| What
does the streaming media testbed do?
The purpose of the testbed is two-fold:
Testing: it allows library services to find
out:
- what versions of Windows Media Player or Real Player are
installed on People’s Network terminals
- which compression codec versions can be viewed and heard
through these Media Players on People’s Network terminals
Feedback: it allows MLA to gather information
about:
- the types and versions of Media Players library services
have installed on People’s Network terminals
- which compression codec versions can be viewed and heard through
these Media Players on People’s Network terminals
Why is this information helpful to library
services and MLA?
It helps library services to prepare effectively for promoting
access to streamed web services by giving them the opportunity
to install suitable Media Player software and enable appropriate
compression codecs in order to hear and see streamed media content
on People’s Network terminals.
It helps MLA to identify necessary trend information about Media
Players in public libraries which informs discussions with potential
content providers for delivering streamed media content through
the People’s Network Service (such as the World Book Online festival
or online Summer Reading Challenge).
How long will the test take and is it easy?
The whole process should only take a couple of minutes and is
simple to follow.
How do you conduct the streaming media test?
To conduct the streaming media test you will be taken through
a step by step process of moving through 9 pages, each with a
simple task. Once you have completed the task on each page click
the ‘next’ button to move forward until you reach the end of the
process.
At the end of the process a summary page will present your results
and you will be asked to enter your library reference code and
‘submit your results’ to us. You will also be prompted to print
out the summary of your results to keep for your future reference.
(Can we offer a ‘save results’ function to them?)
What should you see and hear when you conduct
the test?
You will hear the following sentence: “If you can see and hear
this video clip then you’re computer is set up correctly”.
You will see video images of numbers counting down from 8 to
zero.
How do I know if the test is NOT working properly?
The test is NOT working correctly when:
1. you cannot see the video images described above
2. you cannot hear the sentence stated above
3. an error message appears on screen. There could be numerous
reasons for this, such as firewall restrictions imposed on your
network that prevent you from viewing streamed media.
If you do not see or hear the video clip then you need to select
‘no’ by the relevant category before you move onto the next step.
If you need help at any stage email MLA contact
To check your streaming capability run
the testbed |
