To view our live webcasts, your web browser will need to have Javascript enabled, and be capable of playing either Windows Media or Realplayer files. To view our webcasts on demand, your web browser will need to have Javascript enabled and be capable of playing Flash v8 or above. Your computer will also need to have a soundcard.
Synchronised slides
Lecturers usually rely on computer presentations to support their verbal delivery. In order to ensure that our webcast viewers see the same presentation slides on your computer screen as the attendees in our lecture hall, we rely on Javascript to enable the browser and the video to 'talk to each other' and switch the slides at the correct time - even if you use your video player controls to skip around a presentation.
You must have Javascript enabled to see both the video and slides.
Watching on-demand webcasts
To view our webcasts of previous lectures and events on demand, your web browser will need to have Javascript enabled and be capable of playing Flash version 8 or above.
Watching live webcasts
The first time you watch a live lecture from royalsociety.tv, you will be asked for your preferred video player either Windows Media Player or Real Media. To change the stored format, use the cog / star' icon on the bottom bar of the player.
Please note that you must be able to access TCP port 554 to view our live webcasts in Windows Media Player.
This is a list of the web browsers and video players that we know work with our live webcasts. Unfortunately, this area of technology is one which is frequently affected by upgrades and changes in media players and web browsers.
Windows and Internet Explorer
On line presentations require Internet Explorer V6, 7 or 8 and Windows or Real Media player for x86 computers. It may be necessary to visit the Microsoft website for the Windows media plug in for Internet Explorer.
You may see a message asking for Active X install which blocks the Web application from running. Our suppliers inform us that this is a spurious message from the Windows operating system. The presentations do not require any Active X component at present. Simply OK the request. No Active X component will be installed.
Windows and Firefox
Firefox 3.0: Support for the Windows Media plug-in used has been dropped in Firefox 3.0: our suppliers of the streaming media software are working on an update to restore functionality. In the meantime, please use Real Media with Firefox 3.0.
Firefox V2+: This works if the the correct media plug-ins for Real or Windows Media Player are installed.
Please note that Real Player must be installed after Firefox otherwise Firefox does not recognise the plug in. If the error message reads DoPlay is not a function' it could indicate that you need to uninstall Firefox. Then use the browser to try and play a Real file and the browser should direct you to the correct Real installation.
For the correct Windows media plug in use another browser and visit the plug-in download page. Reboot your computer after installation. Other Windows plug-ins will not work. Type about:plugins' into the Firefox address bar to see a list of installed components.
Firefox 1, Firefox 1.5: we understand that these browsers will work with RealONE player / RealPlayer 10, with the exception of version 1.5 RC2.
Windows and Safari
In Windows Media, the video will play but the slide window will not display, so no slides are available.
Apple OS X
For Apple computers using OS X, please use Firefox and Real Player, but not Firefox 1.5 RC2 and 1.5 RC3.
It is possible to use Windows Media, but the slides will not display.
Mac OS X 10.4 users may use Safari.
Linux and Firefox
Royalsociety.tv will work with Firefox and Real Player, with the exception of Firefox 1.5 RC2 and 1.5 RC3
How you can help us ensure maximum compatibility
If you find a webcast which does not meet the compatibility criteria above, or you know of a combination which works that we haven't listed, please submit a Website enquiry.