1. Browser Security Settings: Internet browsers have security settings
that can be customized by the user. A number of different reception problems can
occur if certain settings are enabled or disabled. Some known issues are
detailed below.
- MS Internet Explorer allows the user to disable ActiveX components and
plug-ins. The result will be that no dynamic content will be displayed in the
browser.
- The Macintosh version of IE has a setting named "Restrict access to
non-Java class files". If this setting is checked, the video in a mailing will
buffer, but not play when viewed through the browser.
2. Connectivity Issues: Because messages can contain streaming
content; a good connection to the Internet is required when viewing them. Here
are some examples of these kinds of issues.
- Having a slow Internet connection of 28.8 kbps or less (as can be the case
with many dial-up services) can cause broken or "stuttering" reception of
streaming video and audio. In some instances the connection can be so poor you
receive nothing at all.
- Macintoshs on a Windows network can have problems communicating properly
with the network itself. This can result in the player loading very slowly or
"timing-out" before the page loads completely. (Newer versions of the
Macintosh OS have fewer of these type issues.)
- Some people (like business travelers) connect to the Internet, download
their email, and then log off to view the mail. In this case they will get no
streaming media and the click to view link will not function.
3. Plug-ins: The application converts most streaming media types to a
proprietary Java player, so plug-ins are not required. The only exception to
this is in the case of Flash files. If you do not have the Flash plug-in
installed your browser will prompt you to do so. However, if you choose not to
or are unable to install the plug-in, portions of the message will not appear
correctly. (Some systems require that you have Administrator privileges to
install software, if you do not you will be unable to install the Flash
plug-in.)
4. Mail Client Truncating the Link: Occasionally a mail client may
truncate the "click to view" link, causing it not to function. In this case you
will need to copy and paste the URL into your browser. This can be done in the
following way.
- Highlight the area about the "click to view" link.
- You should now see some previously hidden text directing you to copy a URL
into your browser.
- Select the URL copy it and paste it into your browser address line.
