I can't hear anything - what can I do?
1. Check you have RealPlayer installed on your computer - read more about installing Realplayer
2. If you are using Netscape or Opera, check you have the plug-in downloaded and installed - read more about plug-ins for Netscape and Opera
3. If you are using a Mozilla-based browser, check you have the plug-in installed to the correct place - read more about plug-ins for Mozilla-based browsers
4. Can you see any text in the status window beneath the 'listen live' link? Wait until it says 'Playing'
5. If the text in the status window says 'Playing' but you still can't hear anything, check your speakers are on and the volume is turned up
6. If you do not have JavaScript enabled you will not see any text in the status window until you enable it - read more about enabling JavaScript
7. If you are using a Mac, you will not be able to skip forward 5 or 15 minutes due to technical restrictions outside our control
8. If you are at work, your company may have a 'firewall' enabled to securely protect its internal data. Sometimes your company's 'proxy' settings may be set in such a way that they prevent external streaming sources from occurring. If this is the case, please contact the IT department of your company
9. By default, RealPlayer / RealOne tries to detect the best settings for your connection. Technically, it looks for the best settings for RTSP and PNA transports.
Below we offer some advice which may not be suitable for your set-up but which has been helpful to some users. For comprehensive advice, please look at the Real help pages http://service.real.com/faq/index.html#playing.
Before making this change to your Real Player check with your firewall administrator, if applicable, regarding your organisation's policies on Internet access.
Ia. In Real Player:
Select view > preferences. Then select 'transport' tab.
In the transport preferences dialogue select 'use specified transports' then go to point 2 below.
OR
Ib. In Real One:
Select tools > preferences > network transports. Select 'manually configure connection settings'.
II. In both 'RTSP settings' and 'PNA settings' de-select 'attempt to use Multicast for live content'.
Additionally you could try setting both transports to use just TCP. This is not recommended for dial-up users but should be okay for ASDL users.
10. Users of Mac OS X may need to run their browser in Classic mode
11. It's possible your computer isn't set up properly to handle the file types used in the Player.
This can be the case if you have recently installed or upgraded Real Player or Real One or other sorts of media players.
Seek professional advice before making any changes to your system.
The BBC is not responsible for any changes you may decide to make to your computer set-up.
The following is intended as a guide only to help you diagnose any problem you may be having.
If you are on a network, check with your network administrator.
If you use a stand alone computer, read the help provided in your operating system concerning file type associations.
To do this in Windows 9x, go to Start > Help; click on the Search tab and type in "file type associations", click 'List topics', select the relevant topic and read the advice provided.
A file type used predominantly in the Radio Player is the one which ends with the .rpm extension. This, and also the .ra and .rm file types, may need to be associated or re-associated with the Real Player or Real One application.
12. If all else fails, try reinstalling RealPlayer
I see a blank page - what can I do?
A small number of people have reported seeing only a blank page when they go to the Radio Player.
If this is happening to you, first of all try refreshing the page by pressing Ctrl+R.
If this does not work, you can use the the frames-free version to get to all of the BBC's radio stations and genres.
An error message has appeared - what can I do?
Check that you have RealPlayer installed on your computer - a variety of error messages are associated with not having RealPlayer installed. If the error message appears in a RealPlayer window, please consult the RealPlayer support site (http://service.real.com/realplayer/)
Why don't you stream your radio stations / on demand programmes using a higher quality bit-rate?
Streaming higher quality audio on the web is expensive and we have to find a balance between audio quality and cost. Since the Radio Player is very popular we are unable to stream music programmes in a higher quality, but we believe we've got the balance right in order to offer the best value for our services.
Do you have plans to use any other streaming formats?
New digital stations 1Xtra, 6 Music, Asian Network, BBC 7 and Five Live Sports Extra are now available to listen to in Windows Media format. We have no immediate plans to use any other streaming formats
Why do you only offer some stations in Windows Media Player format?
Because of cost constraints we are currently unable to offer Radio 1,2,3 or 4 in Windows Media format. However, our new digital stations and Radio Five Live are available to listen to with Windows Media Player.
Why does the stream sometimes stop for a while or stutter?
Audio technology on the internet is still relatively new. The amount of information that can travel along the average telephone line is limited. This can cause a queue in the audio signal. Current streaming technology makes best efforts not to lose this information and holds or 'buffers' it until the line is clear to receive further information. This is why there is sometimes a stuttering or delaying effect when receiving a stream.
Unlike other forms of broadcasting, the cost of streaming has a per capita cost which is not diminished in proportion to the size of the audience. Ironically, due to the growing success of our streaming services, including audio-on-demand from the online Radio Player, the BBC was faced with rapidly rising distribution costs.
With a finite budget, the choice was to reduce bandwidth of the live stream or cap the number of simultaneous users. By far the least disruptive option to most users was to reduce bandwidth - in this case by reducing the maximum bit rate - of the live stream. This results in a slight reduction in sound quality, noticeable to users with fast connections.
