Video Help
Please note: If you still need help after reading this page, try posting your questions to the online topic on the message board. ABC staff or other forum members will likely respond with a helpful reply.
Streaming Video
ABC TV Online offers streaming video in both Flash and Windows Media format. Flash is the preferred format. If you're on a slow internet connection you can adjust the quality to "Low bandwidth" after the video starts playing. Flash Player 9 or Windows Media Player 9 are required, along with a compatible browser such as Firefox, IE6+, Safari, Opera 8+; and with javascript enabled.
Flash is a free browser plugin, available to download from Adobe.
Downloading Video
Some ABC TV video content can be downloaded. Unlike streaming video, you can save and watch the videos offline, or transfer the videos to your portable media device. The video files can be downloaded manually by clicking on particular links, or automatically via vodcast subscription.
Video Size
The average file size of a 30 minute program is 90 MB. Dimensions: 320 x 180 pixels; Audio: Stereo 44.1 kHz
Manual Download
The easiest way to download video is via the download links on the particular program's website. Available episodes are listed with corresponding WMV or MP4 links. Simply click on the links and save the video files to your computer. WMV is most suitable for Windows computers, and MP4 is a good choice for Mac or portable devices. MP4 can also be played on Windows computers provided you have a compatible software player installed.
Vodcast
Short for 'video podcast', subscribing to an ABC TV vodcast means you can receive the videos automatically as they become available. This method is the most convenient in the long run, but the initial requirement is that you have podcast software installed on your computer, and be familiar with how it works. Examples of popular podcast software include: iTunes (MP4 only), Juice and Miro Media Player.
To subscribe to an ABC TV vodcast, you'll need to know the procedure for adding or subscribing to a new podcast feed using your podcast software. This procedure is very simple and usually involves copying the vodcast link from the ABC TV's download page, or particular program website, and pasting that link into a box in your podcast software. That's all there is to it. From the moment you subscribe, your podcast software will automatically know when new videos are available, and may download them automatically, or at least alert you to download them, depending on how you've configured the settings.
Example ABC TV vodcast link:
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/vodcast_mp4.xml
This happens to be the 'At The Movies' vodcast link. Without clicking the link, copy the actual link the same way you would any link or text on a page - by clicking and dragging over the link to highlight it, or by right-clicking on the link and selecting 'copy link location' or 'copy shortcut', or pressing 'CTRL-C' etc. Then, open your podcast program and find the option to add or subscribe to a new podcast feed. You can also use web-based 'feed reader' software instead of podcast software, however these 'readers' are not usually designed to handle media files, and may only alert you to the new video and not actually download it automatically.
List of ABC TV programs offering vodcast and episode downloads ›
FAQ
What's the difference between streaming and downloading?
When can I access content?
Why am I being told I'm NOT in Australia?
I have a Mac. Can I download or watch streaming video without problems?
Will my ISP charge me for watching ABC Broadband content?
Why can't I get the video to play at work or school?
Why does the video keep stopping and starting?
Why is the broadband data rate only 200kbps?
What's the difference between streaming and downloading?
- Streaming video can only be played online, in your web browser. Streaming content cannot be saved to your computer. This limitation is mainly due to copyright restrictions on particular content.
- Downloading video works the opposite way - you first download the video file to your computer, then watch it whenever you like on whatever platform you like. The video files should be completely saved to your computer first before playing. Attempting to open and play the videos online, instead of downloading them first, is not recommended.
When can I access content?
ABC streaming video is available on demand, so in most cases you can watch the content whenever you like. Some programs, however, may "expire" after a given time. Check the individual program's website for more information. In the case of downloading video, some programs offer the latest episode only, while others offer all past episodes.
Why am I being told I'm NOT in Australia?
Due to copyright reasons, some video programs are available for download by people located in Australia only. The technology behind this geo-blocking service sometimes gets it wrong. If you ARE located in Australia, but are unable to download videos because of this issue, we would appreciate your help with improving this service. Please provide your details using this form to help us resolve the problem.
I have a Mac. Can I download or watch streaming video without problems?
Yes, you can watch and download videos on a Mac without any problems. The same conditions apply as on any platform: that you have a compatible web browser with Flash installed. For downloading video, Mac users should choose the MP4 video files.
Will my Internet Service Provider charge me for watching ABC Video content?
Some ISPs specifically exclude ABC video content from their 'data meters', which means that watching ABC video won't affect your download limit or cap. Check with your ISP.
Why can't I get the video to play at work or school?
Your computer at work or school may be behind a firewall, which in some circumstances can stop streaming video content from playing properly. You will need to contact your network administrator about adjusting the firewall's settings.
Why does the video keep stopping and starting?
Network congestion will cause the video to repeatedly buffer. If you know you have a good broadband connection that is rated at 256kb or higher, and you consistently get playback problems, you may need to talk to your Internet service provider to sort out any potential problems with your connection configuration, or the level of service you're being provided.
Why is the broadband data rate only 200kb?
This data rate is the most effective for people who have the minimum connection speed necessary for broadband (256kb/s). In addition, 200kb provides the best balance between the quality of video and audio without unreasonably impacting on viewers' download limits or caps. Some ISPs allow ABC Broadband content to be viewed without counting against download limits - check with your ISP.
Technical
ABC Broadband uses the following codecs in its presentations:
- Flash content uses the On2 VP6 codec for both video streams.
- Windows Media content uses the version 9 video codec and the version 9 audio codec.
How do I get better performance from streaming video?
You can adjust settings in your video player software to reduce the impact of network congestion. This works by increasing the amount of video your player buffers before beginning to play. This may increase the time you have to wait before the video starts, but should mean playback is interrupted less often.
In Windows Media Player version 9:
- From the Tools menu, select Options. The options box will appear.
- In the options box, click the Performance tab.
- In the middle of the Performance section will be a Network Buffering box. Check the Buffer option, and try increasing the seconds of content until you find a balance between buffering and performance that works for you.