Frequently Asked Questions about SI Video

Thank you for your interest in SI.com's free video service. SI.com is committed to providing users with consistent, high-quality video. If you are having issues with videos on SI.com, please read the answers to frequently asked questions below.

TECHNICAL HELP:

What are the minimum computer specifications required to watch SI.com Video?

Windows
• Microsoft Windows®: 98SE, 2000, Millennium Edition, XP Home Edition, or XP Professional
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5, Netscape Navigator 7, Firefox 1 or Opera 7.51
• 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM
• Broadband Internet connection or access to a high-speed network
• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
• 16-bit sound card
• Speakers/headphones

Macintosh
• Mac OSX
• Safari 1.2, Firefox 1 or Opera 7.51
• 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM
• Broadband Internet connection or access to a high-speed network
• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
• Speakers/headphones


Do I have to use Windows Media Player to view SI.com Video?
Yes. Windows Media Player is the only player option available to view SI.com Video. The SI.com video player is optimized for Windows Media Player version 9 and above.

Windows users may watch video using versions 7 or 8, but may be prompted to install Microsoft Windows Media 9 codec. The overall user experience might be less satisfactory.

Mac users may watch video using version 9 for Mac OS X.

For optimal performance we recommend that you download the latest player. The latest Windows Media Player can be obtained from the Microsoft Download Center.

You can also upgrade to the most recent version of Windows Media Player at any time. Open the Windows Media Player application and select "Check for Players Updates…" from the Help menu (Mac users: select "Check for Player Upgrade" from the Help menu.)

Do I need a specific version of Windows Media Player?
The SI.com video player is optimized for Windows Media Player version 9 and above.

Windows users may watch video using versions 7 or 8, but may be prompted to install Microsoft Windows Media 9 codec. The overall user experience might be less satisfactory.

The latest Windows Media Player can be obtained from the Microsoft Download Center.

My popup blocker won't let me watch SI.com Videos. How can I fix that?
Pop-up blockers may prevent the SI.com video player from opening. Setting your pop-up blocker to allow pop-ups from SI.com will fix this problem. Please see your pop-up blocker's help section for more information. Many popup blockers can by modified via a "settings," "options," or "block/allow" button.

Why do video clips sometimes stop or pause?
The most common cause of a pause or stop is Internet traffic congestion. If this problem persists, try closing the player, then re-launch it from any video link on SI.com.

What about firewalls?
Some corporate networks and Internet Service Providers block video transmissions. If you cannot see video clips (even though your system meets the system requirements noted above), you may want to contact your Internet Service Provider or Network Administrator to see whether a security firewall is blocking video transmission.

I can open the player, but cannot see any video.
A browser error may have occurred. Try closing the player, then reopen it via a video link on SI.com.

Your Internet Service Provider may be experiencing problems with their servers. If you cannot view other pages, and if the problem persists, you should contact your Internet Service Provider.

If you can access the player on another machine or other people can view it, it may be a problem with your browser cache.

To clear your browser cache on a Microsoft Windows PC:

In Microsoft Internet Explorer:
• Click on Tools, then choose Internet Options.
• Click the General tab.
• Click the Delete Files button.
• On the Delete Files dialogue box click the OK button. Selecting "Delete all offline content" is optional.
• To close the Internet Options box, click OK (it may take a minute or more to clear the cache.)

In Netscape Navigator:
• Click on Tools, then choose Internet Options.
• Click the General tab.
• Click the Delete Files button.
• On the Delete Files dialogue box click the OK button. Selecting "Delete all offline content" is optional.
• To close the Internet Options box, click OK (it may take a minute or more to clear the cache.)

In Netscape Navigator 7:
• Choose Preferences from the Edit menu.
• Double click on the category Advanced, then select Cache.
• Click the Clear Cache button, then select OK to close.

In Firefox/Netscape Navigator 8:
• Choose Options from the Tools menu.
• Click the Privacy icon, then select Cache.
• To close the Options window click OK.

To clear your browser cache on a Mac:

In Safari:
• Choose Empty Cache from the Safari menu, then click Empty.

In Firefox:
• Choose Preferences from the Firefox menu, then select the privacy icon.
• Click the Clear button within the Cache section.
• Click OK to exit.

CONTENT:

Is SI.com Video free?
Yes, SI.com Video is a free service.

Why do the videos contain commercials?
By running commercials in the video, SI.com is able to offer the consistently high quality and quantity of online video programming at no cost to our users.

Is there any live video on SI.com?
No, at present SI does not stream live video.