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Toll Free Number: 888.695.2727
Auction Network Technical Support:
techsupport@auctionnetwork.com
System Requirements for Watching Videos on Auction Network
What is required to view videos on Auction Network?
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, NT, 2000, ME and XP or Apple OS 9, 9.1, 9.2 and OS X.
Mac users must also download Flip4Mac to view the home page schedule video.
Media Player:
Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4 or later.
Click here to upgrade to latest version of Windows Media Player.
Browser:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or later (preferred).
Click here to upgrade to the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Or Netscape 4.7x or later.
Click here to upgrade to the latest version of Netscape.
Flash Player:
Macromedia Flash Player 5 or later.
Click here to upgrade to the latest version of Macromedia Flash Player.
Can I use the Netscape browser to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website is compatible with the Netscape browser. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties or reduced functionality. To have the best video viewing experience with Auction Network, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer.
Can I use my Apple Macintosh to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website is currently optimized for Mac users with OS X with Internet Explorer and the latest version of Windows Media Player. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties or reduced functionality.
Can I use the AOL browser to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website currently works on the AOL 6 and 7,8 Browsers. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties. To be fully compatible with this website, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer.
Can I use the MSN browser to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website currently works on the MSN Browser. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties or reduced functionality. To be fully compatible with this website, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer.
Can I use QuickTime or RealPlayer to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website DOES NOT currently support QuickTime or RealPlayer. You must use Windows Media Player Version 6.4 or later. Click here to upgrade to latest version of Windows Media Player.
Are cookies required to watch videos on Auction Network?
You may experience technical difficulties when watching videos on watch videos on this website if the cookies (Internet files/web pages temporarily stored on your computer) are disabled. The following are step-by-step instructions to enable the cookies on your browser. Note that these instructions may vary slightly for different browser versions.
Internet Explorer 6.0:
1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools menu and choose Internet Options.
3. Click the Privacy tab to display the Privacy panel.
4. Use the vertical slide bar to adjust your privacy settings to Medium.
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Verify that the Override Automatic Cookie Handling option is not checked.
Note that if you prefer to use the Override Automatic Cookie Handling option, you must accept first-party cookies for watching videos on this website. Though not required for viewing, we strongly recommend also accepting third-party cookies for the best viewing experience.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK again.
9. Close all open Internet Explorer browsers.
10. Reopen the browser and return to this website.
Internet Explorer 5.5:
1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools menu and choose Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab and the Custom Level button.
4. Scroll down to the "Cookies" section and select "Enable" for both: Allow cookies that are stored on your computer. Allow per-session cookies (not stored).
5. Click OK and YES to the confirmation message.
6. Click OK again.
7. Close all open Internet Explorer browsers.
8. Reopen the browser and return to this network.
Netscape:
1. Start Netscape.
2. Click the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Advanced category on the bottom left.
4. Select "Accept all cookies" in the Cookies section.
5. Click OK.
6. Close all open Netscape browsers.
7. Open Netscape and return to this network.
Why does my computer ask for the Windows Media Player plug-in after I installed the Netscape browser?
Netscape will not recognize the Windows Media Player plug-in if you download or upgrade your Netscape browser after you have already downloaded Windows Media Player.
To determine what plug-ins you currently have:
1. Open the Netscape browser.
2. Click on Help in the menu bar.
3. Click About Plug-ins and look for the following section: "Windows Media Player Plug-in Dynamic Link Library"
Questions Regarding Auction Network Video Content
Can I download Auction Network videos to my computer?
Currently this feature is not available.
Questions Regarding Streaming Video
Why are the videos choppy or freezing?
The quality of the video clip you are watching mainly depends on two factors: (a) the speed of your Internet connection and (b) the bit rate (speed) of the video clip. The faster the bit rate of the video clip, the better the quality. However, the speed of your Internet connection will limit which video clip bit rate that you can watch. For example, if you only have a 56kbs dial up connection to the Internet, the highest video clip bit rate that you will be able to watch will be 56kbs or less (most likely less as the majority of dial-up connections only get speeds of 28kbs or less due to phone line issues). If you try to watch a video clip with a bit rate of 300kbs over a dial up connection, the video will not play. That is why we offer multiple bit rates for each video clip. Each bit rate is optimized for the different types of Internet connections available (Dial-up/DSL/Cable Modem/T1). As you can see, it is very important that you select the proper video clip bit rate for your Internet connection. For the best viewing experience, we recommend a high speed Internet connection such as DSL or Cable Modem.
