New Video Format

[John A.]

I spoke with our video company. They are coming out with a new feature (June 29 is the expected date) that may work for us. They are going to allow buffering even for streamed videos like we use. The idea is that if you have slow internet, you can start the video. It will read in (buffer) the video while you go brush your teeth or make your coffee. Come back several minutes later and start the video. You should then get full quality and not have the little white circle going around. As with all technology, we will see how it works and who it works for. Fingers crossed.

[Hannelore N.]

John, in principal that is an excellent idea and will be a very useful new feature. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it works. I normally have no problems at all with the videos. Just occasionally they won't load. So I go and wash the dishes or check my emails. When I try the video again a little later it works just fine. Sometimes all it takes is a little patience.

Lorchen

[Alex A.]

(Captn John on Alex's machine at the Denver Airport) The new buffering feature is now set up. I haven't had a chance to work with it much as Alex and I are traveling home from Chicago. Here's what I'm told. If you have slow internet and the white circle has been a problem, start the video and then pause it. The video will buffer. You should see a second bar that is much lighter going across the bottom. Then after getting a glass of water you can hit the play button again. I'm told you should see the video at full quality. I'd love for a few of our slower internet people giving it a try and letting me know how it works. We were able to get the show to run from the airport with a very slow connection. Cool!

[Alex A.]

Pausing and letting the video buffer worked well for me today. This was the best experience I've had watching the show in the new format. Thanks.

[John A.]

In working with a member, we found that there could be a problem with the Apple "Airport" Wi-Fi (This is Apple's name for their router system). If you are having trouble and you use an Apple "Airport", please take your laptop to Starbucks or the library and see if it works great there. If so, then it's probably the Wi-Fi system in the house. We don't know why yet, so if you figure it out, let us all know.

[John A.]

Hi John, I'm in a airport now, near a Starbucks and not a lot is happening. They all hang. I've tried the new fast and slow and the old format. I also tried the Bernina video. That plays for about 3 seconds and then hangs too. Hope that is some help.

[John A.]

I'm sorry for the confusion. Apple "Airport" is just the name for Apple's router system. I have updated my original posting. It has nothing to do with the Wi-Fi in an actual airport with Airplanes. We have no problem with actual airport Wi-Fi systems.