Streaming Media FAQ

Live Streaming Frequently Asked Questions

• I am receiving an error message beginning with "Subscription failed..." or all I see is a "spinning disk" accompanied by a black screen or static image. What is causing this behavior?
  In most instances, this error is encountered if our live event hasn't started yet (or if the Legislature is in recess/done for the day). Please make sure you try and access the stream after the live event you are trying to view has started. You will also see this behavior if the live event has concluded.
   
• I am receiving an error message beginning with "Stream not found..." What is causing this error?
  You have a firewall issue with your computer, router, or shared network. This problem is most prevalent for persons using a shared network in a business environment. Our player requires communication via RTMP which requires outgoing TCP/IP connections on the default port 1935. With certain firewalls, traffic will be inspected, and non-HTTP traffic may get rejected. This could prevent communication over RTMP even when the proper port is open. If you are using a shared connection at a business, please have your IT department consult the documentation for your particular firewall (both personal and company-wide network installations apply), to determine how to properly configure it to allow RTMP traffic.
   
• I have a mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.). Can I view your live streams?
  Starting in 2013, our live streams are iOS & Android 2.1+ compatible. Most modern, mobile devices that support video playback and are connected to a Wi-Fi or 4G connection should be able to access our live events. Special note for Kindle Fire/HD users: if your device supports flash, please enable this feature before accessing a live stream. Second generation kindles do not have this option--for those:
  1. From the Silk browser, tap the Menu icon at the bottom or right side of the screen.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Under General, tap Requested website view and then select Mobile.
  4. Reload our player and you should now be able to view live events (and On Demand content).
      
• The sound keeps dropping in and out and/or the video keeps buffering. What can I do?
  Sometimes various network congestion can cause some streaming hiccups but for the most part, our stream should work smoothly. These symptoms will occur if you are trying to view video using a dial up (AOL, PeoplePC, etc...), 3G (mobile connectivity option), or a very slow DSL/Satellite connection. Our live video streaming service has been optimized for broadband delivery so please check with your local Internet Service Providers for upgrade options in your area. You may also witness these problems if you are on a shared network and multiple people are trying to access our video stream simultaneously. To remedy the situation try accessing the "Low Bandwidth" video stream or try the "Audio Only" option if it exists.
   
  One other note for State Government Streams: Please be aware that the committee chairman has the ability to mute certain sections of content or disable video for short periods of time. You may witness a blank, gray video stream during this moderation period.
   
• I missed a live stream. Is a replay available anywhere?
  We do not have the rights to archive any legislative sessions or committee hearings. The Judicial branch of our coverage have replays available at the following links: Supreme Court or Court of Appeals.

  We also do not have the rights to provide video on demand replays of sporting events. Selected high school events will have DVDs produced. More information can be found on our NET Sports page.

  Other NET series, documentaries, and news features will most likely be available for replay within a day or two of the broadcast. Please search our site for the program or check the On Demand tab on our Live & On Demand page for the most recent archives.
   

• I am having trouble listening to your NET Radio live stream. Any suggestions?
  Make sure any pop-up blockers are disabled and javascript is enabled in your browser. In addition, our online radio stream player requires a current version of the Flash plugin be installed. Please click here to install the latest version, restart your browser, and then try to play our stream again. If you have an iOS or Android powered mobile device, please try our NET Radio App.
   

Video On Demand / Other Frequently Asked Questions

• Video is playing fine but I can't hear anything. What is wrong?
  Please insure other audio sources are working on your computer. Example: is sound playing from YouTube hosted videos? If you are having trouble with all audio sources, please refer to your computer operating system's documentation in order to enable audio.
   
• I just see a black or gray box--no video or audio is playing. What is causing this error?
  Your browser does not have a current version of the Flash plugin or your current Flash installation is corrupt. Please click here to install the latest version, restart your browser, and then try to play our stream again. Our On Demand streams are iOS & Android 2.1+ compatible. If you have a compatible device are are still having problems, please contact us.
   
• Viewing full screen video is choppy, slow, or "fuzzy." What can I do?
  If you are watching the high bandwidth stream, the picture quality in full screen should be very watchable--not crystal clear like TV--but definitely viewable. 
   
  If our video is stuttering during full screen playback mode (meaning frames are dropping out or images are tearing) then your computer's hardware is not capable of rendering full screen video at a fast rate. If the motion is stuttering at full screen then there are no software adjustments you can make to your computer to improve the quality--the only solution for viewing full screen would be to purchase a better video card or upgrade to a faster computer.
   
  If you are watching the low bandwidth stream at full screen, the picture will be significantly degraded. We recommend our low bandwidth stream not be viewed in full screen mode to preserve sharpness.
   
• All of a sudden I hear double audio or the video is very sluggish. What is wrong?
  Please try restarting your computer and re-initiating our stream.
   
• When scrolling on pages that have a video or audio player sometimes the player gets covered up by text or an image. Why?
  Updating your browser, flash player, and video drivers may solve this annoyance. Another fix discoverd in the Firefox browser is:
  
  1. In the Firefox menu, click Tools>>Options
  2. Click on the “Advanced” tab at the top
  3. In the “General” tab underneath “Browsing” uncheck the box that reads “Use hardware acceleration when available”
  4. Click the OK button

Additional Support

If you are still unable to connect or have any other concerns, please contact our customer service department and we will provide support. Please include as much detail of the problem you are having as possible.