What do I need to listen to the live stream?
First off you need a computer, an internet connection, and a soundcard with speakers or headphones. The computer can be running Windows, Macintosh, or Unix/Linux/Solaris operating systems. On this computer you need to install a browser program; If you are reading this we can assume that you have a browser installed. Last but not least you need to install Real Audio or Windows Media player programs. We use both formats throughout the website and if you want to listen to everything we offer, you will need both players.

The live Real Audio link won't play. How else can I listen?
If you have Real Player installed, try this link instead: http://live.wrni.org/feed/wburlive.ram

Sometimes when I'm listening the live stream cuts in and out and the player starts rebuffering. Why?
The short answer is that internet traffic is heavy at that moment. The long answer requires some background info: Streaming audio is the process of sending dozens of small files called 'packets' over the internet every second. Your Windows Media or Real Audio player is constantly reassembling these packets into audio. When internet traffic is heavy, some of these packets get held up on the way or even lost in the process. The ‘buffer’ is a built up store of packets that the player draws upon as it waits for more packets. Usually the buffer is about five seconds. If more packets don’t arrive before the buffer runs out, then you get the ‘rebuffering’ message. Essentially the player is waiting for more packets, which are slow in arriving because of internet traffic. Once the internet rush hour is over, the rebuffering problems should get better.

The live audio stream usually works, but at the moment it just says ‘connecting’ or ‘rebuffering.’ I’ve waited a long time and it doesn’t change. What should I do?
If you’re trying to listen to the Real Audio stream try Windows Media instead, and vice versa. If that doesn’t work, it’s possible that one or both of your players is stuck; the best strategy to reset any piece of software is to reboot your computer. It’s amazing how many computer problems can be fixed with a simple reboot. If the stream usually plays and neither of the tricks above work for you then it’s possible that the live stream is down at our end. Usually we’ll get it back up and running within fifteen minutes. If neither stream works after this time, send us an email at webmaster@wbur.bu.edu and we’ll try and fix it.

I recently upgraded my browser and now the stream won’t play. What can I do?
Both the Windows Media and Real Audio players need browser plug-ins installed in order to work correctly. If you switch browsers, or install them in the wrong order then the live stream may stop working. You may need to install the Real Audio and Windows Media player software again using your new browser. It is important that you install the browser before you install the players.

How do I install Real Audio?