What do I need to use RealChannels?

The most important piece of software you need is the latest version of RealPlayer G2. You should upgrade by going to http://www.real.com/products/player/index.html, or by using the AutoUpgrade feature of your current RealPlayer G2. In the Player's Help menu, select Check for Upgrade. You may also want to upgrade to the latest version of your Web browser.

How do I put my favorite radio station, TV station, or SMIL presentation for my RealPlayer G2 in my RealChannels area?

The easiest way to add your favorite streaming media link, such as a live radio station, is to make it a Preset. Start playing your station, then click the Presets button on your RealPlayer. Click Edit, select Add to Presets, and then choose a category for your link. You can then play your station by selecting it from the Presets pane.

I use America Online, and RealChannels isn't working.

You should first upgrade your AOL desktop software. Log on and enter the keyword "upgrade." If you have recently installed Windows 95 or 98, upgrade to the appropriate AOL software for your operating system. Also, the RealChannels Web customization page often takes a long time to load in your AOL browser, especially on slow connections, so a little patience is necessary. Finally, make sure you have the latest version of RealPlayer G2. See the above question "What do I need to use RealChannels?"

I use AOL 3.0 for Macintosh, have the latest RealPlayer for Macs, and RealChannels isn't working.

AOL 3.0 for Macintosh uses an old version of Microsoft Internet Explorer that is not compatible with RealChannels. We suggest upgrading to the latest version of AOL 4.0 for Macs.

Why does my RealPlayer always say "Connecting…" and "Buffering…," but nothing plays, and when the show does play, it's always rebuffering?

The most likely cause of this problem is network congestion. Traffic on the Internet can often exceed capacity, especially during peak usage, which is evening hours in the United States. If you run into this problem frequently, you may wish to contact your Internet Service Provider.

Why doesn't the RealChannels customization page work on WebTV?

RealChannels currently does not support WebTV's propriety Web browser.

What does the "connection lost" error message mean?

The RealPlayer connects to the program's RealServer in order to play the program. Sometimes this connection is lost. Clicking the "Play" button again will often fix the problem. If you cannot re-establish the connection, the program's RealServer may be down. Wait a few minutes and try again.

What is Error 29?

Error 29 is similar to the "connection lost" problem. Try clicking the "Play" button again. If it doesn't work, the program's RealServer may be offline.

How do I make RealChannels work with my firewall?

RealPlayer G2 will work with many kinds of firewalls. Please see our firewall information page for more details.

RealChannels won't save my programs, even when I click Finish.

RealChannels stores your list in a encrypted file on your hard drive associated with your RealPlayer. Occassionally, the file may not be sent to you when you set your profile. If your profile is not saved when you click Finish, try again later. Also, be sure that your browser's javascript capabilities are turned on. (Javascript is usually turned on automatically when you first install your browser.)

Why don't the RealChannels program logos appear in my RealPlayer? All I see is a "Channel loading" message.

It's possible that the graphic file may have been corrupted during the transfer process. Try saving your programs again in the Web customization page. If that doesn't work, please let us know. See "I'm still having problems. Can someone help me?" below.

I lost my RealChannels programs. How do I get them back?

If your hard drive fails, or you delete your RealPlayer, your profile may be lost. In this case, you will need to rebuild the list yourself. Click the "Add New RealChannels" button on your RealPlayer to use the customization Web page for RealChannels.

Why are my RealChannels programs so old?

RealChannels requires programs to update several times a week, Monday through Friday. A few update seven days a week. Often, especially on Mondays, many programs may appear to be several days old, when in fact they are the latest programs available.

I'm still having problems. Can someone help me?

You bet. First, RealNetworks' online documentation has many more answers to frequently asked questions. Second, if you'd like to email us with your question, you need to collect some information, including your Player version (In the Help menu, select About RealPlayer to see the version number.), which Web browser you use, including the version, whether you have Windows 3.1, 95, 98, Mac, or some other operating system, the URL you're trying to use, and a detailed description of the behavior you see, including any error messages. Then send email to channelshelp@real.com. We'll write back as soon as we can with a solution.

Thanks for using RealChannels!