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AUDIO HELP

How do I listen to Radio 2 programmes or clips on my computer?
What is RealPlayer and how do I get it?
Do I have to pay for RealPlayer or is it free?
Why can't I get RealPlayer to work?
Some audio clips in the Music Search require Windows Media Player. What is this and how do I get it?
Why can't I hear the Radio 2 stream from my PC at work?
I can't find an answer to my question. What shall I do now?

How do I listen to Radio 2 programmes or clips on my computer?
The BBC streams its content as RealMedia and you will need to download and install the free RealPlayer to access it. There are currently two different ways to listen to our programmes and audio clips. One is using RealPlayer (for the Listen Live and Listen Again functions) and the other is with Windows Media Player (for clips in the Music Search area).
Both RealPlayer and Windows Media Player are downloadable applications and instructions on downloading and installing both players follow in the next section.
What is RealPlayer and how do I get it?
RealPlayer is a downloadable application. You must use either the Basic 8 version or the RealOne version of the Player to access our audio and video.

Which version of the player do I need? RealOne or RealPlayer 8?

RealOne is the latest player from RealNetworks. Use RealOne if you are using one of the following operating systems on your computer:

Windows 98/2000/ME/NT4/XP
MacOs X
Solaris 2.6/2.7 - Linux 2.0
Irix 6.2/6.3
RealPlayer 8 Basic is compatible with the Mac and earlier versions of Windows:

Windows 3.1/95/NT/2000
Mac PowerPC
Linux 2.0
Solaris 2.5
Irix 6.2/6.3
To get RealPlayer 8 Basic:

Step by step:
1. Find out how to download Realplayer here .
2. You will be taken to a registration form which should be filled in accordingly.
3. On the following page select one of the three options. Any one of them is adequate to listen to our programmes.
4. Click the button that reads 'Download FREE RealPlayer Basic Now'.
5. The following page will give you a list of locations from which to download the file. Choose the one geographically closest to you.
6. In the window that appears, click the link to commence the download.
7. Remember that after downloading the software you need to install it. Find the downloaded file on your computer and (on Windows systems) double click on it to start the installation process.

Please note: The BBC is not responsible for problems caused by downloading external software.
To get the RealOne Player:

Step by step:
1. Get more information here on how to download Realplayer . This page will give you a list of locations from which to download the file. Choose the one geographically closest to you.
2. In the window that appears, click the link to commence the download.
3. Remember that after downloading the software you need to install it. Find the downloaded file on your computer and (on Windows systems) double click on it to start the installation process.

For further information on installing your software you may wish to refer to the (External) help section of Real.com's website . The BBC is not responsible for problems caused by downloading external software.

Do I have to pay for RealPlayer or is it free?
There is no charge for the free RealPlayer -- you will never be required to pay for additional software to access any of our audio or video content .

Other enhanced versions of the RealPlayer are available for a one-off payment. They contain extra features not necessary to access BBC audio and video.
Some audio clips in the Music Search require Windows Media Player what is this and how do I get it?
Most Radio 2 audio and video is encoded in the RealMedia format. But to listen to audio from the Radio 2 Music Search, you'll need to have Windows Media Player. This program is available for at no charge from Microsoft.

Despite its name Windows Media Player is available for both PCs and Macs. It's even available for Pocket PCs and other handheld devices.
Installing Windows Media Player
To get Windows Media Player for free, follow these instructions:
1. Close down all open applications except for this browser.
2. Download (External) Windows Media Player .
3. Choose the version you need from the list at the bottom part of the page and click 'Download'.
4. When prompted, choose to 'run this programme from its current location'.
5. Start the installation by clicking 'Yes'. You will be asked to read and agree to Microsoft's licence agreement, you will also need to tick a box to show you've read Microsoft's Privacy Statement.
6. The Media Player is made up of a series of different components, which you can choose to download or ignore. Most people choose to download all the components.
7. Once downloading has completed you will need to restart your computer.
8. That should be it! Whenever you click on an audio link in the Radio 2 Music Search, Windows Media player should pop up and start playing the clip.

If you're still having problems, the best place for more in-depth advice are the Release Notes for your particular player. These can be reached by clicking on the link next to the 'download' button (see No.3 above). The BBC is not responsible for problems caused by downloading external software.
You may also find further help and advice on our audio and video content on the BBCi Help Pages .

Why can't I get RealPlayer to work?
If you have just downloaded a player, you must also install it on your computer. Otherwise it will not work in tandem with your browser. You should run the player installation file by double-clicking on the player icon in the location where you save downloaded software.
In order to download a player you will have to provide information such as your email address, your country, your operating system, language and connection speed. There is also a checkbox to indicate whether or not you wish to receive further information from RealPlayer. If you have difficulty answering any of these questions you should consult the person who set-up your PC.
Why can't I hear the Radio 2 stream from my PC at work?
Your company may have a 'firewall' to securely protect its internal data. Sometimes your company's 'proxy' settings may be set in such a way that they prevent external streaming. sources from occuring. If this is the case, please contact the IT department of your company.
I can't find an answer to my question. What shall I do now?
If you can't find the information you need, you might need to send us an email. Go to our Contact Us page for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites or for problems caused by downloading external software.
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