Player Requirements

Some of our interactive and multimedia features require free Web plug-in/player software. To enjoy these enhancements, you may need to download and install-or upgrade-browser plug-ins (also called "players").

These technologies are commonly used on other Web sites, so you might already have them! If not, you can get Flash from Macromedia, get QuickTime from Apple Computer, get RealPlayer from RealNetworks, and get Windows Media Player from Microsoft.

We also offer some materials in PDF format. These may be viewed and printed with the free Adobe Reader software from Adobe Systems.

Basic Troubleshooting

If you're having difficulty viewing a video clip or playing a song, try using the other format. For example, if RealPlayer is not working, you may get better results with QuickTime. Note: due to heavy demand, streaming video may not always be available - especially during peak hours of 5pm to midnight ET. Please try again later if bandwidth limits are affecting your viewing.

If you're having difficulty getting a game to start, try updating Flash by downloading and installing it again.

Try closing all programs running on your computer and any other web sites you might have open in other windows (or tabs). Then, re-open our site with a "clean" start and try our multimedia features again.

Advanced Troubleshooting

• Macromedia's Flash Player Support FAQ
• Apple's QuickTime Support site
• RealNetworks' RealPlayer Support site
• Microsoft's Windows Media Player Support site

Connection Speed

Although our games and video clips load faster with a broadband Internet connection, they're also usable with a modem (dial-up) connection. The only difference is the amount of time you'll have to wait for a game or video to load. Once loaded, subsequent visits may be faster if the media is cached by your Web browser.

Audio or Video Issues

Use of multimedia software sometimes requires updated sound and/or video card drivers. It's generally a good idea to keep your device drivers as up-to-date as possible. Driver software is usually available for free download from the company that makes your audio/video card or PC.

The video clip size is intentionally small to accommodate visitors with slower Internet connections. There is no "full-screen" option.

Downloading to Use Offline

We do not offer the option of downloading our games or videos for storage on your computer. By only serving our media files live on the Web, we can ensure the highest quality for all our visitors, all the time. Rest assured, our content will remain available for many years to come!

Still need help?

If you've already followed the advice and tried the resources mentioned on this page, please contact us with your technical support questions.