FAQs / Suggestions / Fixes for viewing the webcast...

Compiled by Robb Topolski [yahoogroups-funchords@singcerely.com]

Q. It doesn't work

A. Many problems are solved after a reboot. One of the first troubleshooting steps should be a reboot.

A. Open Windows Media Player manually, and enter the Internet address manually.

• - On the webcast page, and RIGHT CLICK on the link you want, then click Copy Shortcut
• - On your computer, click on Run, then enter "wmplayer.exe" and press ENTER
• - On Media Player, click on File, Open URL, click in the input box so that your cursor appears there
• - RIGHT CLICK, then click Paste
• - Press ENTER

[These directions are for Windows XP and Windows Media Player 9. Adjust as needed for your system.]

Q. The picture is too small and blurry

A. This can be improved by temporarily changing your screen resolution to 800x600. Search using "screen resolution" in your computer's help file for instructions on how to accomplish this. Even then, the picture is not very large or perfectly clear. The bandwidth being used for the earlier broadcasts will not allow a larger or clearer picture than can be provided. Larger bandwidths are being planned for the Chorus and Quartet finals.

Q. I don't like the audio quality

A. Improve it using an Windows Media Player Audio Equalizer setting

• In Windows Media Player, click on View > Enhancements > Audio Equalizer
• Adjust to taste (you will find that various settings here will make the audio sound better or worse, depending on your speakers) [These directions are for Windows Media Player 9]

Q. It keeps "buffering"

A. The good news is that you are receiving the broadcast, but your computer, connection, modem, or software is not keeping up.

• Reboot as suggested earlier, then try again
• Make sure you are connecting at a speed somewhat higher than the source, then try again:
• quarterfinals video, at least 48k, audio only at least 28.8k
• finals higher-speed video, at least 128k (ISDN or Broadband), lower-speed video, at least 48k, audio only at least 28.8k
• In Windows Media Player, click on Tools, then click the Performance Tab, make sure all of these are at the "recommended" settings, then try again.
• In Windows Media Player, click on Tools, then click the Network Tab, uncheck each box except for HTTP, then try again.

Q. I'm at work and I cannot connect because of a firewall.

A. If you can surf the web, you can tell Windows Media Player to only use that protocol

• -In Windows Media Player, click on Tools, then click the Network Tab, uncheck each box except for HTTP, then try again.

Q.  I seem to have Newtork or Firewall issues

A.  Try setting Media Player to Auto-detect the firewall settings

• Goto Tools Menu
• Goto Options Sub-menu
• Goto the Network Tab
• Highlight the HTTP protocol in the box near the bottom
• Find the Configure Option at the bottom and click the button.
• Change the setting to Auto-Detect Proxy Settings
• Hit apply as often as you need to close the dialog boxes
• Try getting the stream again.

Q. It still doesn't work. I've tried everything.

A. Ask for help. We need to know about your computer, connection, and error messages.