Bruincast Help

Our apologies if you are having problems listening to or viewing the on-line presentations. This page contains some information to help you solve the most commonly encountered problems.

What software do I need to view video streams?

Starting Fall 2009 BruinCast will be rolling out an enhanced video experience that use Microsoft's Silverlight. In implementing this new technology only specific classes will have this option in addtion to the current RealMeadia format. All other classes will continue to use the RealMedia format. In order to view the Fall 2009 video streams that utalize Silverlight you will need to download and install the Silverlight plugin at http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/get-started/install/default.aspx.

 If you are going to view video streams that are in the RealMeadia format you will need the latest version of the RealOne player. You can download it for free from Real Networks here http://www.real.com/realplayer. RealNetworks offers two different player products--the BASIC PLAYER (which is free) and the PREMIUM PLAYER (which isn't). The Basic Player free link is not always easy to find. While downloading you may be offered Premium player, always look for and select the FREE BASIC player, not the "free trial" player. If you are still having problems accessing the material, please email bruincasthelp@ucla.edu.
Return to top                                          

Why do we use RealMedia?

Real Media is our primary method of delivering video content. Real was originally implemented in Fall of 2005 because it had a long history within the Office of Instructional Development, it was one of two platforms at the time that could utilize long form video, and its player worked for both Apple and Microsoft operating systems. Although there are other options Real Media streamed through Real Networks Helix server is still the most cost effective method for us to deliver video.
Return to top                                                                                

Why do we use Silverlight?

Effective Fall 2009 select courses we will begin to use an alternative video streaming technology, Silverlight by Microsoft. We believe Silverlight will allow us to leverage in house programming knowledge for future enahancements. In order to view the Silverlight content you will need to install the Silverlight plugin in order to view the Silverlight content http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/get-started/install/default.aspx. This codec allows us to offer ehanced media content as well as encode different files types. For the courses that have Silverlight you will also have the option of viewing them in the RealMedia format.
Return to top                                         

Information we need to know so we can help you.

•What platform are you using-Mac or PC?
•What OS are you using and what version i.e., Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac 10.1?
•Are you having problems on or off campus? *Where were you trying to connect? (Home, on-campus, dorms, etc)
•What internet browser are you using and what version?
•What media player are you using and what version? What plays back MP3 audio files (Windows Media Player, iTunes, Winamp or something else)?
•What course are you trying to access?
•Are you trying to access video or audio?
•What are the dates of the media you are trying to access?
•Is this a new problem or does it happen frequently?.
Return to top                                         

Real Video Error - Video does not play.

Try using VPN client when off campus. Some internet service providers (ISPs) handle your IP address in a way that invalidates your authentication. Using the VPN client simulates that you are on campus and is the work around for this.
Return to top                                         

Bring the speed of your Real Player down.

To do this...
Click on the "video" link
After Real Player Opens Navigate to Preferences Tools>>Preferences>>Connection
Change the connection speed to 384k in both fields.
Uncheck "Automatically detect bandwidth when playback begins"
Close Real Player
Click the "video" link again.

If that doesn't work try this...
Open Real Player
Tools>>Preferences>>General>>Playback Settings>>
Make sure that all boxes are checked on this page except "Pause clip at start"
Under "enable pausing" set to "30 minutes"
Under "buffer up to" to so "300"
Return to top                                         

Audio podcast is not complete.

When a class is not recorded properly we typically reflect that on the Bruincast course web page. If there is not a note then the whole lecture should be there. There are several reasons why the downloaded file is truncated. It could be your ISP, bandwidth, browser settings, or iTunes settings. Below is a work around.

If you’re using a PC...
You can download the files by going to www.bruincast.ucla.edu , log in to your course and under the ”Audio” file you want, right click and use “save as” to save the file to your hard drive. Note the location and name of the file so you can subsequently find it.

For Macs...
Instead of right clicking press Alt + mouse click and it should download to your computer. Note the location and name of the file so you can subsequently find it. Once downloaded launch the saved file. If you continue to have problems email bruincasthelp@ucla.edu.
Return to top                                         

Real Media video stream in CLICC Lab.

If you are trying to view the videos in the CLICC lab on campus you will need to use one of the MACs as there is a known issue with viewing the files with the PCs. It is due to the security environment in the CLICC lab. CLICC is aware of the problem and is working with us to resolve it.
Return to top                                         

Empty cache-Clear your temporary internet files.

Internet Explorer:
Delete Temporary Internet Files:
Open Internet Explorer.
Select the Tools menu.
Select Internet Options.
Select the General tab.
In the Temporary Internet Files section, click the Delete Files button.
Click Ok.
Click Ok to close the Tools window.

FireFox (Mozilla):
clear browser cache
Open FireFox (Mozilla.
Click the Tools menu.
Click Options.
Click Privacy.
Click the Clear button for Cache.

Macintosh Safari users:
With the browser open, click on the word Safari.
Click Empty Cache...
When the message "Are you sure you want to empty the cache?" displays, click Empty.
Return to top                                         

Open a different web browser.

Opening a different web browser and accessing the file from a different browser can also solve some issues. If you are using Internet Explorer use Mozilla or Vice Versa. .
Return to top                                         

Restarting your computer.

If all else fails restarting you computer can be beneficial.
Return to top