It is important to note that even if you have a high-speed (DSL/ Cable Modem/ T1), Internet traffic congestion affects your connection speed and/or video performance. You will get slower or faster speeds at different times depending on peak or off-peak use hours. You may also get slower speeds during the morning and afternoon, but faster speeds late at night when fewer people are online. Also, streaming quality decreases when multiple people share the same Internet connection (e.g. at work or on a home network).
Why can I hear the audio but not see the video?
This occurs when the speed of your Internet connection is lower than the bit rate of the video clip you are watching and can be caused by either (a) your selecting of a bit rate for the video clip that is to high for your Internet connection or (b) Internet traffic congestion reduces the speed of your connection below what it should be (for example, you have a high speed DSL or cable modem connection to the Internet, but due to Internet congestion or shared usage, the effective speed of your Internet connection is actually closer to a 56kbs dial up connection).
How do I configure Windows Media Player to improve streaming?
For optimum viewing, we recommend the following:
* Windows Media Player version 9
* Windows 98 Second Edition, ME, 2000 and XP
* Apple Mac OS X
* Windows Media Player version 6.4
* Windows 98 and NT
To find out what version of Windows Media Player you currently have:
1. Start Windows Media Player.
2. Click on Help in the menu bar.
3. Click About Windows Media Player.
4. If you need to upgrade, go to Windows Media Download Center.
The following are some tips to optimize streaming on Windows Media Player.
1. Start Windows Media Player.
2. Click the Tools menu and choose Options.
3. Click the Performance tab.
4. Click "My connection speed is:" and select the appropriate speed for your Internet connection. Select Modem (56 kbps) or a lower speed if you have a 56k dial-up modem connection. Select DSL/Cable (256 kbps) or a higher speed if you have a high-speed connection (DSL, Cable Modem, T1, etc.).
5. Click OK.
6. NOTE: You can change these settings at any time.
Optional advanced settings for Windows Media Player:
1. Click the Network tab and select all the protocols: Multicast, UDP, TCP, and HTTP.
2. Click the Player tab, select "Enable automatic codec download", and choose how often you would like to upgrade (i.e., once a day, once a week, or once a month).
What does bandwidth mean and what is the difference between 56k and 300k?
Bandwidth is a term used to describe connection speed to the Internet. The numbers 56k, 300k and others describe the minimum Internet connection you need to experience the associated video or audio program. For instance, 56k requires a minimum of a 56 kbps connection to the Internet. The content may be transferred at a lower rate as long as it is suitable for the connection speed. You can always play the lower speed content over higher speed lines, but a higher number (100k, 300k, 500k, etc.) generally provides better overall quality of streaming.
What does the broadcast settings button do?
When you watch a video clip, you watch video files that are sent, or streamed, to your computer over the Internet. The speed at which these files can be streamed varies depending on your computer's "bandwidth". In other words, if you have a high bandwidth connection (i.e. cable, DSL, T1/LAN connection), your computer can receive streaming video at a higher speed than a user with low bandwidth (i.e. modem / ISDN) connection. This also means that a user with high bandwidth can receive larger, better quality video streams.
Auction Network provides multiple bit rates for each video clip in order to give both high and low bandwidth viewers the best possible viewing experience. The "broadcast settings button allows you to change between the bit rates for the video clip in order to choose the best bit rate for your computers Internet connection.
How To Troubleshoot Video Issues
Even though I have all the system requirements, why can't I see or hear any videos?
If you launch Auction Network on Windows 98 while other audio applications -- including but not limited to mp3 players -- are running, you may have trouble hearing Auction Network sound. If this is the case, close your browser and all audio applications. Restart your browser and enter Auction Network.
Why is Auction Network video viewer cutoff at the bottom of my monitor?
The bottom of Auction Network video viewer may appear cutoff if your computer's screen resolution is set to 800x600 pixels or less. To adjust your screen size, complete the following steps.
1. Click the Start button at the bottom left of your desktop.
2. Click on Settings and Control Panel.
3. Click on the Display icon.
4. Click on the Settings tab.
5. Put the mouse on top of the arrow on "Screen Area" and move it towards "More". Choose 1024x768 pixels.
6. Click OK.
7. Click OK again on the confirmation message. The screen will turn completely black for a few seconds.
8. Click YES on another confirmation message within 15 seconds, otherwise the change will not take effect.
9. Open a browser and return to an Auction Network site.
NOTE: You can change these settings at any time.
How do I return from full screen video to the Auction Network video viewer?
Hit the ESC key.
