Frequently Asked Questions
The Center for Information Technology (CIT) makes special NIH events,
seminars, and lectures available to viewers on the NIH network and the
Internet from the VideoCast web site.
[ Return to VideoCast
home page | How do
I Create a VideoCast? ]
How do I know what VideoCasts are available?
A complete schedule of current and future events, plus an archive of
past events, is available at http://videocast.nih.gov.
Return to top
What software do I need?
VideoCasts can be viewed using RealPlayer software. NIH staff
can download RealPlayer Enterprise for Windows, which has been customized for NIH resources. Real Player
Classic Macintosh and RealOne for OS X are also available to NIH staff.
Windows Downloads (NIH Only)
Macintosh Downloads (NIH Only)
Viewers outside the NIH network will want to download and install the
latest free version of RealPlayer software from
Real Networks. If
you need help installing RealPlayer software, call the NIH Help Desk at
(301) 496-4357,
toll free (866) 319-4357 or send email to
helpdesk@nih.gov.
Return to top
What hardware do I need?
Streaming video is best viewed with a high-speed network connection
and high color or better color setting. At a minimum, your computer will
need VGA graphics with at least 256 colors, a sound card with speakers
or headphones, and a network connection or high-speed modem.
On the NIH campus, most LAN-connected computers are capable of
displaying a VideoCast presentation. If you have trouble viewing a
VideoCast, first ask your desktop support person for assistance, then
contact the NIH Help Desk at (301) 496-4357, toll free (866) 319-4357 or
send email to helpdesk@nih.gov.
Outside of NIH, any multi-media computer with a 56 Kbps (kilobits per
second) modem connecting at 34 Kbps or faster can view current
VideoCasts with the latest free version of Real client software.
Return to top
How do I know if RealPlayer software is working?
Download, install and test RealPlayer software before watching a live
presentation. To test the program once it is installed, open a VideoCast
from the Past Events section. If there are problems with watching the
archived VideoCast, first contact your desktop support person to help
you configure Real client software, then contact the NIH Help Desk at
(301) 496-4357, toll free (866) 319-4357 or send email to
helpdesk@nih.gov. Return to top
Who do I call if there is a problem with the
broadcast?
If you have tested Real client software by watching a past event but
cannot view a live VideoCast, call the NIH Help Desk at (301) 496-4357,
toll free (866) 319-4357 or send email to
helpdesk@nih.gov. Return to top
Where can I get copies of the slides used in the
VideoCast?
CIT is working on ways to attach supplementary material to the
VideoCasts. In the meantime, contact the event coordinator to see if
supplementary material is available on a website. If you need help
locating the event coordinator, send email to videocast@mail.nih.gov. Return to
top
Can I Download a VideoCast?
NIH VideoCasts can not be saved to disk. If you provide a title, date
and Past Events section to
videocast@mail.nih.gov, CIT will forward your request to the event
coordinator. If the coordinator is willing to authorize the release of the
video file to you, CIT can make the video file available for download via
FTP. There is no charge to download VideoCasts. Return to top
What does it mean when a VideoCast is marked "NIH or HHS
Only"?
NIH or HHS only VideoCasts can only be seen from computers on the NIH or HHS
network. The HHS network includes the following agencies: ACF, AoA, AHRQ,
ATSDR, CDC, CMS, FDA, HHS, HRSA, IHS, NIH, PSC, and SAMHSA. All other VideoCasts are world-accessible. Return to
top
How quickly are new VideoCasts added to the
archive?
New VideoCasts are added as quickly as possible, usually within a few
days after the broadcast. On occasion the archive copies are made from
backup tapes, which will delay this process. Return to
top
Are the VideoCasts captioned?
VideoCasts are not currently close captioned. Many VideoCasts are
open captioned. Note that you cannot turn off open captions.
Return to top
How does VideoCasting work?
Streaming files are not downloaded, but rather are broadcast in a
manner similar to television broadcasts . The videos are processed by a
compression program into a streaming format and delivered in a staggered
fashion to minimize impact upon the network and maximize the experience
of the content for the viewer. When users request a streaming file they
will receive an initial burst of data after a short delay ("file
latency"). While content is being viewed, the streaming server machine
and software continues to "stream" data in such a manner that the viewer
experiences no break in the content. Return to top
[ Return to VideoCast
home page | How do
I Create a VideoCast? ]
Center for
Information Technology National Institutes of Health Bethesda,
Maryland 20892 local (301) 496-4357
toll free (866) 319-4357
TDD (301) 496 8294
Comments |