I'm trying to stream WGBH Radio, but I can't hear anything, what should I do?
- The most common reason for streaming difficulties with WGBH Radio is the use of an outdated web browser and media player. Check to see if you have an up-to-date, supported browser and media player. (Web browsers: Download Firefox for PC, Mac, or Linux; download Safari 4 for PC or Mac; download Internet Explorer 8 for PC. Media Player: Download Flash.)
- After installing an updated web browser and/or media player, be sure to restart your browser before tyring to listen to our streams.
- After clicking on a WGBH Radio stream you still can't hear anything, confirm your computer is not muted, speakers are on and the volume is turned up.
- If you are listening at work, your company may have a "firewall" enabled to securely protect its internal data. Sometimes your company's proxy settings may be set in such a way that they prevent external streaming sources from occurring. If this is the case, please contact the IT department of your company.
- It's possible your computer isn't set up properly to handle the file types used by our streams. This can be the case if you have recently installed or upgraded your media players. Seek professional advice before making any changes to your system. WGBH is not responsible for any changes you may decide to make to your computer set-up. These tips are intended as a guide only to help you diagnose any problem you may be having.
- If you are using a computer that is not connected to a firewall, read the help provided in your operating system concerning file type associations. To do this in Windows, go to Start > Help; click on the Search tab and type in "file type associations," click 'List topics,' select the relevant topic and read the advice provided. To do this in Mac OS, in the Finder, select the document and choose File > Get Info. In the Info window, click to show the "Open with" pane. Choose the application you want to use from the pop-up menu. If you want all documents that have the same file type as this one to open with the same application, click Change All.
- If all else fails, try restarting your computer.
Why does the stream sometimes stop for a while or stutter?
This may be due to Internet congestion, which can be more frequent at certain times of the day. Audio technology on the Internet is still relatively new. The amount of information that can travel along the average telephone line is limited. This can cause a queue in the audio signal. Current streaming technology makes best efforts not to lose this information and holds or 'buffers' it until the line is clear to receive further information. This is why there is sometimes a stuttering or delaying effect when receiving a stream.
What kind of software do I need to watch and listen online?
The site primarily relies on Flash for audio and video content. But you may also want one of the following for listening to audio without having to view the website: iTunes, Real Player, Windows Media Player, WinAmp, or a variety of other players most of which are available for free and can be downloaded online.
