At present, StreamCenter programs can only be viewed using Windows Media Player.

It's free and easy to download the player directly from the Microsoft website at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp?displang=en.

Have a Mac? StreamCenter's technology requires a windows emulator to function properly. Our streaming webcasts work with Microsoft Virtual PC version 6 or later.

The system requirements to view StreamCenter programs are the same as they are for any other video download using Windows Media Player. For a comprehensive list of requirements, visit the Microsoft Web site at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player/sysreq.aspx. Please check to make sure your computer system meets these requirements.

Every time you receive the stream, there is a brief delay after you click, during which your system "buffers" the digital stream from our server before it begins playing. If the delay is longer than a few seconds, verify that you have Windows Media Player installed on your computer, you have a broadband connection to the Internet, and you have Javascript enabled on your browser.

There are three volume controls on a Windows PC, and if any one of these is set low then the sound will be low no matter what you do to the other knobs. First make sure your volume is not muted. From the Start menu, go to the Control Panel, click on the Sounds and Audio devices icon and uncheck the Mute All button and/or adjust the volume slider bar to the right. Next, try moving the volume slider bar on the Windows Media Player. If your computer has external speakers with a volume knob you can also use it to make minor adjustments.

Broadband connections will give you the best performance, but is not required for viewing the presentations. You will still get optimal performance regardless of your connection speed; however, the size of video screen may automatically decrease to accommodate a smoother frame-rate.

It is important to check to make sure you have the latest version of Windows Media Player. Recent versions have significantly improved transmission quality.

Even if you have Windows Media Player and a broadband connection, it may still be that the number of people using the Internet in your area or on your LAN may have slowed down the transfer of information from servers to computers. This is referred to as "network congestion," and often occurs in the early evening and at other peak hours. You may experience a faster connection at an off-peak time.

A broadband connection means that you have a DSL connection, a cable modem, or a LAN connection to a T1 line (or greater). You can get these connections by contacting your ISP ("Internet service provider"), your local telephone company, or your local cable provider. Be sure to specify that you want a "broadband" connection rather than a "dial-up" connection.

"Dial-up" connections are slower, but still can be used to stream programs to your computer. You may experience a smaller video window and somewhat poorer video quality, but the stream should still work.

Once you have purchased your programs, you can view them anywhere, anytime as long as you have views remaining as displayed on your MyAccount page. However, the broadband stream that StreamCenter distributes on the Internet cannot be recorded, downloaded or stored. (When talking about broadband streaming, the words "record," "download," and "store" all refer to the same process of keeping the streamed image in a format that allows you to play it back again and again.)

Yes, if your library has a broadband connection to the Internet—and most do. Remember that you will still need your StreamCenter username and password, and you still must pay for the programs you wish to view before downloading them.

Once you have purchased your programs, you can view them anywhere, anytime as long as you have views remaining as displayed on your MyAccount page.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at help@streamcenter.com.