Streaming Video Help

You've arrived here for help with watching streaming video on Channel 4000. Commonly asked questions are answered below.

How do I download RealPlayer/Windows Media Player/Quicktime?
Why can't I watch some videos in Windows Media Player or Quicktime?
I want to watch the videos in a bigger window.
Why does the player tell me that I've selected RealPlayer?
I have RealPlayer, and I still can't see the video.
I see a little tricolored box instead of the video.
I have a Mac, and I can't watch the videos.
I've tried all that, and I'm still having problems.

How do I download RealPlayer/Windows Media Player/Quicktime?

We provide video in three different popular formats: RealVideo, Windows Media Player, and Quicktime. For instructions on downloading and installing these players, either click on their names or scroll down to the appropriate section.

RealPlayer

Step 1: Check Your System
If you're not sure if you already have RealPlayer, click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" option and select "files" or "folders." Then type in "RealPlayer" and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
Getting a RealPlayer is relatively easy and involves two phases: download and installation. You'll need a little patience and a computer with enough horsepower and modem speed (minimum 28.8) to make the experience worthwhile. First, bring up the RealNetworks' Real.com site -- http://www.real.com -- and select the software version that you desire.

Step 3: Do I Have To Pay $29.95?
No! There is no cost for most versions, and we suggest the RealOne Basic option because it's free and there is no difference in the player itself -- you're just paying for programming from Real.com. Simply click the "Our Free Player" link halfway down the page.

NOTE: They keep changing where the free link is, so you may have to search it out. If you're not sure if you're trying to download the free one or not, remember that the free version doesn't ask for your credit card number.

Step 4: Saving and Installing
We recommend that you save RealPlayer software to your computer desktop initially, because it's easier to find. Once it's there, close your browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer). Then double-click on the RealPlayer icon and follow the instructions that appear. It's best to allow your computer to choose its own default directory to store RealPlayer.

Windows Media Player

Step 1: Check Your System
Most Windows systems come with Windows Media Player pre-installed, but for those who don't have it, or are running a non-Windows computer (Macintosh, Solaris, Palm, etc.), it's available for download. To check to see if you have Windows Media Player, click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" or "Search" option and select "files" or "folders." Then type in "Windows Media Player" (including the quotation marks) and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
Windows Media Player is available free from Microsoft here. Downloads can take some time, and you'll need at least a 28.8K modem connection to make it worth your while. Choose your operating system and download the latest version available to you.

Step 3: Saving And Installing
It's easiest if you save the Windows Media Player software to your desktop -- it makes it easy to find later. Once it's there, close down all your other programs and double-click on the Windows Media Player icon, and follow the instructions. The installer will suggest a default directory in which to install the player.

Quicktime Player

Step 1: Check Your System
Quicktime usually comes pre-installed on Macintosh computers, but most other users have to download and install it. To see if you have the Quicktime player installed, click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" or "Search" option and select "files" or "folders." Then type in "Quicktime" and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
The Quicktime player is available free at Apple.com. You'll need at least a 28.8K modem and a bit of time for the download. Fill out the form to download.

Step 3: Saving and Installing
We recommend that you save the downloaded file to your desktop -- it makes it easy to find later. Once the download is complete, close down all your other programs and double-click on the Quicktime installer icon, and follow the instructions. The installer will suggest a default directory in which to install the player.

Why can't I watch some videos in Windows Media Player or Quicktime?

When a video is first put online at Channel 4000, it's only available in the RealPlayer format, at a streaming rate of 56K -- the most common speed and format for video streaming on the Internet. As time goes by, other formats and speeds will become available. If any particular video speed is available, it will be visible and clickable on the left.

After a certain amount of time, the additional formats are removed to preserve disk space, but an archival copy in the RealPlayer format remains available to viewers.

I want to watch the videos in a bigger window.

You can. Just click on the high-bandwidth choice on the left (300k). We offer video in three sizes -- the default size (160x120) and a full size picture for high-bandwidth viewers (320x240).

Why does the player tell me that I've selected RealPlayer?

Right now, RealPlayer, streamed at 56K, is the default video format. This is the most widely used streaming video format, and is both the initial format that Channel 4000 videos are posted in, and the copy kept for our archives. Other formats are available for the first few days that a video is posted.

I have RealPlayer, and I still can't see the video.

Try updating your browser to the latest version. Internet Explorer updates are available at http://www.microsoft.com, where you can also look for other updates to your system.

You may also need some of those other system updates. Small fixes and improvements are constantly being made to most operating systems; if you have a Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME machine, you can get the latest drivers by going to http://www.microsoft.com, clicking on "Download," then on "Windows Update." Pay particular attention to anything labeled "Critical Updates."

You may also just need new DirectXdrivers. These are the 'handles' that RealPlayer and some other applications use on occasion that allow them to use Windows' multimedia capabilities.

I see a little tricolored box instead of the video.

See I already have RealPlayer, and I still can't see the video. As detailed there, try upgrading your browser, checking for Windows updates, and upgrading your DirectX drivers.

I have a Mac, and I can't watch the videos.

We've seen problems occur for some Mac users, but not for others. Please try checking out Real.com's knowledge base, FAQ, and tech support -- they may be able to more accurately diagnose the problem.

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