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Frequently Asked Questions about Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips

Questions About Streaming Video

What do I need to watch streaming video?
How do I watch streaming video "on demand"?
How can I watch a closed-captioned version of the "on demand" video segments?
How do I watch the program via live streaming video?
How can I test the stream ahead of time?
How do I watch the stream using Windows Media Player?
How do I watch the stream using QuickTime Player?
Help! My live stream is jerky!
Can I have all the computers in the computer lab playing the live stream?
What about firewalls?
Are we able to record from streaming?
Help! I’ve tried everything and I can’t get the streaming to work!


Do you have a problem that is not listed here? Ask us and we’ll be glad to help!
You can reach us by phone at 1-800-761-8331 or by e-mail at EFTSupport@cwf.org.


What do I need to watch streaming video?
You will need a computer with high-speed Internet access and either Windows Media Player or QuickTime. We suggest using a projector attached to the computer so the streaming video can be shown on a wall or a screen. This will enable a larger audience to view the broadcast.

How do I watch streaming video "on demand"?

  1. For on-demand viewing, after you log in, click on "Teacher Resources."
  2. In the "Online Activities" section, click "Video Segments."

The streams of the pre-recorded video segments will run on any Internet connection. You will need either Windows Media Player or QuickTime to view the videos.

How can I watch a closed-captioned version of the "on demand" video segments?
Closed-captioned versions of the archived video segments are available in QuickTime format only. You can access them via a link on the video segments page.

How do I watch the program via live streaming video?
The best way to utilize streaming video in classrooms is with one computer and a projector. This will allow all students to view the program on a larger screen.

  • To access the live stream, use the link on the opening page after you log in to the EFT Web site.
  • There are two connection speeds: 250K and 500K. 500K is better quality and a larger image, but requires a high-speed connection. 250K is lower quality and a smaller image, but more likely to run on any network without excessive buffering, or jerkiness.
  • Windows users may access the live stream in Windows Media Player; Mac users should use QuickTime. (For details, see the sections on streaming with Windows Media Player and QuickTime.)

How can I test the stream ahead of time?
We strongly suggest that you test your setup prior to the each live EFT broadcast!

  • Click on the test link on the EFT "Live Video Stream" page. Click on "Test Video Streaming," and then select the icon for the stream you would like to test.
  • We also offer a live test stream from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the Tuesday before each broadcast. Since it is live, this is a more accurate test of what your stream will look like on broadcast day.
  • On broadcast day, we begin streaming about 25 minutes prior to the live program. You will see the title of the EFT and hear music. At 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM Eastern Time, the live program will begin.

How do I watch the stream using Windows Media Player?
Windows users should use Windows Media Player version 9 or later. Download the correct version for your Windows operating system. (If you are using Windows Media Player version 9, download this Security update before using the player for streaming.) Once you have installed the player, you should optimize it for live video streaming.

  1. Launch Windows Media Player.
  2. Click on "Tools," and select "Options." In the "Options" window, click on the "Network" tab. All streaming protocol boxes should be checked. (There may be 3 or 4 boxes depending on which version of Windows Media Player you have.) In the "Streaming Proxy" Settings box, HTTP should state "Browser" next to HTTP.
  3. Click on the "Performance" tab. The "Connection Speed" can be set to "Detect Connection Speed." However, if you experience difficulties, click on the radio button next to "Choose Connection Speed." Set it to LAN or T1.
  4. In the "Performance Tab" is the "Network buffering" setting. If you experience too much buffering in the video, click on the "Buffer" radio button and set the time to about 20 seconds.

To watch in Full Screen mode, click on "View" in the menu bar and scroll down to "Full Screen." You can also use the keyboard shortcut, Alt + Enter, which will take the video into and out of Full Screen mode.

How do I watch the stream using QuickTime Player?
You will have to use QuickTime 7 to watch the QuickTime streams. You may download the current version for free.

Please Note: These directions are for QuickTime 7 on Macs running OSX. We strongly recommend that you download the free version 7 player so you will receive the best quality picture and sound. If you use an older Mac that runs a pre-OSX operating system, you will need to find an old version of Windows Media Player for Macs. Once you have installed the player, you should optimize it for live video streaming.

  1. Launch QuickTime.
  2. In the toolbar, click on "QuickTime Player." Choose "QuickTime Preferences."
  3. Click on the "Streaming" tab and set "Streaming Speed" to "Intranet/LAN."
  4. Click on "Advanced," and click on the "Transport Setup" drop down menu. Choose "Custom."
  5. Click on the "Transport Protocol" drop down button and choose "HTTP." Port ID is defaulted to "80": that is fine.
  6. Close the "Preferences" window.
  7. Test your QuickTime set up by opening your Internet browser and going to this page. If you see the "Q" icon on the right about mid-page, then QuickTime is properly installed. If you see the animated "Q" icon on the bottom right-hand side of the page, then you are ready for streaming. (The animated link may take a few seconds to load.) If you do not see those icons, click on the "QuickTime Guide" or "QuickTime Support area" links for more assistance.

QuickTime will open within a browser window without the ability to view full screen. If you have a newer version of QuickTime, 7.5.5 or better, you can watch in Full Screen Mode.

  1. Click on the live stream link and copy the URL from the address bar at the top of the browser window. (In Safari you may need to select "View," "Show Toolbar Bar" if it is not already visible: in Firefox, "View," "Toolbars-Navigation bar.")
  2. Open QuickTime.
  3. Click "File" and then "Open URL". Paste the URL you copied into the address bar and click "Ok." You can now watch the movie from within the QuickTime player with full functionality of all controls including full screen.
  4. To use Full Screen mode, click on "View" in the menu bar, then Full Screen. Press Esc to leave Full Screen mode.

Help! My live stream is jerky!
Try switching to the 250K stream. This results in a smaller load on the network and a smaller picture. While 500K gives you the best picture quality, it can cause excessive buffering, or a jerky image. If that doesn’t fix the problem, contact us at 1-800-761-8331 or EFTSupport@cwf.org and we’ll be happy to help!

Can I have all the computers in the computer lab playing the live stream?
No. Doing so will probably crash your network. It is best to have only one computer streaming the program at a time. You can use a projector or a "Smartboard" connected to the computer to show the live stream to your entire class on a large screen.

What about firewalls?
Many educational institutions use firewalls to protect users from hackers, spam, or large attachments. These firewalls can limit your ability to stream video. If you have difficulty running the video stream when you test your streaming video setup, explain to your network administrator what you would like to do. For a one-hour, curriculum-driven program, he or she can temporarily adjust the firewall settings. If your network administrator has questions or problems, have him or her call the Colonial Williamsburg technical assistance line at 1-800-761-8331 or e-mail us at EFTSupport@cwf.org.

Are we able to record from streaming?
There are programs available which will record streaming video. The media specialist at your school can find those programs. However, given the expense of the software and the skills required to download live video streams with acceptable quality, we recommend purchasing the DVD for $19.95. You will receive a high-quality DVD that is user friendly and cost effective.

Help! I’ve tried everything and I can’t get the streaming to work!
If, after following all of these suggestions, your streaming setup is still not performing properly, discuss the issues with your network administrator. Be sure to give him or her a copy of this FAQ and the user ID and password to the Web site so that he or she can test the video streaming. The more advance notice you give your network administrator, the more likely you will be ready to stream on broadcast day. For further technical assistance, please call us 1-800-761-8331 or e-mail EFTSupport@cwf.org.