GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT PODCASTS

•WHAT IS A PODCAST?
A podcast is just like a radio programme but instead of listening to it on your radio you download it to your computer.  Most podcasts, including ours, are in the popular MP3 format, which gives a good balance between file size and quality.  Although the word “podcast” is a derivative of “iPod” you do not need an iPod to listen to the programmes. Most computers, MP3 players, and yes Ipods, will work fine.  Click here to return to Podcast page.

•WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO A PODCAST?
Most off-the-shelf personal computers will have what you need to download and play podcasts.  All you will need in addition is a connection to the Internet. Broadband is best because you should be able to download an entire 30 minute programme in well under a minute. We tested the June 2007 edition on our own computer and it took approximately 25 seconds to download.  As a checklist for your computer, it should have the following:
        •Internet connection
         •Sound card (or motherboard with built-in sound card)
        •Software that will play MP3 files, such as MS Media Player
        •Speakers or headphones
In addition, if you want to listen to the podcasts on something other than a computer, you may need one of the following:
         •An MP3 player or iPod (you will need Apple iTunes software on your computer to convert the MP3 files to the iPod format)
        •A CD burner if you want to listen to the podcasts on a CD player
IF YOU WANT TO TEST YOUR COMPUTER FOR ABILITY TO DOWNLOAD PODCASTS CLICKING HERE.  IT SHOULD DOWNLOAD AND PLAY A SHORT PIECE BY BBC COMMENTATOR BARRY DAVIES WELCOMING YOU TO TalkHockeyRadio.  If you run into a problem try checking out the other the other FAQs
Click here to return to Podcast page.
      
•HOW DO I DOWNLOAD A PODCAST?
It really is quite simple. First, you need to go to the Download page and identify which file you want to download. Just click on the file where indicated and your browser will tell you what to do next. It will normally give you the option of either listening to the podcast or saving it. We would recommend that you initially save it to your desktop (you can always move it later).  When you want to listen to a saved podcast just click on the icon on the desktop (they usually have a blue musical note with “MP3” underneath and the file name) and it should automatically load up your media player and start playing.  Click here to go to the Downloads page.  Click here to return to Podcast page.

•NO SOUND COMES OUT OF THE SPEAKERS OR HEADPHONES WHEN I TRY TO PLAY A PODCAST ON MY COMPUTER. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
If you frequently play MP3 files on your computer, you should have no problems with our podcasts. If you are new to playing MP3 files you should first try a few obvious things, such as making sure that your speakers are plugged into the correct socket on your computer, your speakers are turned on, and the volume level is turned up. If you are listening on loudspeakers, make sure you have not left some headphones plugged in. If you are still having problems you should make sure that your computer’s sound levels are sufficiently turned up.  Look for a small loudspeaker icon at the bottom of your desktop.  If you click on this you should be able to adjust the volume. Laptops often have sound levels controlled from the keyboard.  Look for keys with blue icons representing loudspeakers.  There are usually separate keys to increase or decrease the volume and you usually have to hold down the “Fn” at the same time. Click here to return to Podcast page.

•THE SITE CLAIMS THAT THERE IS A NEW PODCAST OR MAGAZINE AVAILABLE BUT I CAN ONLY DOWNLOAD THE OLD ONE.  WHY CAN’T I DOWNLOAD THE LATEST EDITION?
Unfortunately this is something which is outside of our control and is caused by web caching.  The first thing you should always do if you think you are looking at an out-of-date page is click on “Refresh” on your browser. You can find this on the toolbar at the top of the screen. In Internet Exporer 7 “Refresh” is contained in the “View” menu. In Firefiox 2 it is an icon shaped like a blue arrow formed into a circle and is located near to the left hand side of the toolbar.  For other versions of Internet Explorer or Firefox or other web browsers, see the instructions for your browser.  If this does not work, it is almost certainly a problem caused by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Many ISPs “cache” web pages, which means that they store them on their servers so that when you visit a web page you are seeing what is stored on the ISP’s server and not what is currently on the site.   If you think this is a problem with your ISP contact them for further assistance.  If you are an AOL user try turning off Topspeed or using another browser. Click here to return to Podcast page.

•I CANNOT GET TalkHockeyRadio ON MY COMPUTER AT WORK. WHY IS THAT?
Unfortunately many employers use a program (such as WebSense) to stop their employees visiting “unsuitable” sites. It blocks access to web sites which employers don’t want you to visit, including those with MP3 content. You may get a message which says that access has been blocked because of “inappropriate content”.  This is a standard response.  We are very careful to ensure that the content of the site and any downloads that are available, are suitable for visitors of all ages, so you should have no fear that “inappropriate” means anything of a lewd or sexual nature.  In some cases you may be able to persuade your IT department to allow access to the site. You could try accessing the site via www.talkhockeyradio.com. This may allow you access for as long as you do not attempt any downloads.  There is, after all, more to TalkHockeyRadio than just downloads!   Click here to return to Podcast page.


 GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SITE

• HOW SAFE IS THE SITE?
You can rely on TalkHockeyRadio being a trusted site.  The people behind it are well known in hockey circles and have been writing and broadcasting about hockey for over a decade.  All material posted to the site is prepared on computers using the latest full version of AVG 8 anti-virus software.  Despite this we still strongly recommend that you do not go surfing on the Internet without proper virus protection being installed on your computer.  Not only are you in danger of infecting your computer with malware but you are helping to spread it around the Internet.  A free version of AVG is available which offers high levels of protection.  You can download a copy by Clicking here.

• I CANNOT SEE ANY PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE ALBUMS ON THE PICTURE PAGES.
The albums are on the site in Flash format. If you cannot see them it is because you do not have Flash installed on your computer or your version needs updating. You can get the latest version of Flash by Clicking here.

•WHAT IS THE COPYRIGHT POSITION WITH THE SITE?

Whilst our material is in the public domain, this does not mean that the copyright has been relinquished and we will vigorously pursue anyone who infringes our copyright.  See below for more information:

Site: The site is subject to copyright and cannot be copied without our permission.

Photographs: Photographs on the site usually belong to us unless otherwise stated.  The full copyright information is contained in the Pictures page.

Podcasts: The Podcasts may be copied and distributed freely, on the condition: 1) They may not be sold or resold, 2) they must be copied in their entirety, 3) the original copyright owner of the podcasts (namely TalkHockeyRadio) is acknowledged.

Music: Any music on the site is either bought in for the purpose by TalkHockeyRadio or is produced in-house.  The music may not be copied for any purpose unless it forms part of the original podcast.

ISSUES RELATING TO DOWNLOADING PODCAST (MP3) FILES

Our experience is that many of the problems that can be experienced with downloading MP3 files can avoided by switching your first choice web browser from Internet Explorer to another browser. For Windows PCs we recommend Firefox.  Firefox is currently the second most popular web browser for Windows and the number of its devotees is on the increase.  Firefox is free and can be downloaded from the Mozilla Foundation site.  

Click on the icon to go to the Mozilla site:


MAJOR DOWNLOADING ISSUES:

• I get an error message during downloading when using Internet Explorer.

• When I play back the podcast I find that I have only downloaded a few seconds of the full podcast.  I am using Internet Explorer.

• When I try to download the podcast it starts to play straight away and I cannot save it.


• I get an error message during downloading when using Internet Explorer.

You may get an error message suggesting there is a network error or that the file is not compatible with the default program.  We have undertaken tests to try and discover the cause of this and the most likely explanation is that there is a conflict with a non-Microsoft media player installed on your computer.  Fortunately there is an easy workaround for this problem.  Simply select the file you want to download by right-clicking on the file rather than the usual left-click. This will open a window which will give you a choice of options.  Selected “Save Target As...” and follow the on-screen instructions.  Do not forget to make a note of where you are saving the file.  You can then play back the file in Windows Media Player or any other media player of your choice.  Click here to return to Podcast page.

• When I play back the podcast I find that I have only downloaded a few seconds of the full podcast.  I am using Internet Explorer.

Our investigations show that this is caused by over-protective safety features in Explorer.  To avoid this issue you can ask Explorer to treat TalkHockeyRadio as a trusted site.  Here is how you do it:   

1. Go to the TalkHockeyRadio site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.


2. Find the ‘Tools’ menu in Internet Explorer and open it.  Select “Internet Options.”  You should see a window like this:














































Click on the “Security” tab.  You should then see this:



Select “Trusted sites” and click on “Sites”.  You should then see this:














































You will notice that if you have gone to the TalkHockeyRadio site first, the web address has already been completed for you.  If you have something else in the box, clear it and type in http://www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk. Deselect “Require sever verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.” and click on “Add.”

You should now see a screen something like this:



Click “Close” and then either “Apply” or “OK”.  

This should now enable you to download the full length of the podcast.  

Click here to return to Podcast page.

• When I try to download the podcast it starts to play straight away and I cannot save it.

This is another issue which seems to be caused by conflicts between media players and can affect all browsers.  As an example, we have found that Apple’s QuickTime seems to take control of the download if you have iTunes installed on your computer.  Fortunately it is a problem that is easy to get around.  Simply right-click on the download and a window will appear. In Internet Explorer select “Save Target As..” from the menu in the window.  In Firefox select “Save Link As..”  You will then be able to save the file. Make sure that you make a note of where you are saving the file to.  Click here to return to Podcast page.