Q: How
does Webcasting work?
A: Video and audio content from
the Chapel's cameras and audio system is transferred
to "streaming media" software running on a PC equipped
with capture cards. The content is encoded, and then
sent to a specialised server. This server distributes
the webcast onto the Internet - either as a live broadcast,
or as "on demand" content" stored for later access.
For viewing and listening, a program on the user's
computer (RealPlayer) then converts the data stream
from the webcast server.
Q: What is the difference
between webcasting and streaming?
A: In general, the terms are used
inter-changeably. Technically, "Webcasting" covers
all the steps in producing an online broadcast - from
capture and coding of content through to delivery,
whereas "Streaming" refers to the software that actually
delivers the webcast to the user's desktop player
program over the web. The word comes from the way
it works: webcast data is viewed, but not actually
downloaded in full and stored on the user's computer
- it just "streams" through in real time, piece by
piece.
Q: What do I need on my
PC to experience a webcast?
A: The vast majority of late-model
PC's come equipped with everything you need: at least
a fast processor, a sound card, and a player program
which can be downloaded for free from the Internet.
For the recommended system configuration, please see
the PC System Requirements for
Streaming Video/Audio section.
Q: What if my PC does not
meet the recommended system requirements?
A: Your PC may still be able to
view webcasts, but the quality may suffer. Please
access the RealNetworks site (www.real.com)
for information on the minimum requirements, or for
previous player versions (these may have less demanding
system requirements).
Q: I have a Mac instead
of a PC - can I still experience a webcast?
A: Yes, a Mac version of RealPlayer
is available.
Q: I have an older Macintosh
computer - can I still view webcasts?
A: Your Mac may be able to view
webcasts. Please access the RealNetworks site (www.real.com)
for information on the minimum requirements, or for
previous player versions (these may have less demanding
system requirements).
Q: What is the maximum
number of people who can view webcasts at one time?
A: Up to 50 people can view separate
RealPlayer sessions at one time. Once the maximum
has been reached, any additional users will see a
message saying "Server has reached its capacity
and can serve no more streams. Please try again later.".
Q: When clicking on the
live broadcast link, a message appeared saying "Requested
file not found. The link you followed may be outdated
or inaccurate". What does this mean?
A: Only certain funerals are webcast.
If there is no broadcast at the time you are viewing,
you will see this message. Please check the time of
the funeral by clicking on the Today's Funerals button
at the top of this web page, and try again later.
Q: How soon after a funeral
will the video of the funeral service be available
on the Recent Broadcasts web page?
A: Normally, this will be available
within 2 working days.
Q: Are there any tips to
improve the experience of viewing webcasts?
A: Generally, you should close all
other open windows on your PC, except for your browser
and the RealPlayer. Other applications which use the
Internet should always be shut down (e.g. Outlook
Express) as these may reduce the bandwidth available
to the RealPlayer. Also, unless you have a broadband
connection, keep the RealPlayer at its minimum size.
Q: Why am I having problems
viewing webcasts at my workplace?
A: Some office networks have a firewall
which will block or slow down streaming media. Please
talk to your Network Administrator if you are having
problems.
Q: Is it possible to save
a streaming media file to my local drive?
A: No. The webcast files are only
designed to be streamed and can not be saved to your
hard drive.
If you do need a copy of a funeral
webcast, please e-mail the MCB at mcb@mcb.wa.gov.au
(please allow 4 working days for a reply).
PC
System Requirements for Streaming Video/Audio
The minimum and recommended PC system
requirements are listed on the Real.com website here.
How
to Download & Install the RealPlayer
If the computer
you are using does not already have the Real Networks
RealPlayer installed, you will need to download and
install it. The instructions below are for installation
on an IBM-compatible PC.
- To download
the free RealPlayer for PC's,
start by clicking
here.
- In the
window that opens, look for the correct download
link for your Windows operating system, then click
on this link.
- A list
of download locations will then appear. Click on
a link for a location such as Seattle.
- In the
File Download window that opens next, click on the
button which says "Open".
- The RealOne
Install Wizard window then appears once the file
is downloaded - click "Next", then "Accept".
- A progress
bar will then appear while files are copied and
installed. When completed, the "Finish"
button will appear - click this button to complete
the install.
- A message
will then appear requesting a re-start of your computer
- click the button which says "OK".
- After the
PC has re-started, RealPlayer will appear on the
screen. At this point, the RealPlayer is now installed
on your PC. Please test your RealPlayer by clicking
here
- you should then be able to view our video on Webcasting.
To download
the free RealPlayer for Macintosh,
start by clicking
here and follow the instructions
on the screen.
View
the Webcast Terms & Conditions
Before booking a webcast, you will
need to read and understand our Terms and Conditions.
To view the Webcast Terms & Conditions, please click
here.
View
the Webcast Booking Sheet
If you would like to book a webcast,
simply view the Webcast Booking Sheet by clicking
here,
then print it out, fill it in with your details and
fax it back to us on 9384 9273.
