Help with QuickTime and viewing options
What is QuickTime?
QuickTime is software that enables your computer to play video and audio clips from the Internet. It is the format used on Radio Drama: Bow Down Shadrach.
How do I get QuickTime?
To download a free version of QuickTime, select the Get QuickTime Free Download button next to the video clip graphic.
- If you are online, this will open the Apple QuickTime website http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.
- Complete the "download the free player" details which appear on the site. This includes selecting your computer's operating system.
- Enter your name and email address on the screen and change the country of origin option to "New Zealand".
- Click on "Download QuickTime".
- You will be asked if you wish to download ActiveX – please select "Yes".
- Information will be presented on-screen during the installation process.
If you don't have QuickTime you will get the following prompt.
Which version of QuickTime is best for viewing these clips?
We recommend QuickTime version 6 or later.
If you already have QuickTime installed, you may need to upgrade it to version 6. To check which version you have, do the following:
PC settings
- Go to Start/Settings/Control Panel
- Double click on QuickTime
- The version number is above the QuickTime logo
Mac settings
- Go to System Preferences
- Click QuickTime
- The version number is above the QuickTime logo
If you find you do not have QuickTime 6 installed, go to How do I get QuickTime?
Tip: If you have difficulties downloading QuickTime 6 from the Internet – for example because you are on a slow connection – you might like to consider purchasing the popular monthly magazine, NetGuide. Most editions of this magazine offer a free CD-ROM of software and utilities, including QuickTime.
Which viewing option should I select?
Video clips are large files, so it is best to select the viewing option that is the same or is less than your connection speed to the Internet.
Explanation of the different versions:
| 28 KBps |
audio only clip – suitable for extremely slow connections |
| 56 KBps |
video clip – suitable for slow speed, dialup modems |
| 128 KBps |
video clip – suitable for medium connections, cable/broadband |
| 256 KBps |
video clip – suitable for fast connections (e.g., Telecom Jetstream and LAN) |
You can check your Internet access speed by placing your cursor over the connection icon on the bottom of your screen. An information screen should then pop up. If you are on a school network, you may need to ask your technical support person for this information.
What does "KBps" and "bandwidth" mean?
"KBps" means "kilobytes per second". The higher the "KBps", the faster your connection is to the Internet. You can usually see this information when connected to the Internet by placing your cursor over your modem icon at the bottom right of your screen.
The term "bandwidth" is also used when discussing Internet connection speeds. For example, "broad bandwidth" indicates high speed access to the Internet.
The Project Probe initiative aims to provide all New Zealand schools with a broad bandwidth connection of 512KBps by the end of 2004.
What does "download" mean?
The "download" option that is available means that the video file you click on will download to your computer before you view it.
The download can take some time if you have a slow connection, but this format offers a higher quality picture, and the clip remains available on your computer for later viewing offline.
Please note: If you are on a very slow connection to the Internet – e.g., under 56.6KBps connection speed – we suggest you select the 28.8KBps version offered. This will play an audio only, smaller file size, version of the video clip.
Do I need a particular browser to view these clips?
We recommend you have the latest Internet Explorer browser installed on your computer.
This is a free browser and is the most commonly used browser on the Internet today.
Internet Explorer 6 – for PC users
To find out which version of Internet Explorer you have installed, open your browser and click on the "Help" link at the top left of the browser screen. Then select the "About Internet Explorer" link to read about the version you have installed.
If you find you do not have Internet Explorer 6 installed on your computer, follow these instructions to download it, free, from the Internet.
- Make sure you are online.
- Go to this part of the Microsoft site http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp
- Follow the steps explained on the site.
Tip: If you have difficulties downloading Internet Explorer 6 – for example because you are on a slow connection – you might like to consider purchasing the popular monthly magazine, NetGuide. Most editions of this magazine offer a free CD–ROM of software and utilities, including the latest browsers.
Internet Explorer 5 – for Macs
Microsoft recently advised that it would no longer develop Internet Explorer browser versions for Macs. You can go to this Microsoft page for information about the current version of Explorer available for Macs http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/internetexplorer/ internetexplorer.aspx?pid=internetexplorer
We recommend you discuss browser options for your Mac computer with the technical support person in your school. This is because the new browser produced by Apple – Safari – is becoming increasingly common on Macs. As Safari is very new, some compatibility issues are arising with which you may need assistance.
Do I need special settings on my computer to view these clips?
If you are using an older browser, you may need to change some settings on your computer to be able to play the video clips. Upgrading your browser to Internet Explorer 6 could avoid this problem (See, Do I need a particular browser to view these clips?).
However, if upgrading your browser is not possible, then please follow these instructions.
QuickTime Player streaming settings for PCs:
- Go to Start/Settings/Control Panel
- Double click on QuickTime
- Select "Streaming Transport" from the dropdown
- Make sure that the Use HTTP, Port 80 is selected
- Close QuickTime Settings
QuickTime Player streaming settings for Macs:
- Go to System Preferences
- Click QuickTime
- Click the "Connection" tab
- Click on "Transport setup"
- Make sure that the Use HTTP, Port 80 is selected
- Close QuickTime Settings
Will my firewall cause problems?
If you experience problems receiving QuickTime content, we suggest you check to see if you or your school has a firewall installed – for example, firewall software such as Zone Alarm.
Firewalls restrict access to certain types of files. If you have this type of software running on your computer or network, you will need to adjust the firewall restrictions to allow the QuickTime installation to occur, and/or for the video clips to be played successfully.
Where do I go for more help?
If you experience any problems viewing the video clips, please feel free to contact us, email: viewinghelp@tki.org.nz or call toll-free number 0800 CALLICT (0800 225542) or email callict@tki.org.nz
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