Listed below are a few common solutions if you are having trouble accessing a video or audio file on the streaming server.
I am using a PC (Windows) Computer
I am using a Mac (Apple) Computer
Security with Internet Explorer
Often when clicking on a link in Internet Explorer, the
browser will ask if you are sure you want to view it, as it may
contain something harmful. Typically, we click 'yes' to allow the
content to continue loading. . .
However, Internet Explorer 8 changed its wording, and now you must
click 'no' in order to access the link. This is throwing a lot of
people off.
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Internet Explorer 8
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Links in D2L
Most content in D2L attempts to open inside of a frame, instead of a new window or tab in your browser. Instructors can avoid this when creating the content in D2L by selecting a 'Quicklink' and telling it to open in a new tab or window. However, if the content has not been correctly set up, viewers can still access the material by opening the streaming file directly. See below for instructions.
Open the Streaming File Directly
The etsumedia2 streaming server is a Windows server and streams audio and video in certain formats, such as .wmv and .wma. Sometimes, when you click on a streaming URL, your computer does not know what program to automatically open up to play these types of files. In order to avoid this problem, you can open the URL directly without worrying about browsers or file type associations.
If you are on a PC computer, you should have a program called
Windows Media Player. Open it.
1. Go to
All Programs and open Windows Media Player
2. In Windows Media Player, select File > Open URL
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I don't see the 'file' option in Windows Media Player! Sometimes Windows Media Player hides the
menu bar. If you
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3. In the dialog box that opens, type (or paste) the URL to the streaming file. URLs from etsumedia2 will always follow this format: mms://etsumedia2.etsu.edu/filename
This will bypass browsers so the computer doesn't have to guess
what program to associate the file with.
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Don't Have Windows Media Player? If you do not have Windows Media Player, you
can download a free video/audio player called RealPlayer and
follow the same steps to access the streaming file.
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Since the etsumedia2 streaming server is a Windows-based server,
it streams windows file types such as .wmv and .wma. Usually Macs
won't play these files by default. However, free software is
available to allow Macs to play these files.
Windows Media Components for QuickTime
(Flip4Mac)
You can also download the free VLC Player which is a free player
that can open windows-based file formats on your Mac.
VLC Player can be downloaded here.
Instructions to play streaming files with VLC or Flip4Mac
can be found here.
Help Us Help You
It helps us a great deal to know what tools you use to access
the streaming server. Filling out this short form dealing with the
operating systems and browsers you like can help us better adjust
our system to your needs.
Click here to open ETSU
Streaming Media Questionnaire