Viewing Real streaming media clips on FocusWest

What do I need?

If you click on a or an interview "Response" link and you don't soon see a video clip begin playing, you may need a media player. Actually, you'll need a specific media player, one from Real Networks.

How do I get it?

The basic Real player is free for the download, but Real would rather you buy their subscription service so they make it hard to find. Try this link first: http://www.real.com/freeplayer/?rppr=idahoptv. It should take you directly to a download page. If the link doesn't work, try the tips below that should help you get up and running.

Go to Real.com's download page.
On the right-hand side the page there is a section about the Basic player, and toward the bootom of that column, a link: "Download the Free RealPlayer." When you click on it a window that begins your download should pop up. Follow the directions for downloading and installing the player.

How long will it take to download the Real player?

It could take up to 25-30 minutes if you're using a dial-up modem to connect to the internet.

Do I need to pay for the RealOne player?

Only if you want to subscribe to content offered by Real and its partners.

I clicked on the "Free"/"Download Now" button and got a form that talks about the "RealOne SuperPass Trial." Will this get me the free player?

It could, but only if you give Real your credit card number first and then cancel the service before 14 days are up. It's much easier to just click on the "Free RealOne Player" link. No credit card required.

I already have Windows Media player or Quicktime. Do I have to use the Real player?

Unfortunately yes. Real, Windows Media, and Quicktime all use proprietary formats for their media files. Their players support the other formats grudgingly, if at all. Even independent players, like Musicmatch or Winamp, don't support all the media formats.

Will I be able to use the Real player on other sites?

Absolutely. Many public television sites use the Real format for their streaming media files. And lots of non-public TV sites do too.

I have an older computer and it doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for the RealOne player. What should I do?

Real makes older versions of their players available for just this situation. You can get to older player versions by clicking on this link: http://forms.real.com/real/player/blackjack.html Basically, versions G2, 7 and 8 will work with Windows 9x/Pentium systems. Version 5 and lower will work with Windows 3x/486 systems.

Okay, I've got the player. What the heck do "View Dialup" and "View Broadband" mean? Which one should I click on?

Real's streaming media files can be optimized for different connection speeds. Basically the idea is that higher quality video, for example, a larger video window size, is possible over higher speed connections. So in places we've made the higher quality encodes available for people who have high speed connections, say over an office LAN or a home DSL/Cable modem hookup. If you're one of the lucky ones to have these kinds of connections, click on the "View Broadband" link. If you have a dialup modem or you're not sure, click on the "View Dialup" link. Either type will work, but trying to view a file designed for a high-speed link through a 28.8k modem will be frustrating.

Still need the Real player? Go to Real.com