Test Your Computer

Please run the System Test to make sure your computer is properly configured to receive and display the webcasts. If your computer is unable to display a webcast, please scan down this page for a list of minimum requirements, and for troubleshooting hints and tips.

Need Windows Media player software?

To obtain the software, please visit Microsoft's Windows Media Download Center and follow the instructions.

TECHNICAL HELP

This document covers only the basics about Windows Media software. For more and better detailed information, please visit Windows Media Technologies for Windows Media Player. Some of the following assumes that you understand the minimum requirements for your computer system.  If you need to, please scan the requirements first.

For further help with technical questions, please contact:

General Questions and Issues

I see a message, "Error downloading codec," when trying to use Windows Media.
     If you are behind a computer network security system such as a corporate firewall, and your computer does not have the latest software installed, your player may attempt to update itself or its components.  If you have an older version of Windows Media Player, we suggest you try upgrading the player first: Visit Windows Media Technologies to download and install the latest version for your computer.  If you still need to install a codec, download it from Microsoft's page: Codec Installation Packages for IT Professionals.

I don't see the presentations, or I can play content from some sites but not others.
     If you are behind a computer network security system such as a corporate firewall, you may need to contact your system administrator to see if you can access the player content via a proxy server.
     Are you using a personal firewall or DSL/Broadband router? If so, and you experience connection problems, you may wish to try disabling them for the duration of the webcast.
     See also Web Browsers and Media Players.

I am getting no video or no audio.
     There are varied causes for this. If you see video but no sound, one possible cause is if the computer started playing an unrelated sound effect or audio file at the same time that the player tried to start.  If you heard something like that, then restarting the player may help.  Make sure that no music program or file is playing.
     Try playing a local video or audio file with the player; if it works then your computer probably meets most of the minimum requirements.

Note: Some presentations are audio-only presentations, the video 'frame' that is displayed is just a 'place holder' that serves the following purposes: to give you something to look at, to present some information about the company currently speaking, to present a logo or some other description that better identifies the company, or simply to avoid confusion so that you know you are listening to the right presentation.

I selected a video webcast, but see only a logo or a black display in the player.
     It takes a little time to establish a connection to the video server and begin streaming video. We've noticed 5 to 15 seconds of delay, depending on the thoroughput of the computer's Internet connection, and other factors. Please wait a few seconds to give the video stream time to load.  For live webcasts, occasionally a presentation may begin a few minutes late.

I get disconnected or see error messages from the player.
     Network congestion from heavy traffic on the Internet or a local area network can prevent the player from maintaining a constant connection. Try again in case of temporary congestion.
     Also, check if you are on a local area network behind a corporate firewall.

Web Browsers and Media Players

To view or hear a webcast, your computer needs to have special software installed: a Web browser, and an up-to-date player that is compatible with your Web browser.

Try the System Test to see if it works in your Web browser, and on your computer system.

For maximum compatibility with our program, please use a JavaScript-enabled browser (such as Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer), and a media player that is compatible with Windows Media.  These links go to Web sites where you can get software:

Note: If you see a "Plug-in Not Found" page, it may mean that your player was installed on your computer before the Web browser.  If your Web browser software was installed or reinstalled after your player, and the player no longer works, you may need to reinstall the player.

Note: Some browsers and browser versions work better with some players and player versions.  Windows Media Player is best supported on one of Microsoft's Windows operating systems.  If you want to use a recent version of Netscape (6 or higher) with Windows Media Player, you must use Windows Media Player version 7.1 or later.

For Mac OS users: Microsoft has been distributing "Windows Media Components for QuickTime" by Flip4Mac, and is discontinuing Windows Media Player for the Mac platform. Please be aware that some versions of Flip4Mac's product have a "Create streaming movies" option that is turned off by default. Turning it on may help to resolve some problems with receiving media streamed over the Internet.

More help about Windows Media Player:

General Requirements for Computers


Computer

  • Minimum 64 MB (most new computers have enough memory)
  • Sound card and speakers
  • Video card capable of 800x600 or better resolution (we optimize for 1024x768 pixels)
  • Operating system: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
  • Media Player: Windows Media Player or "Windows Media Components for QuickTime" (by Flip4Mac)

Connection Speed

  • A dial-up connection (56 Kb/s) will be able to receive audio, and some video. We recommend higher speeds to ensure quality reception of video data.
  • High-speed, broadband connectivity such as a DSL or cable modem connection recommended for smooth playback

More Help

For further help with technical questions, please contact: