media Player to view the webcast?
- I don't know if I have a sound card, what do I do?
- What if I can't get past the Wizard's Java and connectivity test?
- What do I enter for my login?
- When I'm in the webcast, I can't hear anything; what should I do?
- Why does the audio vary in quality during a webcast?
- Should AOL users do anything different to prepare for a webcast?
- Can I use the Mozilla browser to view webcasts?
- How do I "turn off all pop-up blockers?"
- I tried to view an archived webcast but just ended up with a window called
"Archive Navigation" and couldn't find the speaker. - When I tried to watch an archived webcast, I couldn't get it to start. Am I
supposed to do something to "make it go?" - My question is not listed, what do I do?
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I'm using a Mac and I can't see the video when I play a webcast archive. Why not?
If you are on a Mac, you should not use RealPlayer10 because there is a bug in it. You will need to step back to an older version of the Real Player. To do so, follow these steps:- Delete all versions of 'RealPlayer' or Real One Player applications from the 'Applications' folder.
- 'RealPlayer Plugin' and 'RealPlayer Plugin.xpt' from the '~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins' folder (the '~/' is an abbreviation for your home folder).
- For good measure, also remove from the ~/Library/Preferences/com.RealNetworks.RealOne Player.plist file.
- Restart your computer to empty your trash and really get these files off your computer.
- Go to forms.real.com/real/player/blackjack.html and download the version for MacOS X you find there.
- The video doesn't run smoothly. It's more like a series of snapshots of the speaker. Anything I can do to improve video quality?
Try right clicking on the video panel and choose "Play in RealOne Player." This will cause a separate window to open and it generally runs better in that separate window. - What is a webcast?
Simultaneous transmission of live or delayed audio or video programming over the World Wide Web to all who own the equipment needed to receive it, the Internet counterpart of broadcasting via radio or television. In a narrower sense, to send the same web-based content (audio, video, graphics, text) to a group of Internet users, based on their individual needs or interests. Synonymous with netcast.
-From the Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science (www.wcsu.edu/library/odlis.html) - How do I download files for a webcast?
- Right-click on each file listed under Handouts on the individual webcast description page.
- Choose Save As or Save Target As to bring up a Save As dialog box. (If you don't have a Save As option from your right-click menu, you will need to find a colleague to help you.)
- Write down the name and location for each file you download.
- You will find the name in the File Name: portion of the Save As box.
- You will find the Location in the Save In portion at the top of the Save As dialog box.
- Save the file(s) to your computer.
- Find the files on your computer and open them to view or print.
- Why do I need to download handouts?
Our presenters usually provide a copy of their PowerPoint (.ppt) presentation as well as other handouts in Word (.doc) or Acrobat Reader (.pdf) format. Having them downloaded to your computer or printed out prior to the webcast is often helpful in following along during the webcast. - I don't have PowerPoint (or Word, or Acrobat Reader), how can I use the files without it?
All of these file types have a free viewer you can download. Instructions for where to find them are on the Help page, under Downloading Handouts (and Viewers). - What browsers can I use to participate in a webcast?
You may use any version of Internet Explorer or Netscape 4.0 (or above). - Why can't I use Windows Media Player to view the webcast?
HorizonWimba, our webcast vendor, does not currently support Windows Media Player. They only support RealPlayer and QuickTime, and we needed to choose a single format to standardize on, mostly for economic reasons. At this time, we have chosen to standardize on RealPlayer. - I don't know if I have a sound card; what do I do?
Check your computer with the Wizard. One of the tests will determine if you can hear sound. In order to hear sound over the Internet, you need a sound card and either speakers or a headset, and the volume has to be turned up. Look at the bottom right corner of your monitor window to see if you see an icon of a loudspeaker. If you do, right click on it to check the settings. If any of the settings are set to "mute" you won't hear anything, even if you do have a sound card and speakers. - What if I can't get past the Wizard's Java and connectivity test?
If you cannot pass the first few Wizard tests, regarding connectivity or Java, you probably need to update your java virtual machine. We often see this with users of Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6, although this issue can occur for any type of user. If you are running IE, we recommend that you upgrade your Microsoft Virtual Machine. You can do so from Microsoft's website: windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.
Alternatively, Netscape and IE users alike can install the Sun Java Virtual Machine. You can do so from Sun's website: java.sun.com/getjava/download.html.
After you install the software, restart your computer and run the Wizard again. - What do I enter for my login?
We recommend you enter your real name (e.g. "Gwendolyn McGilliguddy") so that other participants can see that you are attending. You can use the 'chat' feature to privately chat with other attendees so it is nice to know who they are. -
When I'm in the webcast, I can't hear anything; what should I do?
First check that the volume of your speakers is adjusted properly. If you have run the Wizard and passed the tests, and still cannot hear the audio, try one of these steps:
- Click on the button to the far left of the mainly black navigation bar that sits just above the chat window
- Exit the presentation and log on again
- Exit your browser and log back in
- Reboot your computer and log back in
If none of those options work: Click "Help" on the black tool bar, fill out the form, and submit. -
Why does the audio vary in quality during a webcast?
Some older operating systems have problems allocating system resources between open applications. If you experience variations in the quality of the audio, and your system has passed the Wizard tests, then you might have too many applications running at one time.
- Try closing down your email application and any other software the might interfere with your reception of the webcast.
- Make sure that you have firewalls and anti-virus software turned off.
- Should AOL users do anything different to prepare for a webcast?
Instead of using the AOL browser when running the HorizonWimba Wizard, use Netscape or Internet Explorer. In other words, connect to the Internet using AOL, as you normally do, then minimize AOL and launch Netscape or Internet Explorer from your desktop or Start Menu, and then run the Wizard. - Can I use the Mozilla browser to view webcasts?
The Mozilla Firefox browser can be used to view archived webcasts, but you have to be sure to have all the plug-ins properly configured. See plugindoc.mozdev.org/windows.html to learn how to properly install Java and Javascript support and the RealOne player. Once you've done that, run the HorizonWimba Wizard. You'll get a message that says your popup windows are disabled but you can run the wizard by "following this link." Go ahead and follow that link to verify that all your plug-ins are properly installed. Once you pass all the Wizard's tests, select the Infopeople webcast you wish to view. Once everything loads but doesn't quite manage to start...press the "Navigation" button to start the webcast. We have not yet tested Mozilla during a live webcast. - How do I "turn off all pop-up blockers?"
Take a look at our How Do I Turn Off Pop-up Blockers? page. - I tried to view an archived webcast but just ended up with a window called "Archive Navigation" and couldn't find the speaker.
When you click on the "View Webcast" link, you will be asked to log in. After logging in, two windows open. One contains the video screen, the chat window, and the list of speaker's slides. A second window opens up and overlaps the first; it is labeled "Archive Navigation," and you can use it to skip forward and backward to any point in the webcast. If you prefer to watch the entire webcast without interruption, feel free to minimize or close the Archive Navigation window. - When I tried to watch an archived webcast, I couldn't get it to start. Am I supposed to do something to "make it go?"
With some browsers (Mozilla for example) or when you have control over pop-up windows, the archived webcast won't start on its own so you may have to start it by clicking on the Navigation button located directly under the Powered By HorizonWimba logo. When you click the Navigation button, it will open the Archive Navigation window (see FAQ above) and the webcast will begin. - My question is not listed, what do I do?
If you have run the Wizard (and passed all tests) and your question is not listed here, please contact HorizonWimba directly at their toll-free number (866) 350-4978.