More Info:....
Sorry if you are having trouble!
We are aware some users may have trouble playing our audio files.
If you use Windows XP/Vista (or some earlier operating systems) with Internet Explorer you should have no problem.

Problems can occur if:
You use a MAC
You use Opera, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape or others

Quickest solution is to either use Explorer/Windows-XP/Vista or grab our feed through iTunes
We are working on a cross platform solution.

Beat those Bu Bu Bu ffff ..ering BLUES!!!
Some people have a problem with listening on-line due to a phenomena known as 'Buffering'... but it can be easily cured.
#1 - Get a broadband/ADSL connection - it ain't really gonna happen without it!

MAC USERS
MAC users download player

WINDOWS 98 and Windows 98SE USERS - Trouble hearing our 'Live Stream'
You probably should have updated by now...

What Version of Windows 98 Do You Have??
To check your version of Windows 98, go to your Desktop and right-click on the "My Computer" icon. Look at the General tab where it says "System: Windows 98."�

If the next line is a version number (such as 4.10.1998), you are running Windows 98. If the next line says "Second Edition," you are running Windows 98 SE

Windows 98 SE Users:
We recommend downloading at least Windows Media Player 9 Series. or higher

Windows 98 Users:
Please consider downloading this player, Windows Media Player 7.1. (The Windows Media Player 9 Series is not supported on your Operating System.)

Windows 95 & NT Users:
Try this link

Windows XP:
Try this link


COMMON PROBLEMS:
1) SPEAKERS / VOLUME:

Are your speakers/headphones plugged in & switched on?

2) BUFFERING ALL THE TIME:
If sound seems to start then pause then start again every few seconds, it is either a poor (slow) internet connection or your player's 'buffer' (what it stores downloaded audio into for smooth replay) is set too low. In Windows Media Player 9.x, click TOOLS-OPTIONS-PERFORMANCE... set the 'buffer' to maximum (or default).

This slightly increases the time to 'start' our program but ensures continuous and smooth sound.

In other Media Player versions try ADVANCED - CHANGE - Buffering. Use Default. If that still doesn't work type in 30 (seconds)

3) VERY SLOW TO START:
If you are on a 33k Dial-Up connection you may have trouble listening to our 32Kb/s stream. Consider upgrading to a faster modem or better still... check out Broadband if available in your area.

4) CAN'T CONNECT AT ALL:
If you can't connect you may have an outdated media player or there are too many listening at once.

We have tested Pet Talk Radio! extensively with both Windows Media Player 6.x to 9.xand RealOne Player using a dial-up connection (56k) and all seems to work as intended.

However individual connections may vary due to connection speed, internet traffic or even your PC (how old is that clunker really??)...

LISTENING FROM WORK?
Some Corporate Firewalls won't let our shows be heard for technical reasons.
If you want to listen at work, ask your System Administrator how. Specify you require access to Port 8080 on our server.

NO AUDIO?
* Make sure you have speakers and they are switched on!
* Check that your speaker cable is plugged into the SPKR hole in the back of your PC
* Double click the loudspeaker icon on the bottom right portion of your screen (also called the system tray). Make sure VOLUME & WAVE are not muted (switched off) and that the volume for both is about half-way.

ERROR MESSAGE?
If you receive an error message, most likely you have either an outdated version of the Windows Media player or no player is currently installed. Click to download a new Windows Media Player - FREE!

MAC USERS
MAC users download player

PC USERS
Need to download a new player? - check you have the correct version for your system.�

See Windows 98 / 98SE notes above

Although versions 6.x and 7.x will work, you should consider upgrading to the new Windows Media Series 9 player.

Some users may have to wait a further 60 seconds or so the first time they listen as the Windows Media Player may need to automatically download a 'codec' (file) from Microsoft. After this has been done the show will usually start in about 15seconds.

This has been tested on a 56k dial-up connection and seems to work fine.

While you listen, why not check out the rest of our website, the show will play in the background... go get a coffee!

E-mail us if you are still having trouble and we'll do our best to help.

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BEAT THOSE BUFFERING BLUES! A basic explanation
When your Media Player connects to Pet Talk Radio! (or any audio/video on-line) it 'grabs' the signal and starts downloading it ready to play. If the 'speed' of the signal is faster than your internet connection, the sound will stop and start while it waits for more signal to play.

All Media Players have an adjustable 'buffer' setting and it is this that you should change to give you a clean and uninterrupted sound.

To check which player version you have, click on HELP / ABOUT (or similar link) in the player itself to find out what Version you have

Media Player Version� 9.x
Click TOOLS-OPTIONS-PERFORMANCE... set the 'buffer' to maximum (or default).
or try a setting of about 30 seconds.

This slightly increases the time to 'start' our program but ensures continuous and smooth sound.

Media Player Versions 6.x or 7.x
In other Media Player versions try ADVANCED - CHANGE - Buffering. 
Use Default setting. If that still doesn't work type in 30 (seconds) or maximum

Pet Talk Radio! 'streams' at 40Kb/s so if you are on a 56kb/s modem connection it may work but you will need the highest buffer setting you can.

If you are on anything less or your 56Kb/s connection is particularly slow, be patient... but consider upgrading to broadband