People's Network Streaming Media Diagnostic Toolkit

Public libraries are increasingly providing access to films, TV, music and corporate broadcasts because of the broadband capacity of the People's Network. People who use computers in public libraries are catching onto the benefits of accessing content in this way for e-learning opportunities, entertainment or more effective business communication.

This online diagnostic tool, which has been developed by streaming media specialists Groovy Gecko on behalf of MLA, gives public library staff information about two popular software products used to view web broadcasts and the media being streamed through them which will help them prepare effectively for delivering streamed content. It will also help to inform discussions that MLA has with potential providers who want to deliver content which includes streamed media via the People's Network.

What does the streaming media diagnostic tool do?

The tool does the following:
Testing: it allows library services to find out:

• what versions of Windows Media Player or RealPlayer 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 is sometimes difficult to identify problems associated with the delivery of streamed media. This tool helps to equip library services with information they need to diagnose some streaming media problems. For instance, you will be able to discover whether you need a different type of media player or newer version of a media player to view or hear some multimedia content. It can also provide information to network managers to help them resolve access issues.

It will also help MLA to identify necessary trend information about Media Players in public libraries which then informs discussions with potential content providers (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.

What should you see and hear when you conduct the test?

You will hear a man saying 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.

Please note that the film and sound files may take a few minutes to load so please wait a couple of minutes before assuming that the test is not working properly.

If you do not see or hear the video clip then you should leave the tick boxes unchecked by the relevant category and move onto the next step.

If you need help at any stage email peoplesnetwork@mla.gov.uk

Now run the test

To check your streaming capability now run the test.