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| Your BBC Local Radio on the internet - frequently asked questions | |
|  | | Listening to radio on the net is easy (almost) |
| | The internet is fast becoming the great way to listen to BBC local radio - because, though the stations are based in Staffordshire, you can now listen from anywhere in the world!
But you've been puzzled by a few aspects of the service. Here we try to answer your questions, and point you to some popular shows. |
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:: BBC Web Sites» | BBC Audio Help
BBC help guide to listening to Internet radio |
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Technical Questions - answers to queries
Football commentary - why there is none!
Also...
Specialist music programmes- broadcast from Staffordshire - which can now be heard on the world-wide web
A list ofour most popular programmeson the net - including "expert" phone-in programmes
Technical help:
What is Internet Radio?
Internet radio is when audio files are "streamed" over the Internet rather than air waves.
It's the same as you hear from your radio, only you get it via the web.
Streaming lets you listen to audio at almost the same time it is being sent to your computer.
What do I need to do to be able to listen?
First, you need a sound-card installed in your computer; this is standard on many modern terminals. You need to plug in speakers or headphones to hear.
The BBC streams its audio as RealMedia files and you will need to download and install the FREE RealPlayer programme to allow your computer to access the sound.
There is no charge for the FREE RealPlayer.
Once you've done all that, start to listen whenever you want. When you click on the audio link, a RealPlayer box will pop up, telling you what you're listening to.
So long as you do not close the pop-up, you can continue your internet browsing while listening at the same time.
Can I listen whenever I want to my favourite BBC local radio programme?
With only few exceptions, our radio shows are not yet recorded and stored on the web for access at any time.
Maybe one day they will be, but not now.
Instead, the programmes are streamed "live", which means you have to check radio-listings to find out exactly when the shows are going out - and be sure you listen then!
Why can't I hear the audio files from my PC at work?
Your company may have a 'firewall' to securely protect its internal data. Sometimes your company's 'proxy' settings may be set in such a way that they prevent external streaming sources from occurring. If this is the case, please contact the IT department of your company.
Why does the stream sometimes stop for a while or stutter?
Audio technology on the Internet is still relatively new. The amount of information that can travel along the average telephone line is limited. This can cause a queue in the audio signal.
Current streaming technology makes efforts not to lose this information and holds or 'buffers' it until the line is clear to receive further information.
This is why there is sometimes a stuttering or delaying effect when receiving a stream.
Sadly, it can just sometimes stop altogether, and cut out. As we all move to broadband reception, this will happen less and less (we think!!).
Why does the Player pop-up sometimes disappear and how can find it again?
The Radio Player operates within its own pop-up browser window, enabling you to navigate elsewhere on the Internet whilst continuing to listen to BBC Radio.
This means that from time to time the player may become hidden behind another window.
If the player is not visible and you wish to restore it, you must maximise it by clicking on the 'BBC Radio Player' tab in the taskbar (this runs along the bottom of the screen).
My browser will not allow the listen window to pop up. How can I listen?
If you click on a link on any of our pages and nothing happens, you may have Javascript turned off on your browser settings or have a browser that doesn't support it.
Try contacting BBC Support for more help.
Why can't I hear audio using a different streaming programme such as Windows Media Player?
When the BBC began publishing audio and video content Real Media was the most secure form of streaming.
Unfortunately Microsoft no longer supports Real content. Consequently, many of the later versions of the Windows Media Player will not play our clips. This may change in the future.
NB: Some World Service clips are streamed for the Windows Player programme.
Is it instantaneous?
"Streaming" media is not saved on your computer, it is just played as it is sent to you - a bit at a time - thus it's much quicker to start going, than downloading the whole audio file.
But this means it's fractionally behind what you hear coming out of an ordinary radio.
For any more technical problems, try the BBC help guide to listening to Internet radio:
Click here for BBC Audio Help
I can't hear football commentary!
The BBC regrets that it is unable to stream football match commentaries on its websites.
(The only exceptions are FA Cup matches, and non-league matches.)
Broadcast rights restrict the BBC to transmissions on radio and DAB (digital) radio only... which is why you'll hear that annoying announcement on Saturday afternoons telling you that you can't hear BBC output at that time. Sorry...
If you have any other questions, please click here, and place your question...
What are the most popular programmes on Staffordshire's online radio stations?
The list is now in a new location. Click here | | | |
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| |  | BBC Stoke and Staffordshire
Cheapside
Hanley
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST1 1JJ
tel: (+44) 01782 221281
e-mail: [email protected] |
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