Streaming Video FAQ and System Requirements

Video Streaming
Streaming media is multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a streaming provider. The name refers to the delivery method of the medium rather than to the medium itself. The distinction is usually applied to media that are distributed over telecommunications networks, as most other delivery systems are either inherently streaming (e.g., radio, television) or inherently non-streaming (e.g., books, video cassettes, audio CDs). The verb 'to stream' is also derived from this term, meaning to deliver media in this manner. Internet television is a commonly streamed medium. Live streaming, more specifically, means taking the video and broadcasting it live over the Internet. The process involves a camera for the video, an encoder to digitize the content, a video publisher where the streams are made available to potential end-users and a content delivery network to distribute and deliver the content. The media can then be viewed by end-users live. (source = wiki)

Video Streaming Experience
The quality of a broadcast depends on many factors, including the type of equipment used, the stability of the internet connection, the upload speed, etc. A majority of problems experienced are based on low bandwidth or local internet issues, which unfortunately we cannot control. Make sure other applications are closed. Make sure only one streaming window is open at a time.

Watching in Fullscreen Mode
To watch a show in full screen, click on the 'toggle full screen' button located on the bottom right corner of the player. Depending on your screen size, watching in full screen mode might reduce image quality. Text, graphs, etc. might be hard to read.

System Requirements

Why do I need to install the Flash Player plug-in?
Hildreth Media Group, Inc uses Watershed streaming services a Ustream.tv streaming solution which requires the latest Flash Player plug-in. If you are having issues with the Flash Player plug-in or video experience, please try updating your Flash Player plug-in by going to: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Can I watch more than one event at a time?
While we do not recommend this because of higher system and bandwidth requirements.

Can I pause video?
No, unfortunately the video feed is live and cannot be paused

Can I watch the video stream on my laptop?
Yes, however viewing over a wireless network connection may affect the quality of your viewing experience. If possible, we recommend connecting the laptop directly to your network for an optimal experience.

I have plenty of bandwidth available, but I still cannot view the stream. Why?
A business generally uses a firewall and/or other security measures to prevent users from visiting sites not approved by the business or even limit a users bandwidth. These measures may also prevent you from streaming video. Please contact your IT support team for details on any network restrictions that may be in place which are affecting your viewing experience.

Why does audio and/or video playback stop and/or stall?
Video streaming may be disrupted during periods of internet congestion or if the user has too many computer applications open at the same time. Generally, playback should not stop or stall under normal circumstances if the user meets the minimum system requirements listed above.  If this happens, you may need to restart your computer.

What can I do if the video playback stops or plays slowly?
If playback stalls, stops or plays slowly, try one or all of the following:
Close other computer applications that may be open at the same time.
Avoid internet congestion. Close browser tabs and windows.
Restart your computer.

Why doesn't audio and video play at all?
You may be running a content filter, browser plug-in/toolbar, and/or an anti virus application that is preventing the correct buffering of a streaming video feed. Please turn off these services and try again. Hildreth Media Group, Inc uses Watershed streaming services a Ustream.tv solution.

Why am I not hearing any sound?
Check that your speakers are turned on and/or your sound card isn't muted. Also, during some streaming events we will turn off the sound to manage crashes, injury time outs, problems with event streaming, etc. You should nearly always be able to hear audio during an event.

How do I select a higher or lower quality bitrate?
Available bandwidth can fluctuate from moment to moment and can be very noticeable. Other factors that may affect available bandwidth or the quality of your viewing experience are: simultaneous network activity on your computer, wireless network usage, cable modems, general Internet or network congestion, time of day, and general computer power.

Things you can do to try to improve your viewing experience:
Minimize the amount of computer use during viewing
Minimize the amount of other Internet or network usage during viewing
Review the minimum system requirements.
Use a physical network connection, if available (instead of a wireless connection)
Check your internet download speeds by going to www.speedtest.net
Try the normal video option instead of watching in full screen mode.
Uninstalling and then reinstalling the Flash plug-in (Windows and Mac)