Streaming Video Help

Here are some commonly asked questions:

• How do I download RealPlayer or Windows Media Player?
• Why can't I watch some videos in Windows Media Player?
• I want to watch the videos in a bigger window.
• 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.

How do I download RealPlayer or Windows Media Player?
RealPlayer:
Step 1: Check Your System (for Windows)
Click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" option and select "files" or "folders". Then type in "RealPlayer" (including the quotation marks) and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
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 for the Player?
No! There is no cost for the RealOne Basic option and there is really 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
Save the RealPlayer software to your computer desktop. Once it's there, quit your browser, 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 (for Windows)
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
Bring up the Microsoft Download Center site -- http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp -- and select the software version and OS platform that you desire.

Step 3: Saving And Installing
Save the Windows Media Player software to your desktop. Once it's there, quit your browser, then 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.

Why can't I watch some videos in Windows Media Player ?
When a video is first put online at , it's only available in the RealPlayer format, at a streaming rate of 56K. As time allows, other formats and speeds will become available.

If an additional video speed is available, it will be visible and clickable in the Video Settings window.

NOTE: 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 two sizes -- the default size (160x120) and a full size picture for high-bandwidth viewers (320x240).

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/windows/ie/default.asp, where you can also look for other updates to your system.

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 DirectX drivers. 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.
If you already have RealPlayer, and still can't see the video, try upgrading your browser, checking for Windows updates, and upgrading your DirectX drivers.

I have a Mac, and I can't watch the videos.
Please try checking out Real.com's or Microsoft's knowledge base, FAQ, and tech support -- they may be able to more accurately diagnose the problem.