Auction Network Technical Support:
techsupport@auctionnetwork.com
System Requirements for Watching Videos on Auction Network
What is required to view videos on Auction Network?
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, NT, 2000, ME and XP or Apple OS 9, 9.1, 9.2 and OS X.
Mac users must also download Flip4Mac to view the home page schedule video.
Media Player:
Microsoft Windows Media Player 6.4 or later.
Click here to upgrade to latest version of Windows Media Player.
Browser:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or later (preferred).
Click here to upgrade to the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Or Netscape 4.7x or later.
Click here to upgrade to the latest version of Netscape.
Flash Player:
Macromedia Flash Player 5 or later.
Click here to upgrade to the latest version of Macromedia Flash Player.
Can I use the Netscape browser to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website is compatible with the Netscape browser. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties or reduced functionality. To have the best video viewing experience with Auction Network, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer.
Can I use my Apple Macintosh to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website is currently optimized for Mac users with OS X with Internet Explorer and the latest version of Windows Media Player. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties or reduced functionality.
Can I use the AOL browser to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website currently works on the AOL 6 and 7,8 Browsers. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties. To be fully compatible with this website, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer.
Can I use the MSN browser to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website currently works on the MSN Browser. However, you may encounter some technical difficulties or reduced functionality. To be fully compatible with this website, we recommend that you use Internet Explorer.
Can I use QuickTime or RealPlayer to watch videos on Auction Network?
This website DOES NOT currently support QuickTime or RealPlayer. You must use Windows Media Player Version 6.4 or later. Click here to upgrade to latest version of Windows Media Player.
Are cookies required to watch videos on Auction Network?
You may experience technical difficulties when watching videos on watch videos on this website if the cookies (Internet files/web pages temporarily stored on your computer) are disabled. The following are step-by-step instructions to enable the cookies on your browser. Note that these instructions may vary slightly for different browser versions.
Internet Explorer 6.0:
1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools menu and choose Internet Options.
3. Click the Privacy tab to display the Privacy panel.
4. Use the vertical slide bar to adjust your privacy settings to Medium.
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Verify that the Override Automatic Cookie Handling option is not checked.
Note that if you prefer to use the Override Automatic Cookie Handling option, you must accept first-party cookies for watching videos on this website. Though not required for viewing, we strongly recommend also accepting third-party cookies for the best viewing experience.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK again.
9. Close all open Internet Explorer browsers.
10. Reopen the browser and return to this website.
Internet Explorer 5.5:
1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools menu and choose Internet Options.
3. Click the Security tab and the Custom Level button.
4. Scroll down to the "Cookies" section and select "Enable" for both: Allow cookies that are stored on your computer. Allow per-session cookies (not stored).
5. Click OK and YES to the confirmation message.
6. Click OK again.
7. Close all open Internet Explorer browsers.
8. Reopen the browser and return to this network.
Netscape:
1. Start Netscape.
2. Click the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
3. Click the Advanced category on the bottom left.
4. Select "Accept all cookies" in the Cookies section.
5. Click OK.
6. Close all open Netscape browsers.
7. Open Netscape and return to this network.
Why does my computer ask for the Windows Media Player plug-in after I installed the Netscape browser?
Netscape will not recognize the Windows Media Player plug-in if you download or upgrade your Netscape browser after you have already downloaded Windows Media Player.
To determine what plug-ins you currently have:
1. Open the Netscape browser.
2. Click on Help in the menu bar.
3. Click About Plug-ins and look for the following section: "Windows Media Player Plug-in Dynamic Link Library"
Questions Regarding Auction Network Video Content
Can I download Auction Network videos to my computer?
Currently this feature is not available.
Questions Regarding Streaming Video
Why are the videos choppy or freezing?
The quality of the video clip you are watching mainly depends on two factors: (a) the speed of your Internet connection and (b) the bit rate (speed) of the video clip. The faster the bit rate of the video clip, the better the quality. However, the speed of your Internet connection will limit which video clip bit rate that you can watch. For example, if you only have a 56kbs dial up connection to the Internet, the highest video clip bit rate that you will be able to watch will be 56kbs or less (most likely less as the majority of dial-up connections only get speeds of 28kbs or less due to phone line issues). If you try to watch a video clip with a bit rate of 300kbs over a dial up connection, the video will not play. That is why we offer multiple bit rates for each video clip. Each bit rate is optimized for the different types of Internet connections available (Dial-up/DSL/Cable Modem/T1). As you can see, it is very important that you select the proper video clip bit rate for your Internet connection. For the best viewing experience, we recommend a high speed Internet connection such as DSL or Cable Modem.
