Troubleshooting Video Playback

Streaming Internet video technology has not quite matured to the point where it works flawlessly in all situations. If you are experiencing difficulties running any of these video tutorials, please try the following fixes, in this order:

1. Download and Install the TechSmith and Ensharpen Codecs

Neither QuickTime nor Windows Media Player ship ready to play all types of video. Our video library is specially encoded to maintain quality, while keeping the file size as small as possible, and consequently making each video as quick as possible to download. If you hear sound, but see no image, or receive a "codec not found" error, then:

Windows

If you are using the QuickTime Player, install the Ensharpen codec here.
For all other Windows players, install the Techsmith TSCC codec here.

Mac OS X and OS 9

Install the Ensharpen codec here.

You can learn more about TechSmith products at the TechSmith Website.

Note: On Windows these decoders are automatically installed when you install Revolution. On Mac OS X and Mac Classic, the program will prompt you to install them the first time you attempt to access the videos in the Revolution Online Learning Centre, if the decoder is not found. You will need to restart your Mac (classic) or restart Revolution (OS X) after you have installed the decoder.

2. Download and install the latest Windows Media Player or QuickTime Player

The tutorials encoded in Windows Media and QuickTime formats can only be played back using a compatible Windows Media Player or QuickTime Player. For Windows Media Player, if the video stops every few seconds, your version of the player may be out of date.

Click here to update Windows Media Player.
Click here to update QuickTime Player.

3. Download the trial version of Revolution

The video tutorials can also be downloaded and viewed in Revolution in "Revolution Online" which appears when you first load either program. Revolution Online can also be accessed by choosing "Revolution Online" from the Development menu. Navigate to the Learning Center and then to "Video Tutorials". The required video decoders are automatically installed (or you are prompted to install them) when you install Revolution.

Click here to download the trial version of Revolution.

4. Use the written PDF tutorials.

Each video tutorial is provided with a corresponding PDF file which contains the same content as the video, but in written and graphical format. These may require a little more work to follow but they will work! To view the PDF files, you will require Acrobat Reader from Adobe or the ready-installed "Preview" application on Mac OS X.

Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

5. Order the Revolution trial CD

If the videos take too long to download, your connection may be too slow. You can order an inexpensive trial CD of Revolution. The CD includes the video library.

Click here to order a trial CD of Revolution from our online store.