Notwithstanding this reduction, BBC radio services are still streamed at a higher bit rate than the majority of non-BBC online radio services in the UK.
We are looking at a number of other ways of reducing the bandwidth requirement of live streams which would enable us to increase the quality of the streams once more.
Why is nothing appearing in the status window?
In order to get information in the status window (located beneath the 'listen live' link) you need to have JavaScript enabled.
To enable JavaScript in Internet Explorer go to the 'Tools' menu and select 'Internet Options' then click on the 'Security' tab. Make sure the 'Internet' icon (with a globe) is highlighted in blue. Click the 'Custom Level' button down near the bottom. Scroll down to the section entitled 'Scripting' and ensure that under 'Active Scripting' the button labelled 'Enable' is checked. Click OK. You will need to restart your browser for the change to take effect.
To enable JavaScript in Netscape go to the 'Edit' menu and select 'Preferences'. Highlight the 'Advanced' label and ensure that the 'Enable JavaScript' checkbox is ticked. Click OK.
Mac users will not see any text in the status window and will need to access the controls at the bottom of the page
Why does the player sometimes disappear and how can find it again?
The Radio Player operates within its own pop-up browser window, enabling you to navigate elsewhere on the Internet whilst continuing to listen to BBC Radio. This means that from time to time the player may become hidden behind another window. If the player is not visible and you wish to restore it, you must maximise it by clicking on the 'BBC Radio Player' tab in the taskbar (this runs along the bottom of the screen)
Do I have to pay to download RealPlayer?
No, you can download the FREE version by following the links at the top of this page. If you have accidentally downloaded a subscription version of RealPlayer please contact Real directly at http://service.real.com/realplayer/
Why are the Play and Pause buttons on the BBC Radio Player not formed in the Opera browser?
The controls have been hidden from Opera users because they don't work in Opera. Opera users can listen in only a basic way as a result.
When I select the listen live link in the Radio Player I repeatedly get "web site not found or unavailable"
Try emptying the clip cache in Real Player or Real One:
Run the stand alone Real Player or Real One application.
View > Preferences > Performance > Clip Cache > Settings > click on 'empty clip cache'
(The click path described here may vary between different versions of the Real application)
If this doesn't fix the problem, check your firewall settings.
Can I download a programme to listen to later?
Unfortunately, our current rights agreements mean we are only able to offer our on-demand programmes as streams, not as downloads
Can you give me the direct URL of your audio streams?
Sorry, but we can only offer support for streaming via the Radio Player and cannot give out direct URLs.
Can I listen to BBC Radio programmes using iTunes?
There are no plans at present to use iTunes to distribute our programmes - the Radio Player is currently the only way to listen again to BBC Radio shows.
Can I listen to BBC Radio programmes using my mobile phone?
There is no service to stream or download BBC radio programmes onto mobile devices at the moment. However we are always researching new ways of making the BBC's content available.
Visit here for more information on the BBC's current mobile services: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mobile/web/index.shtml
Why can't I rewind a show whilst listening?
Due to copyright restrictions we are unable to provide rewind functionality on shows that contain music.
Why can I only fast forward in 5 or 15 minute chunks when listening to music shows?
Unfortunately our rights agreements with the record companies mean that we cannot break music programmes up into smaller chunks, or offer a rewind facility.
Why are on demand programmes sometimes cut short?
The recording of on demand programmes is done automatically on the basis of their scheduled broadcast times. If a programme overruns the last few minutes will sometimes not be captured. We are working on ways to resolve this issue.
Why are only some BBC Radio shows available on demand?
The BBC Radio Player launched in June 2002 with a selection of specialist shows. We have since expanded the service to offer a wider selection of programmes. The further expansion of this service is dependent on infrastructural changes which we are currently investigating. Please note: Due to rights restrictions Radio 4's Desert Island Discs cannot be made available on demand
Why are the shows only available for seven days?
There are various copyright issues relating to this service which mean we are only permitted to offer these shows for a period of 7 days. Some speech-based programmes may be available for longer.
Why can't I listen to some Five Live sporting events online?
We only have the rights to broadcast certain sporting events in the UK - not worldwide. These include Premiership football matches and Formula One Grand Prix. So you can listen on 909 & 693AM and on digital radio and digital TV - but not over the internet because this can be accessed across the globe
Why can't I listen to football commentary on my local radio station?
For a number of high profile sporting events, such as the Premiership, the BBC only holds the rights to broadcast live commentary locally to the area covered by our radio transmitters. Our internet service is available across the UK and around the world and therefore we need to blank all output for which we do not hold international rights. We apologise for any inconvenience, but you can still listen to live commentary from your local station on your radio.
Why does the end of another programme sometimes appear at the beginning of a clip?
To ensure that the whole of a show is available to you, the recording may start early. This is unlikely to be more than a minute or two, so we advise you to listen through this rather than skip 5 mins
Why do I get a voice saying the programme I want is unavailable?
Online rights for music programmes last seven days. If a programme is not broadcast one week and the online rights expire, we have to make the online version of the programme unavailable. Rarely, technical difficulties may prevent a programme from appearing.
