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Troubleshooting / More Information

Audio Players

Windows Media Player vers.9 or later is required for all ABC streaming audio.

Most PCs already have the Windows Media Player installed. Macintosh computers will readily play MP3 ('podcast') files, but do not come bundled with a player suitable for streaming audio.

Visit the ABC Streaming Media Players page for advice and links to find the software you need.

Please note that if you decide to install the Real Player, you do not need to pay for it. Be sure to locate the link to the free player, not the trial version.

Streaming audio

Listening to 'streaming' audio on the internet can be precarious. The most common problem is playback stalling until more data arrives ('buffering').

Relevant factors are;

• viewing other web-pages while listening (unwise if you only have a 56k modem)
• network congestion (periods of high demand)
• quality of phone line (hum, clicks and crackles)
• restriction of data flow (you have exceeded your monthly download limit)

Note that for our 'audio-on-demand' (programs 'stored' and available at any time), the Windows Media format requires a 56k modem or better. If you have Windows Media Player 9 or better, the 'live' Windows Media stream will automatically adapt to your connection speed.

Even the best technology fails. If you find that there is a persistent 'apology' message instead of a particular program, please be asssured that we will repair the audio when possible, if at all possible.

Remember that with 'audio-on-demand' you are not storing a large file on your computer. Data arrives in real time, so you must remain connected to the internet to listen to ABC Classic FM programs.

If you are concerned about how much data you are downloading while you listen, 60 minutes of Windows Media audio requests about 11MB of data with a 56k modem (32kbps). Broadband Realplayer users can expect to download 23MB per hour (64kbps).

If you are listening from your workplace and you are no longer able to play ABC programs (but it works at home), please consult your IT specialists to see if any new security measures have been introduced before raising the issue with the ABC.

Alternative links

You can launch ABC Classic FM's live audio stream directly with these links: Real Player | Windows Media | mp3 broadband

Personal Firewalls

If you have recently installed Personal Firewall software, you should first specify that abc.net.au is a 'trusted site' before you try changing your player settings. (NB: the end-of-program/apology message will still play regardless).

XP users

Recently, some XP users have reported that they are no longer able to play Classic FM programs. Only the end-of-program 'Apology' plays. XP can automatically update itself as a background function, requiring you to change your Windows Media Player settings;

1. Open Windows Media Player from the Start menu (Start > Programs > Windows Media Player)
2. > If you have Media Player 9, in the Tools menu of the player, click Options
   > If you have Media Player 10, locate the application menu by clicking the tiny 'down' arrow. This is located 4 buttons from the top-right edge of the player window. Choose Tools > Options
3. Click the Network tab. Make sure that these check boxes are selected [Multicast, TCP, and HTTP]
4. Make sure that UDP is not ticked
5. Click OK

If this still does not solve the problem;

1. Untick all but HTTP
2. In the list of Streaming Proxy settings, click on HTTP to select it
3. Click Configure, and choose 'Use Proxy settings of the web browser'
4. Click OK as required