If you have comments or other questions, please send them to webcast@nws.edu

 Q 1. How can I view the webcast? 

Beginning at 6:45 PM EDT on Saturday, October 13, you may click on the banner on the bottom of the page at www.nws.edu. You will be directed to a page that will ask you to sign in, providing your name and e-mail address, neither of which will be shared or used in solicitations. Upon pressing "submit," the webcast stream will automatically appear on your screen.

Q 2. What is streaming audio or video?

Streaming audio or video is sound (as on the radio) or video (as on television) delivered over the Internet via a modem or broadband connection.

Q 3. Why is it called "streaming"?

It's called "streaming" because the sound and picture data flow in a digital stream from a server computer to your computer, ready to hear or view in real time, without having to download all of the content before you can enjoy it. It comes to you in a stream of digital bits... hence the term "streaming."

Q 4. What kinds of streaming audio or video are there?

The streaming media player used in this web cast is Windows Media Player (Microsoft). It provides streaming media players for the Mac and Windows platforms. The media player types vary in cross-compatibility. The best web browser to view the stream is Internet Explorer, although the stream is compatible with Mozilla Firefox and Safari.

Q 5. What difference does it make if content is streamed, rather than downloaded?

Audio and video files can be very large. You would spend many minutes or even hours waiting for them to be downloaded to your computer if they weren't streamed. Streaming media technology allows you to see or hear the content in just a few seconds, instead of having to wait for it. Your only wait is a few seconds for a "buffer" to be built up that helps avoid interruptions caused by Internet traffic problems.

Q 6. What special equipment do I need to get streaming audio or video?

You only need modern computer with a Web connection plus player software that can receive and process audio/video streams. You probably have the players already on your computer.

Q 7. How can I tell if I have everything I need?

Most recent computers will have everything needed. If you have speakers/earphones for your computer and you've heard them play sound, chances are you're okay. The faster your online connection (modem, cable, DSL) and computer speed (in megahertz), the higher the quality of the streaming audio or video will be. A minimum connection of 300kbps is necessary in order to properly view the webcast.

Q 8. What are media players? Do I have one?

A media player is a special type of software that recognizes the stream coming into your computer and displays the video on your screen or plays audio through your speakers or headphones. There are three different formats of media players that are most commonly used: Adobe Flash, RealPlayer and Windows Media. Your computer may or may not have one of them already installed.

Q 9. Is it possible to record streaming audio?

If it is allowed it's possible, however this web cast is restricted.  

Q 10. Is there any downside to streaming?

There are some potential problems, but we'll tell you how to avoid or minimize them.

(1) Traffic jams. Streaming requires an Internet connection that's free of bottlenecks or "traffic jams." But the Internet isn't a direct pipeline from the source to you. Streamed content passes through many other computers on its way to your computer via your ISP (Internet Service Provider). If any one of them is carrying too much traffic, the streamed content may be interrupted and pause. Streamed content is "buffered" to help avoid this, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Usually the delay only lasts a few seconds, and the audio picks up where it stopped. Video is more sensitive to such interruptions.

(2) A slow computer. Even with a fast computer, if you have too many applications open, it could slow down your media streaming. If you notice things are sluggish, close all unnecessary applications and windows running on your computer. Just keep your Web browser and your media player open. (If you're just listening or watching, you can even close your browser.) In any case, speedy computers (at least 400 Mhz or higher) are best.

Q 11. What if I am using QuickTime to view the webcast?

To view this stream using QuickTime, you will need to download the free plug-in for QuickTime, which is available by clicking here. Once you have installed the plug-in, you will be able to view the webcast by clicking on the QuickTime link available on the
webcast page - www.nws.edu/webcast.