Frequently
Asked QuestionsQ.
What do I need on my computer to receive the live webcasts?
A.
Our live webcasts are in RealMedia format. A RealPlayer client needs to
be installed on your computer. If you do not have a current RealPlayer client,
you can download the free client at www.real.com.
Look for the link to RealPlayer 8 Basic.
RealPlayer
may possibly require additional changes to your system. These are discussed at
www.real.com. Look for
the link to System Requirements.
We
have noticed that some older web browsers do not properly start the RealPlayer
Client. Instead, a message box is displayed asking you to either "Open" or "save"
the file. Selecting "Open" should start the RealPlayer.
We
cannot provide assistance installing, configuring, or using RealPlayer on your
computer.
Q.
I have seen some web sites offer webcasts at multiple bandwidth rates, slow for
dial-up and fast for DSL. Do you?
A.
Our webcasts are broadcast using RealNetwork's SureStream technology. SureStream
automatically shifts between broadcasts encoded at higher and lower bandwidths
to optimize for your RealPlayer settings, connection speed, and congestion encountered
on the Internet. There is no need for a separate link. Of course,
better and faster connections can support higher quality broadcasts.
Slow
connections or Internet congestion can make the webcast appear "jerky".
And, because audio and video are transmitted as separate streams, Internet congestion
can also cause the sound and picture to sometimes get out of synchronication;
This is usually temporary and clears up when congestion lessens.
Q.
When I try to view the webcast I get a message that the broadcast is unavailable.
What does that mean?
A.
The most likely reason for this message is that there is no scheduled meeting
to be broadcast. Please check the Council
Calendar for the current schedule of meetings, agendas and room assignments.
You could also get this message if the maximum number of viewers we are licensed
to serve are watching. However, we anticipate this will rarely occur.
Q.
I am a City employee. Why can't I watch the City Council webcast from my
office PC?
A.
The webcast you are attempting to watch is being broadcast to the Internet and
cannot be seen from inside the City's private network. Employees with a
business need to monitor City Council sessions will be able to do so from a separate
webcast on the City's Intranet. That webcast uses multicast technology to
conserve bandwidth and avoid impact to other City applications. However,
it will take some time to enable multicast throughout the City network so some
offices will not be able to view the broadcast initially.
