Streaming Media Help

Monticello's streaming media files require the use of the Windows Media Player. You must have a recent version of the Windows Media Player installed and properly configured in order to play these videos. A free version of the Windows Media Player is available for download from Microsoft.

Our streaming files are hosted by Globix, Inc., which maintains a nationwide network of distributed streaming servers to provide you with the best connection. If you are experiencing problems there are several possible reasons:

• You are using an unsupported version of Windows Media Player (accept the automatic "codec" upgrades or follow the link above to get the latest version upgrade).
• Your browser's settings need to be modified. For instance, Windows Media links may not play properly if the Windows Media plug-In is not installed properly in Netscape Navigator 4.x. Similarly, Netscape Navigator version 6.0 & above may cause errors if the Windows Media Player is not properly registered. See the Other Browsers FAQ on the Windows Media Help Page for how to address these problems.
• You are trying to view the file from behind a Firewall, which is common on a corporate network. Contact your network administrator for details.
• There is a problem with the connection between your ISP and Globix. This can often lead to the stream being played at a lower rate than is optimal, especially with Dial-up connections. Contact your ISP first to see if they are experiencing heavy network usage or outages.
  

Other issues:

• A protocol error. Viewers using earlier versions of Netscape or a Macintosh operating system may not recognize the "mms://" protocol (as opposed to the "http://" or "ftp://" protocols). In some cases, adding "mms://" as a new protocol associated with the Windows Media Player under your browser's preferences can correct the problem. In other cases, you will have to open the Windows Media Player automatically and copy the following url:

  mms://sw-nyc-006.media.globix.net/COMP008555MOD1/

  along with appropriate filename at the end (i.e., slaughter1modem.wmv) into the space provided under "File -> Open URL."
• The image is not moving: This is most likely to happen with Dial-up connections. The optimal stream rate for 56K modems is 40Kbps. Your rate may fluctuate depending on the activity level of your ISP's connections. In other cases, your processor may be overworked. Try moving the Windows Media Player with your mouse to refresh the screen. If your processor is the problem, you will see the video move as you move the player.
• The image is very blurry: While the resolution for Dial-up connections is apt to be blurry due to technical limitations, it's important to note that each stream rate is set to an optimal viewing size. Trying to view the video at a larger size will severely degrade the look of the image. For Dial-up connections, the optimal size is 160 x 120. For Broadband, the optimal size is 320 x 240. These should be automatically set when you access the video.
  

If you are still having problems, we recommend contacting Windows Media Player Help Page or its Technical Support Page.