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Computer & Browser Requirements

Streaming audio or video requires a computer system with an Internet connection that can play the streamed files.

System Requirements:

Player & Plug-ins:

Other Factors that affect Streaming:

Disclaimer:

Many variables affect the quality of streaming technology. The link above detects the minimum necessary for streaming, but does NOT guarantee streaming ability or quality.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Your system must meet the minimum requirements in order to access the streaming audio or video.

Windows Recommended: Macintosh Recommended:
  • 200MHz Intel Pentium processor or better
  • 32MB or more of RAM
  • 56.6Kbps or better modem
  • Full Duplex Sound card and speakers
  • 65,000-color or better video display card
  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows 2000 ME (final release version only) or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4
  • G3 233 (or faster) PowerPC
  • 64MB RAM or more
  • 56.6Kbps or better Internet connection (both audio and video)
  • Virtual Memory turned on, set to 128MB Mac* OS 8.5 or later

Browser requirements

You will need a current version of Web browser software in order to access the streaming audio or video and the appropriate plugins.

Firewalls

A firewall is a system designed to protect private networks from unauthorized access. Depending on how a firewall is set up, it might block or affect the quality of streaming audio or video.

Firewalls can exist for a group of computers (like in a department), and on an individual's computer. The firewall needs to allow streaming video to pass; often it is blocked. If the firewall is set up outside the individual's computer, the system administrator will be needed to open a port to allow streaming video.

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Connection Speed

Higher connection speeds are needed for most video (DSL or better). It is possible to stream video at 56Kbps, but the window size is small and the image and motion quality is poor.

Audio streams do well below 56Kbps. For voice, it is possible to go as low as 6Kbps and achieve AM radio quality.

Connection speed can vary - depending on the time of day and level of traffic on the Internet. As network or web congestion occurs, the playback quality can degrade to the point where the video freezes, continually rebuffers and the audio breaks up.

The more bandwidth required by a streaming file, the more likely network congestion problems will occur.

Better quality is possible with higher bandwidths, but maintaining that bandwidth for an extended period can be a problem.

Assistance

For help with streaming media for instruction, please send an e-mail to atc_support@cornell.edu.

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Location and Hours

  • Computing and Communications Center Room 124 Garden Ave.
  • Open Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM during the academic year
  • Closed on university holidays

Maintenance Schedule

Any regular system maintenance and server restarts for any of our services will be scheduled weekdays between 5:00 am and 7:00 am. All users should be aware that a system may become unavailable during this maintenance time.

Contact

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