Common Questions - Multimedia Help

Sentara.com attempts to provide a variety of multimedia formats for the convenience of our audience. All of the formats are playable with free software applications and plug-ins from companies with easy access online. If you have any questions about the multimedia on our site, please contact us.

What do I need to view a webcast or streaming video?
We recommend using a high speed internet connection. On a 56K or slower connection, you will definitely experience a loss of video and audio quality. In addition, the video may stop and start or be difficult to follow at times.

If you are behind a firewall, such as in an office environment, you may experience a quality issue as well. It is also possible that you will not be able to see the streaming video at all. If this is the case, you will need to ask your network administrator for help.

Common Issues:

Why does the playback pause or stutter?

Streaming media is capable of playback in real time, without an extended download time before viewing. Some users may experience delays and/or stuttering in their playback depending on their internet connection speed and internet traffic at the moment. If you are experiencing significant delays in your connection, set your player's options to a lower connection speed.

Why won't my player work with these files?

There are two common potential problems with streaming media:

1. You may have an old version of the player which is not compatible with the technology being employed. Download the most recent version of the player by clicking on the logo of the corresponding technology.

2. Some corporate networks prevents their users from viewing media - try stiching your player options to stream via HTTP rather than RTSP. If you're computer is protected by a firewall, you may not be able to view streaming media at all. In this case, use the QuickTime format which will download first and continue to play when it's finished.

How do I play Window Media Clips?

To view or listen to Windows Streaming Media Clips, you'll need:

* The most current version of Windows Media Player. If you don't have it installed, you can download a free version from the Microsoft Web site. Follow the download and install instructions on the Windows Media download page.

* An internet connection of at least 28.8 Kbps. We recommend a 56 Kbps modem or faster to get the best quality.
* A Web browser capable of handling "helper apps.," also known as "plug-ins." Netscape Navigator/Communicator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are ideal. The Windows Media Player works from within your Web browser to help you view streaming media.

If you experience problems with multimedia playback, please read Microsoft's Windows Media Help Guides. Most common questions about installing and using Window Media are answered there.

How do I play QuickTime media clips?

To view or listen to QuickTime media clips, you'll need:

* The most current version of QuickTime. If you don't have it installed, you can download a free version from the Apple Web site. Follow the download and install instructions on the QuickTime download page.

* An Internet connection of at least 28.8 Kbps. We recommend a 56 Kbps moden or faster to get the best quality.

* A Web browser cpable of handling "helper apps.," also known as "plug-ins. Netscape Navigator/Communicator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are ideal. QuickTime works from within your Web browser to help you view streaming media.

If you experience problems with multimedia playback, please read Apple's QuickTime Help Files. Most common questions about installing and using QuickTime are answered there.