Our systems are configured to make the user experience as simple as possible and to require the minimum of technical knowledge. However, there are many elements of a users set up over which we have no control such as operating system type and version, player installation and version, codecs, available bandwidth etc.
In order to view the stream, the basic requirements are as follows:
- An internet connection with a min.download speed of 256Kbps. This means a broadband internet connection is required. You cannot view videos over a dial-up connection.
- A web browser ( Internet Explorer or Firefox v6+ recommended)
- The video payer plug-in: Windows Media Player v7+ (Version 10 recommended)
This help page has been designed to get you to the information you need if you are experiencing a problem with the test stream and to enable you to make the necessary changes to your system before you watch the live broadcast.
Windows Media Player 10 : About WMP 10 Including download
Windows Media Player ; Previous versions
Windows Media Player : All downloads
Windows Media Player : Installation Guide
Windows Media Player : For Apple OS
Windows Media Player : Internet connections
Windows Media Player : Streaming errors explained
Windows Media Player : Playing music and video files
Windows Media Player : Information and links to codecs
Windows Media Player : Buffering:
When your machine first makes a connection with our streaming servers it loads a small 'buffer' of the stream into your machines local memory (RAM)- usually 5-10 seconds. This help to keep the video delivery smooth throughout the broadcast.
If the connection quality is adversely affected however, this can cause the steam to stop and re-buffer. There are many factors that come into play when it comes to rebuffering problems. The most common are the following:
1) Your Internet connection is too slow to receive the stream. If you are on a dial-up connection this is most likely the cause. Most dial-up modems connect at a maximum of 49Kbps, depending on line noise and the quality of your ISP. There are some tweaks that you can try to increase the speed or improve the quality of your dial-up connection. Do a Google search for "tweaking dial-up connections" for more information. The only sure-fire way to reduce rebuffering problems is to upgrade to a broadband Internet Connection. (DSL or Cable are the most common)
2) Temporary Internet routing problems. Occasionally an Internet router(s) will temporarily become overloaded or malfunction. This can lead to Windows Media Player rebuffering. If you are on a broadband connection and usually receive a constant, uninterupted stream and start to experience rebuffering, this is most likely the case. Unfortunately this is just a recognised hazard of media delviery over the public internet. Please be patient. The problems should go away shortly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you were able to view the demo stream but are not able to get the live video stream to play then it is most likely that the stream has reached its maximum number of concurrent users.
Our clients choose a service based on the number of streams they would like to deliver concurrently, and this is usually in line with the number of formal electronic invitations released. Once this figure is reached it is not possible to consume the stream until someone else disconnects. You should continue to refresh the webpage until a stream becomes availalbe.