How soon after the broadcast does a programme become available to listen to again in the Radio Player?
About an hour or two, depending on where you are listening from and the length of the programme.
What rights do teachers have to use programmes in the Radio Player in the classroom?
Teachers are free to "play" programmes currently presented in the Radio Player to classes as the playing/performing of copyright works, including sound recordings, in the course of activities of educational establishments does not infringe copyright.
However, the BBC's agreements with rights holders prevent the BBC from authorising copies being made of Radio Player streams.
To use the BBC Radio Player you will need to have a program called RealPlayer installed on your computer. Download it for FREE by clicking below:
Go to Download Realplayer page
Step-by-step instructions for installing RealOne player
Linux and Unix users should read our Unix/Linux advice page before proceeding.
1. Click on the below link
Download RealOne player
2. On the following page, you should click on the link of the location nearest to you. Picking the nearest place should make your download quicker
3. When you've clicked on the link it will bring up a file download box - this will begin saving the program to your computer. Click "Save"
4. Another box will pop up, which lets you choose where to save the program. From the "Save In" menu select "Desktop" (Saving it on the desktop means you'll be able to find it easily)
5. Click on "Save" and the RealOne Player will start to download - it may take some time depending on the speed of your Internet connection
6. Once downloading has completed, double click on the file icon (a RealPlayer symbol) on your desktop. RealOne Player will begin to set up on your computer
7. From here, follow the instructions that RealOne Player gives you - all you really need to do is skip through the screens by clicking on "Next" - though if you're feeling adventurous, you could change some of the settings - but make sure you know what you're doing!
8. Once it's finished installing, RealOne Player will start - from here you can close it down, and then click on the links to listen to audio and watch video - whenever RealOne Player is needed, it will automatically start!
Step-by-step instructions for installing RealPlayer 8
1. Click on the below link
Download RealPlayer 8
2. Fill out the form, entering a valid email address and choosing the appropriate operating system and connection speed. Then click the "Download FREE RealPlayer 8 Basic" button
3. This takes you to a page where you can select your download option. The "Minimum" option will take the least time. Select this and click the "Download FREE RealPlayer 8 Basic" button to proceed
4. On the following page, you should click on the link of the location nearest to you. Picking the nearest place should make your download quicker
5. When you've clicked on the link it will bring up a file download box - this will begin saving the program to your computer. Click "Save"
6. Another box will pop up, which lets you choose where to save the program. From the "Save In" menu select "Desktop" (Saving it on the desktop means you'll be able to find it easily)
7. Click on "Save" and the RealPlayer will start to download - it may take some time depending on the speed of your Internet connection
8. Once downloading has completed, double click on the file icon (a RealPlayer symbol) on your desktop. RealPlayer will begin to set up on your computer
9. From here, follow the instructions that RealPlayer gives you - all you really need to do is skip through the screens by clicking on "Next" - though if you're feeling adventurous, you could change some of the settings - but make sure you know what you're doing!
10. Once it's finished installing, RealPlayer will start - from here you can close it down, and then click on the links to listen to audio and watch video - whenever RealPlayer is needed, it will automatically start!
Netscape users
Netscape users with Real Player 8 will need to download an additional RealPlayer Plug-in
Mozilla-based browser users
PC
If you installed your browser after installing Real Player One, the plugins may not be there. Check your browser's plugin folder for nppl3260.dll and the components folder for nppl3260.xpt. If they are not there, then you will need to copy:
-
C:\Program Files\Real\RealOne Player\Netscape6\nppl3260.xpt into C:\Program Files\mozilla.org\Mozilla\components\nppl3260.xpt (or wherever your browser is installed)
-
C:\Program Files\Real\RealOne Player\Netscape6\nppl3260.dll into C:\Program Files\mozilla.org\Mozilla\Plugins\nppl3260.dll (or wherever your browser is installed
If you are using Windows, you might not have the Java plugin.
The mozdev plugin site can help you find and install it.
Mac
There are issues with embedded real on Mozilla on a Mac that we are currently looking into. We recommend you use a browser such as Safari or Internet Explorer.
Opera users
Some Opera users have reported problems when upgrading to Real Player 10. These users have found that backing up the file nppl3260.dll (127K) from the Opera Plugins folder and copying that back into the plugins folder after installation, over the nppl3260.dll (139K) file that is installed with Real Player 10, has solved their problem.
Opera users will need to download the same RealPlayer Plug-in then follow the below process:
1. Open Opera
2. Go to 'Preferences' (Alt+P)
3. Go to 'Multimedia'
4. Click on 'Find Plugins'
5. When it asks you to associate the RealPlayer plug-in, choose 'yes'
Please note that Opera users will experience a 10-15 second wait while the audio is loaded
Useful links:
Radio 1 Audio/video
Radio 4 Listen Again
Radio 1's audio guide
Radio 2's audio guide
Radio 4's audio guide
Five Live's audio guide
WebWise guide
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