Windows Streaming Media Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum hardware requirements for the Windows Media Player 9
Windows Media Player 9 is currently available for Windows 9 98, 2000 and XP. See the chart below to ensure that your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements.

Operating System Windows 98, 2000 and XP
CPU 200 MHz IntelŪ PentiumŪ processor or equivalent
RAM 32MB or more
Modem (audio and video) 56 Kbps or faster
Sound Card 16-bit sound card and speakers
Video Card 16-color video display card (video)

How do I reinstall Windows Media Player?

This procedure has been found to fix Windows Media Player installations that produce Dr. Watson and similar errors.

1. Go to START menu
2. Choose SETTINGS
3. Choose CONTROL PANEL
4. Double click "Add/Remove Programs"
5. You'll see a list of programs installed on your PC in alphabetical order.
6. Highlight "Microsoft Windows Media Player"
7. Click on the "Add/Remove" button.
8. A window will appear with a percent bar and will tell you when the delete is done. Close the window.
9. Reboot your computer.
10. After your machine is rebooted, go back to the web site http://www.rochesterlpga.com/webcast.cfm
and click on the appropriate video link (56K for Dial-Up or 100K for Office).
11. You'll receive a message that you need to load Media Player and would you like to do it now? Say yes and it should load the software and start the video within a few minutes.
12. If it does not work, you may need to reboot your PC after the install is complete.

How do I configure Internet Explorer for the LPGA Webcast?

Open the Tools menu on the IE 5 toolbar and select "Internet Options." Choose the Security tab and click the "Custom Level" button. Configure the six categories as shown below:
Active X controls and plug-ins
Enable the following:
"Download signed ActiveX controls"
"Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins"
"Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting"
Cookies
Enable both options in this section.
Downloads
Click "Enable" under "File Download."
Miscellaneous
Set "Software channel permissions" to "Medium safety."
Scripting
Enable all options under this category.
User Authentication
Skip this section.
When you are finished, click "OK" and select the General tab. Follow these steps:
Click the "Settings" button located in the Temporary Internet Files category.
Click the option marked "Every visit to the page."
Click "OK."
Click the "Delete Files" button located in the Temporary Internet Files category.
Click "OK."
Click the "Apply" button located at the bottom.
Click "OK."
Click the refresh icon on the toolbar and try the broadcast again

Which Connection speed should I select?
The quality of streaming media on the Internet can vary greatly depending on several factors, including overall Internet traffic usage, and the speed of your own connection to the Internet. Variations in video quality are to be expected, but you can do some things to help ensure the best possible performance. Before playing a Clip from the LPGA Webcast page, you must correctly select the version for your Internet connection speed from the LPGA Webcast page. The higher your connection speed, the better your viewing experience will be.

High bandwidth: If you are accessing the Internet with a T1 connection, DSL or cable modem, select the "300k" version. This option offers the best viewing quality and a larger movie window. Lower bandwidth: If you have a lower bandwidth dial-up modem or are not sure, select the "56k" link. As with all streaming technologies, viewing quality will vary depending on several factors including overall internet traffic congestion.

I receive an error message when I attempt to play a file in Windows Media Player. How can I troubleshoot the problem?

http://support.microsoft.com/support/mediaplayer/wmper/wmperrcode_main.asp

What is the potential for encountering viruses in Windows Media files?
It is important to protect your computer against viruses by using an antivirus program. Microsoft does not provide any antivirus functionality in Windows, so you should install an antivirus program to protect your computer. In addition to the audio and video content, Windows Media files can contain data that runs your browser and opens a specific Internet address. For example, the content may open a Web site that is related to the audio or video content, or may contain text and graphics such as a banner advertisement. Windows Media Player ignores any scripting or similar commands; any links contained in the content are handed off by Windows Media Player to the browser. At that point, the browser security settings apply to any content that you view in the browser.

For more information about viruses and antivirus software manufacturers, refer to the following articles:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q129/9/72.ASP Description of Computer Viruses

Why do I get a message that says "buffering" but the video never begins?
When internet traffic is high, streaming video can rebuffer, hiss, or skip when the connection becomes too thin to consistently support the stream. This is expected behavior. Try playing the content during times when Internet traffic is not at its peak. Early morning or Lunch hour on either coast are typically busy times for network traffic. Connections and playback will be better at other hours.

Why is the video playback choppy and the images distorted?
The video shows in whatever color resolution your system is set to display. Playback quality can also be affected by connection rate and net congestion. To improve the video image quality, you can: Set your monitor to 16-bit (thousands) or 24-bit (millions) color.

Also:
- Update the system's video driver regularly.
- Close other unnecessary applications that may be open on your computer.
- Do not use the "Zoom" button on lower bandwidth clips.
- Make sure you are choosing the appropriate speed to play the clip based on you bandwidth. (See selecting a connection speed.)