We are aware that the streams do not work for everyone. We are working to resolve the issues and will post a news item as soon as there is a resolution. Thank you for your patience in this matter!

To reach a broader audience MNN streams all of its programming LIVE on the internet. We use Windows Media Encoder to broadcast on the internet. These streams are encoded live with only a few seconds of delay from our television cablecast.

 

Quick Start

MNN's webstreams use Windows Media 9.0 and can be viewed with Windows Media Player (PC) or Flip4Mac (Mac)

Windows Media Player is a free download from Microsoft.com. FlipforMac is an option that allows Macintosh users to view Windows Media via Quicktime.

Download the player here [2]

 

Stream Addresses

MNN provides ASX files to make it easier for you to view our webstreams. Please try these links first. If they do not work, please read the advanced section further down on this page.

• Time Warner Ch34 | RCN 83 ASX File [2]
• Time Warner Ch56 | RCN 84 ASX File [2]
• Time Warner Ch57 | RCN 85 ASX File [2]
• Time Warner Ch67 | RCN 86 ASX File [2]

 

Advanced Troubleshooting

Video on the internet can be a tricky thing to accomplish, especially for an organization with a small staff and a limited budget. Our streams are monitored 24-7 and we have a high level of uptime (>98%). Before you start cursing our name or coming to the station with pitchforks please make sure that you meet the minimum requirements, have a fast enough Internet connection, and have read the sections below.

If you are still having trouble please contact us. [2]

Minimum Requirements

• An Internet connection faster than 300Kbps
• good: Cable, DSL and most workplace connections (Road Runner, RCN Broadband, etc.)
• bad: dialup modem
• Fast enough computer (general suggestions)
• PC: >800mhz with Windows XP
• Mac: >600mhz and OS X 10.3.9 or higher

A fast internet connection is a must. Dial-up connections will not work. The computer requirements are only a suggestion. Try it out and let us know if your computer works.

If the ASX file does not work on your computer, try accessing the stream directly.

The streams are located at

• Ch34/83 :: ch34.mnn.org:534
• Ch56/84 :: ch56.mnn.org:554
• Ch57/85 :: ch57.mnn.org:557
• Ch67/86 :: ch67.mnn.org:567

They can also be accessed using the HTTP or MMS protocol. (ex. http://ch34.mnn.org:534 or mms://ch34.mnn.org:534)

Direct access with Windows Media Player (PC or Mac)

To access the streams directly with Windows Media Player, follow these instructions:

1. Open Windows Media Player
2. Click File --> Open URL
3. Type in the URL of the channel you want to watch preceded by HTTP://
• Ch34/83 :: http://ch34.mnn.org:534
• Ch56/84 :: http://ch56.mnn.org:554
• Ch57/85 :: http://ch57.mnn.org:557
• Ch67/86 :: http://ch67.mnn.org:567

 

 

Direct access with Flip4Mac (Mac Only)

In our experience, the Flip4Mac plugin for Quicktime does not like the HTTP protocol, favoring the MMS protocol instead. To access the streams directly with Flip for Mac for Quicktime follow these instructions.

1. Download and Install Flip4Mac
   [3]
• The FREE version of Flip for mac works great although you may have to hunt around for it on the flip for mac site. There is no need to pay for Flip4Mac to view MNN's streams.
2. Open Quicktime
3. Click File --> Open URL
4. Type in the URL of the channel you want to watch preceded by mms://
• Ch34/83 :: mms://ch34.mnn.org:534
• Ch56/84 :: mms://ch56.mnn.org:554
• Ch57/85 :: mms://ch57.mnn.org:557
• Ch67/86 :: mms://ch67.mnn.org:567

Configuration Issues with Flip4Mac

A few people have complained that the default configuration of Flip4Mac does not stream Internet video very well. Fortunately these are only settings and can be changed. If you experience unusual problems or difficulty in watching MNN's streams with Flip4Mac, try these suggestions:

1. Open "Flip4Mac WMV" under the other section of "System Preferences"
2. Click the Movie tab and check these settings
• Play Movies Automatically (Checked)
• Create streaming movies (Checked)
3. Also under the Plug-in tab check these settings
• Use Flip4Mac WMV Internet plug-in (checked)

 

Direct access with other players

Any player that supports the Windows MediaPplayer protocol should work just fine. If you are using a player other than Windows Media or Quicktime (via FlipForMac), please let us know so we can amend this page.

 

Contact us here [3]

Technical Specifications

For the geek in all of us.

Bitrate: 219Kbps

Audio Codec: Windows Media Audio 9

Audio Format: 32 kbps, 44khz, MONO

Video Codec: Windows Media Video 9

Video bit rate: 180 Kbps

Video size: 320 x 240

Frame Rate: 15fps

Key frame :10s

 

Future Plans to support multiple formats and connection speeds

MNN is committed to providing accessible media in both creation and viewing. We do our best to leverage our skills, talents, budget, and time to provide the best service to our staff, producers, and the viewers. Unfortunately we do not have enough time to help everyone or to implement the latest and greatest technology.

This is where YOU can help out.

MNN's IT department is welcoming interns and volunteers to help out. We only ask that you come with a skillset in the area in which you want to help out with. Unfortunately we do not have the time to train you, although we will assist in anyway we can.

If you would like to help with MNN's webstreams this is what we are looking for

• Knowledge of Linux
• Comfortable at a Linux command line
• Experience with VLC or FFMPEG

We plan to use VLC [4] on Linux servers to provide multiple stream formats at various bandwidth levels. You can read more about the VideoLan Project (VLC) on their website [5].

We can also use help with

• Drupal web development
• Network design and implementation
• Wireless networks
• Darwin streaming servers
• Network monitor applications (particularly MRTG and NAGIOS)

Contact us if you are interested!