It is important to note that even if you have a high-speed (DSL/ Cable Modem/ T1), Internet traffic congestion affects your connection speed and/or video performance. You will get slower or faster speeds at different times depending on peak or off-peak use hours. You may also get slower speeds during the morning and afternoon, but faster speeds late at night when fewer people are online. Also, streaming quality decreases when multiple people share the same Internet connection (e.g. at work or on a home network).
Why can I hear the audio but not see the video?
This occurs when the speed of your Internet connection is lower than the bit rate of the video clip you are watching and can be caused by either (a) your selecting of a bit rate for the video clip that is to high for your Internet connection or (b) Internet traffic congestion reduces the speed of your connection below what it should be (for example, you have a high speed DSL or cable modem connection to the Internet, but due to Internet congestion or shared usage, the effective speed of your Internet connection is actually closer to a 56kbs dial up connection).
How do I configure Windows Media Player to improve streaming?
For optimum viewing, we recommend the following:
* Windows Media Player version 9
* Windows 98 Second Edition, ME, 2000 and XP
* Apple Mac OS X
* Windows Media Player version 6.4
* Windows 98 and NT
To find out what version of Windows Media Player you currently have:
1. Start Windows Media Player.
2. Click on Help in the menu bar.
3. Click About Windows Media Player.
4. If you need to upgrade, go to Windows Media Download Center.
The following are some tips to optimize streaming on Windows Media Player.
1. Start Windows Media Player.
2. Click the Tools menu and choose Options.
3. Click the Performance tab.
4. Click "My connection speed is:" and select the appropriate speed for your Internet connection. Select Modem (56 kbps) or a lower speed if you have a 56k dial-up modem connection. Select DSL/Cable (256 kbps) or a higher speed if you have a high-speed connection (DSL, Cable Modem, T1, etc.).
5. Click OK.
6. NOTE: You can change these settings at any time.
Optional advanced settings for Windows Media Player:
1. Click the Network tab and select all the protocols: Multicast, UDP, TCP, and HTTP.
2. Click the Player tab, select "Enable automatic codec download", and choose how often you would like to upgrade (i.e., once a day, once a week, or once a month).
What does bandwidth mean and what is the difference between 56k and 300k?
Bandwidth is a term used to describe connection speed to the Internet. The numbers 56k, 300k and others describe the minimum Internet connection you need to experience the associated video or audio program. For instance, 56k requires a minimum of a 56 kbps connection to the Internet. The content may be transferred at a lower rate as long as it is suitable for the connection speed. You can always play the lower speed content over higher speed lines, but a higher number (100k, 300k, 500k, etc.) generally provides better overall quality of streaming.
What does the broadcast settings button do?
When you watch a video clip, you watch video files that are sent, or streamed, to your computer over the Internet. The speed at which these files can be streamed varies depending on your computer's "bandwidth". In other words, if you have a high bandwidth connection (i.e. cable, DSL, T1/LAN connection), your computer can receive streaming video at a higher speed than a user with low bandwidth (i.e. modem / ISDN) connection. This also means that a user with high bandwidth can receive larger, better quality video streams.
Auction Network provides multiple bit rates for each video clip in order to give both high and low bandwidth viewers the best possible viewing experience. The "broadcast settings button allows you to change between the bit rates for the video clip in order to choose the best bit rate for your computers Internet connection.
How To Troubleshoot Video Issues
Even though I have all the system requirements, why can't I see or hear any videos?
If you launch Auction Network on Windows 98 while other audio applications -- including but not limited to mp3 players -- are running, you may have trouble hearing Auction Network sound. If this is the case, close your browser and all audio applications. Restart your browser and enter Auction Network.
Why is Auction Network video viewer cutoff at the bottom of my monitor?
The bottom of Auction Network video viewer may appear cutoff if your computer's screen resolution is set to 800x600 pixels or less. To adjust your screen size, complete the following steps.
1. Click the Start button at the bottom left of your desktop.
2. Click on Settings and Control Panel.
3. Click on the Display icon.
4. Click on the Settings tab.
5. Put the mouse on top of the arrow on "Screen Area" and move it towards "More". Choose 1024x768 pixels.
6. Click OK.
7. Click OK again on the confirmation message. The screen will turn completely black for a few seconds.
8. Click YES on another confirmation message within 15 seconds, otherwise the change will not take effect.
9. Open a browser and return to an Auction Network site.
NOTE: You can change these settings at any time.
How do I return from full screen video to the Auction Network video viewer?
Hit the ESC key.
