USING STREAMING MEDIA

Skip to Frequently Asked Questions below

As part of the Sacramento State Distance and Distributed Education program several courses are made available to students "at a distance" using streaming media technology. In some classes, students are able to view and participate as the courses are being taught. In others, they can view archived lectures on the Web.

Streaming is the process of sending or delivering digital media (video and/or audio) over the Internet. The streaming media is not downloaded to your computer. The data is displayed as it arrives to your computer. No copy remains on the viewer's hard disk. The media is displayed using RealNetworks® software.

 

During the Spring 2012 semester the following classes are being video streamed.

Course	Instructor(s)	Type
ACCY 161	Gerry Lundblad	Live/Archive
ANTH 1	Roger Sullivan	Live/Archive
ANTH 013	Liam Murphy	Live/Archive
BIO 10	Adam Rechs	Live/Archive
BIO 124	Rose Leigh Vines	Live/Archive
CHDV 133	Liat Sayfan	Live/Archive
CHDV 135	Christi Cervantes	Live/Archive
CHDV 145	Sheri Reynolds	Live/Archive
CRJ 121	Laurie Kubicek	Live/Archive
CSC 1	Bob Buckley	Live/Archive
EDS 51	Bill Vicars	Live/Archive
CSC 001	Bob Buckley	Live/Archive
EDS 51	Bill Vicars	Live/Archive
EDS 52	Bill Vicars	Live/Archive
EDS 100A	Paula Gardner	Live/Archive
EDS 100A _02	Steve Daley	Live/Archive
EDS 130A	Maurine Ballard-Rosa	Live/Archive
EDS 209	Kathy Gee	Live/Archive
EDS 210A	Steve Daley	Live/Archive
EDS 230A	Paula Gardner	Live/Archive
EDTE 120	Francie Dillon	Live/Archive
EEE 174	Dennis Dahlquist	Live/Archive
ENGR 45	Patrick Homen	Live/Archive
GEOL 8	Nancy Buening	Live/Archive
GOVT 1	Robert Friedman	Live/Archive
HLSC 136	John Tamblyn	Live/Archive
HRS 122	Brad Nystrom	Live/Archive
MATH 1	Doraiswamy Ramachandran	Live/Archive
MGMT 101	John LaRocco	Live/Archive
MGMT 102	Randy Benfield	Live/Archive
MGMT 102_02	Randy Benfield	Live/Archive
NURS 14	Carolyn Vancouwenberghe	Live/Archive
NURS 129	Christine Vourakis	Live/Archive
NURS 212	Brenda Hanson-Smith	Live/Archive
PHIL 26	Gale Justin	Live/Archive
PHIL 103	Gale Justin	Live/Archive
PHIL 104	Russell DiSilvestro	Live/Archive
STAT 1	Geetha amachandran	Live/Archive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What software will I need to view the video stream?

You will need RealPlayer® software. The player can be downloaded for free from RealNetworks at http://www.real.com/ . Players for Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX are available for free download. Be sure to follow the link labeled Free Download. Be careful, the site will try to sell you an enhanced version of RealPlayer. You do not need to purchase this version. Note: RealPlayer SP is the latest version for Windows and Real Player 11 for Macintosh.

Do I need a Web browser?

Yes, you need a Web browser such as Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/), Internet Explorer http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/) or Safari (http://www.apple.com/safari/).

If you are using Internet Explorer 8, you may receive a navigation error message when trying to view SacCT course content, including video streaming files (live and archive). For instructions on how to fix Internet Explorer on your computer visit the SacCT Student Resources page.

What speed of connection will I need?

Modem speeds as low as 56Kbps are acceptable, but may not be satisfactory. A higher connection speed is recommended - such as DSL or cable modem.

What are the minimum requirements for running the latest RealPlayer?

IBM-PC Compatible

• 300 MHz Intel Pentium III processor or greater (supports simultaneous record/playback features)
• 128MB of RAM
• 56Kbps modem is acceptable; DSL or cable modem recommended
• Full Duplex sound card and speakers
• 65,000-color video display card set to display at 1024x768 or higher (video)
• Windows XP, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later,
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or later
  

Apple Macintosh Compatible

• Mac OS X v. 10.3.9 or later Operating system
• PowerPC™ G3 Processor (350 MHz)
• 256MB RAM (512 Recommended)
• 56Kbps modem is acceptable; DSL or cable modem recommended
  

  If you are planning to buy a new computer check the IRT Recommended Desktop Computers and IRT Recommended Laptop Computers pages.

What if I am having problems viewing a video streaming class?

• Try testing your RealPlayer with another video file. You can do this by visiting the Real Guide site (http://guide.real.com) and clicking a link to a video file (Entertainment, Music or News).
• Try the solutions at the RealPlayer Customer Support webpage: http://real.custhelp.com/
• Contact the IRT Service Desk at (916) 278-7337.
• If you still have problems, please complete and submit the SacCT Problem Form

What if I am having problems accessing SacCT?

• Check the SacCT Student Resources page located at http://www.csus.edu/webct/student/.
• Contact the IRT Service Desk at (916) 278-7337.
• If you still have problems, please complete and submit the SacCT Problem Form
  

Terms and Definitions

• archive - information or content stored in a retrievable format
• download - software that is loaded or installed onto your computer from the Web
• DSL - digital subscriber line - high speed Internet access lines for connections directly from a telephone switching station to a home or office
• live - viewing synchronously (real time) when the event actually takes place
• player window - the window in RealPlayer where you can watch streaming media
• RealPlayer - RealNetworks software that lets you play multimedia presentations streamed by RealServer from a Web server

Last updated: February 3, 2012