LiveStream Quick-Start Guide

  (revised 5/28/2002 @ 3pm EDT)

Thank you for your interest in hosting your iFriends Video Chatroom through iFriends' new LiveStream technology. Please note: LiveStream only works well for chathosts who are using modern high-end equipment, in particular: Minimum 1.5ghz PC, minimum 128MB ram, and preferably a high-speed two-way internet connection (such as DSL, 2-way Cable, T1/T3, etc). If your environment falls short of these specifications, you may be disappointed with LiveStream. (Note: The "iFriends Pro" setting below requires even more horsepower from your PC and internet connection)

1. On the same PC where you would normally run iFriends' ifCam software, make sure your cam is plugged in and ready to go, just as if you were moments away from hosting a new iFriends videochat session. But there's one difference -- don't run ifCam ... you won't need it for iFriends LiveStream.

2. Download and install Microsoft's Windows Media Encoder, version 7. We do NOT support Windows Media 9 Series at this time. (Click here for the free download; be sure to choose "Version 7" rather than "9 Series").
   

3. Below, choose the Media Encoder configuration template that best describes your circumstances. Important: Download it by right-clicking on the link, selecting "Save Target As", and save it to your desktop. (You must use one of the templates provided below; if you use different settings than those provided in the file(s) below, you won't be able to stream to the iFriends audience).

   • iFriends Modem (last revised 5/13/2002 @ noon PDT) For chathosts who access the internet through a conventional telephone line (i.e., modem), or who are using "slower" PCs more than two years old. Chathosts who experience difficulty with higher-speed configurations, such as "iFriends Regular" below, should try this setting.

   • iFriends Regular (last revised 5/13/2002 @ noon PDT) For chathosts who access the internet over higher-speed connections, such as Cable TV, DSL or a dedicated "T-1" or higher network connection. Note: If you are using an older PC with limited system resources, and/or experience difficulty with this setting, try iFriendsModem instead -- it's easier on your PC, and consumes less bandwidth.

   • iFriends Pro (added 5/28/2002 @ noon PDT) For chathosts using the fastest, most modern equipment (minimum 2ghz PC, minimum 256MB ram, high-speed hard disks, and preferably Windows 2000 or Windows XP), and who access the internet over ultra-high-speed connections such as "T-1" or higher network connections, and who are using high-quality cams/camcorders. Note: If you are using an older PC with limited system resources, and experience difficulty with this setting, try iFriends Regular or iFriendsModem instead. This option is only accessible from the Session Sign-in menu if iFriends Chathost Support has manually pre-approved you. For pre-approval, contact vchhelp@iFriends.net or call 1-561-963-5842, option #3.

4. Make sure ifCam is not running, and double-click on the desktop icon you downloaded in the above step. (Windows Media Encoder will run, using the stream settings from the above configuration file you downloaded). You should see a blue box in the middle of the application window.

5. Click the "Start" button in the lower right corner of the iFriends Windows Media Encoder screen. You should see your live cam image where the blue window previously appeared. Look for the green bar at the bottom of the window that says "Encoder Broadcasting". Do you see it? If so, then your PC and cam are all set to stream on iFriends! (If you have trouble reaching this point, consult the "Help" feature in Windows Media Encoder or check your cam configuration.)

6. Sign in your chathost session at the Chathost Console, as you usually would. On the same screen that you designate "All Audiences" or "Adults Only", you are also asked if you intend to host VideoChat using ifCam or iFriends Windows Media Encoder (iFriends supports both options). Choose Encoder, and -- this is very important -- choose which of the above configuration files you are using ("iFriends Modem", "iFriends Regular", "iFriends Pro", etc.).

7. Click the button labeled "Click here to Proceed". At this point, iFriends displays a test signal for you, of your live cam, beamed directly from iFriends' datacenter. You'll probably notice a delay of several seconds ... this is entirely normal in live streaming applications, where both server and client use buffering to minimize disruptions or interruptions in the signal. (Don't you hate it when Media Player or RealPlayer stalls? It's usually because there's not enough buffering!)

8. If you see your own livecam in the test window, click the "proceed to signin form" button. If you don't see your livecam session, return to the previous page and double-check your settings. Note: if Windows Media Encoder and your cam are working properly (green bar says "Encoder Broadcasting"), but you can't see your livecam in the iFriends Test Window, it indicates a connectivity problem somewhere on the internet between you and iFriends. The most common culprit is proxies, dynamic IP addresses, and other gimmicks some ISPs use when offering internet service to their customers. Your PC must be directly accessible over the internet to work with iFriends. (Fortunately, if you're already using ifCam successfully on iFriends, then you likely have no connectivity problems).

9. Once you have successfully completed the signup form, your LiveStream video chatroom is live on iFriends!

10. Things not working the way they should? Check the LiveStream FAQ (Frequently-Asked Questions) for additional information.