click on computer to
return to videos menu
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WHY THE MODEM OR DSL/CABLE CHOICE?
WHAT IS DOWNLOADING VS. PLAYING?
CAN I WATCH WITHOUT THE SOFTWARE?
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED SOFTWARE?
WHAT SOFTWARE IS NEEDED?
WHERE CAN I GET THE SOFTWARE?
IS THE SOFTWARE DIFFICULT TO INSTALL?
HELP ON THE INSTALLATION?
THE VIDEO PAUSES, JUMPS OR JERKS.
AM I WATCHING A REAL VIDEO?
MY QUESTION ISN'T HERE.
WHY THE MODEM OR DSL/CABLE CHOICE?
Videos via a modem run differently than on a DSL or cable connection (such as Road Runnder or Zoomtown), often called "hi-band" because they are faster, and clearer etc. Most sites offer just the modem version because it saves space and they can be seen by both, but the DSL/cable people suffer. A version for DSL/cable runs the way videos should run. All you need to know is if you are connected with a modem or DSL/cable and make your selection.
WHAT IS DOWNLOADING VS. PLAYING?
When you "play" the video, it is called "streaming video." It is fed (like a stream) from the site to your computer. The quality and evenness depends on your Internet connection and speed of your comptuer, so you can get pauses, stuck pictures, etc.
When you download it, the full video is put into a temporary file on your hard drive and you watch it from there, reducing stuck, jagged pictures because you are not dependent on your Internet connection. When the downloading is done, it should start to play.
Downloading a large video may take several minutes but some find it more convenient. The folder it goes into is one that your computer should occasionally empty.
CAN I WATCH A VIDEO WITHOUT THE SOFTWARE?
Not from a Web site but Phoenix5 will soon be offering our videos on CDs. Meanwhile, to watch it at a Web site, you need software.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED SOFTWARE?
You may not. Most systems now come with video software already installed so give it a try. Click on one of the videos and see if it starts. If you don't have the software, you will be told.
WHAT SOFTWARE IS NEEDED?
You need to install special software, such as RealPlayer, Windows Media Player or the Netscape Media Player. They can be obtained free and are quite easy to install. If you have not installed any software, ask for some help.
WHERE CAN I GET THE SOFTWARE?
RealPlayer offers a free version, but you have to look closely to find it.
Windows Media Player is free from the Microsoft site.
Windows Media Player for the Mac can also be obtained free from the Microsoft site.
Netscape Media Player for Windows and Mac can be obtained free from the Netscape site.
HELP with the Windows Media Player for AOL users and others can be found at a Yahoo page.
IS THE SOFTWARE DIFFICULT TO INSTALL?
While "difficult" is a relative term, it is getting easier. The trick is to know what version of software you are running (e.g., Windows 95 vs. 98) and getting the software to match. But it really is usually just a point-and-click.
WHERE CAN I GET HELP ON THE INSTALLATION?
The site for each software usually has a help section. Try them or ask someone with a computer system similar to yours.
THE VIDEO PAUSES, JUMPS OR JERKS.
See WHAT IS DOWNLOADING VS. PLAYING above.
AM I WATCHING A REAL VIDEO?
Not like what you put into your VCR. These are generally videos that were converted to digital form so they can be stored on a computer and transmitted to another computer, much as this page is being transmitted to you.
MY QUESTION ISN'T HERE.
I am far from an expert on video software but you are welcome to write me at robert@phoenix5.org.
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