Troubleshooting
New WNYC Audio Player
WNYC just updated its audio player. For more information about how it works, visit our Audio Help page.
If your player does not look like the screenshots on the Audio Help page, try reloading your browser page or clearing the cache. To clear the cache in most browsers, hold down the shift key while reloading. (In Chrome, click on the wrench and go to the Options menu. Select the Under the Hood tab and click on the Clear Browsing Data button. Make sure that the box is checked next to Empty the Cache and click the Clear Browsing Data button.)
We recommend that you use current versions of web browser software; we do not support all older versions of some browsers.
If you're using a device that does not accomodate Flash (iPod, iPad, etc.), try the mp3 link next to the Listen Now button instead.
If reloading and/or clearing the cache doesn't help, you may have an outdated version of Flash player. Get download a free Flash update from Abobe for your Mac or PC.
If you're only having trouble with the pop-up version of the audio player, you may need to adjust the pop-up blocker on your browser.
If you're still having trouble, please contact WNYC Listener Services and let them know what browser and operating system you're using.
iTunes and Podcasting
To set up podcasts with iTunes, see Podcasts.
For more specific help with iTunes, consult Apple's iTunes Support.
Bitrate and Quality
The high-quality 96k or 128k mp3 stream for the WNYC FM broadcast is only available weekdays from 7pm to 5am EST, when our music programming is scheduled. At the present time, we cannot afford to offer a broadband FM stream during the day due to the high volume of Internet traffic our website receives. WQXR and Q2 stream at 96k and 128k 24/7.
Bookmarks
Please refrain from creating a bookmark from a shortcut on your desktop to WNYC streams. The bookmark may malfunction if changes are made to our stream. However, RSS Feeds do not encounter this problem.
Sound Cutting Out From A Live Audio Stream
There are a few explanations for why the sound may cut out from a live audio stream:
- Your Internet connection may be too slow for the stream you chose, especially if you do not have a broadband connection or you are doing something else on the Internet simultaneously. WNYC's streams require at least a 33.8-56k baud modem.
- There may be temporary problems on the Internet somewhere between our audio servers and your computer.
- There may be a problem with your computer hardware or software.
Robot or Tinny Sounds
In order to broadcast audio over the Internet, sound must be compressed so it can be efficiently transmitted to the greatest number of users. Occasionally, sound compression or a low quality set of speakers or headphones renders a robot or tinny sound. We have made improvements to the quality of our audio streams and will continue to do so in the future as the technology continues to improve. For a higher quality listening experience, try a higher bitrate mp3 stream.
Windows Media Player
Skipping
The Windows Media Player may create a skipping sound, like a CD player, when you try to listen to an audio stream. It may also provide the following error message: "A network firewall may be preventing the Player from opening the file by using the UDP transport protocol. To play this file, try opening the file without specifying UDP." Try these options to fix this problem:
Buffer: Users with dial-up Internet connections can try increasing the "Buffer" setting on the Windows Media Player. Under the "Tools" menu, select "Options" and then click the "Performance" tab. Change the "Network Buffering" setting from "Default" to 10 seconds or more. This will allow Windows Media Player to temporarily store more audio on your computer so the stream can continue playing even if your Internet connection is briefly interrupted. The longer the buffer time, the longer it takes for streams to begin playing. Click here to see where to find the check box.
UDP: To disable the UDP protocol (a type of streaming audio protocol) in Windows Media Player, select "Options" under the "Tools" menu. Click the "Network" tab and uncheck the UDP box. Click here to see where to find the check box.
Downloading WNYC.asx
When you click on the Windows "Listen Live" link, you may find that the browser asks if you want to download WNYC.asx. The ".asx" file is a link that tells Windows Media Player how to connect to WNYC's stream. You should not need to download it. Make sure you have the latest version of Windows Media Player by selecting "About Windows Media Player" under the help menu. Sometimes, especially after you install new Internet browser software, it is necessary to reinstall Windows Media Player.
More Help
If you have difficulty with WNYC’s audio content, please contact WNYC Listener Services. For problems with online audio content, tell Listener Services what browser and operating system you're using.
