Audio FAQs & Help

> What basic equipment or software do I need to listen to the church services?
> Why would I want to download a file?
> Are there any down sides to downloading a file?
> Can you walk me through the typical download process?
> How do you use a download manager to import a file?
> How do I choose a specific multimedia player to be my default MP3 player?
> Now that I have downloaded my file, how do I get it to play?

What basic equipment or software do I need to listen to the church services?
You will need a computer that includes current internet browser software such as Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox. You will also need multimedia software that plays MP3 files such as WinAmp, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, or RealPlayer.

With this in place, by simply clicking on the "Listen" button, your default multimedia software should begin playing the church service you selected.

If you would prefer to download a copy to your computer, simply click the "Download" button and a window will appear that gives you the option of saving the file.

> top of page



Why would I want to download a file?
The main advantage of downloading a file, rather than streaming it, is to avoid annoying pauses in the broadcast that can occur when the Internet is in heavy use. In addition, these files can be transferred directly into portable listening devices, such as iPod. Also, if your computer is equipped with a CD-ROM burner, you can create CDs that can be played on MP3 compatible CD players.

It is also possible, for the more adventurous, to take the MP3 file and convert it into a WAV files by using conversion software such as that found in WinAmp. The WAV files can then be burned to a CD and played on a conventional CD player.

> top of page



Are there any down sides to downloading a file?

Downloading a file does take time. If you use a dialup modem, it can take as long as 10 minutes per megabyte to download a file. The average file size for one of our Services is 2 — 4 megabytes.

It is also possible that the download could be interrupted, resulting in your having to start dowloading all over again from the beginning. To avoid this possibility you may want to use download manager software. Download managers typically claim to speed up the download process. We recommend a free manager called WellGet. It may save you some download time and should you loose a connection in the middle of a download, it should allow you to start downloading again at the point where the connection was lost.

> top of page



Can you walk me through the typical download process?

Before you try to download a file, you will first need to decide where you want to store the downloaded file. You may want to store the file directly on your "desktop" or you may or you may want to either identify or create a folder that you will use exclusively to store your mp3 downloads. For example you might want to create a path like C:\MP3 Files\Sermons. Once your know where you plan to save the file, you are ready to begin the download process.

  1. Simply click the "Download" button for the Church Service you want to download. You will see the "arrow" change to a hand with a pointing finger. A window will appear that allow you to start the download process.
  2. Follow the directions on this window to initiate the download. The directions will vary based on the internet browser you are using.
  3. Once the file has completely downloaded, find it either on your desktop or through "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer." Next, double click on the file line or icon. Your default MP3 player should then activate and start playing the recording.
> top of page


How do you use a download manager to import a file?
There are various ways used to download files within each download manager. Methods will also vary based on the Browser software you are using. Please consult the Help File of your chosen download manager for specifics.

> top of page


How do I choose a specific multimedia player to be my default MP3 player?
This isn't as easy as you might think. If you have more than one multimedia program on your computer, they will compete for the right to play different media formats. Windows Media Player and RealPlayer are notorious for this, because they want you to see their advertisements. If you don't want to be bothered with advertisements, use a player such as WinAmp.

To designate the specific player you want as your default MP3 player you may need to change some settings. Here is the path to take for the most common multimedia players.

Windows Media Player (version 8.0): task bar > tools > options > file types > mp3 audio file

RealOne Player (version 2): task bar > tools > preferences > content > media types > MP3 checkbox

WinAmp (version 5.01): task bar > options > preferences > media > preferred

> top of page



Now that I have downloaded my file, how do I get it to play?
There are two ways to get your file to play. The first is simply to find the downloaded file in your computer, and then double click on the file entry. Your default multimedia player will then automatically begin playing.

A second route is to begin with your multimedia player. Each player will give you an option to add to your play list /audio library / media library. That option opens a window into your computer's program directory. You will then have to navigate to the folder where your download was stored and click on the file you want to play. After you have gone through this procedure the first time, your player will remember where you store your downloads.

> top of page