HOW X2C WORKS

Internet web pages consist of text, graphics and imbedded programs called "applets". Applets are frequently written in Java, a compact text-based computer language. Applets require little bandwidth and can be downloaded very quickly. Applets are used to add sophisticated high speed functionality to a web page using only a low bandwidth internet connection.

Applets can either be downloaded with the web page, or only when you perform a specific action.

Applets run on a software engine called a "virtual machine" which is supported by the computer's operating system. Most operating systems include a virtual machine for programs written in Java.

Java applets make it possible to view features on a web page which exceed the capabilities of your internet browser.

Applets can also be run by a virtual machine which is supported by your browser. Most web browsers include a virtual machine which can run programs written in JavaScript.

JavaScript applets cannot exceed the capabilities of your browser but can be used to download and install virtual machine support for Java and then launch the desired Java applet to run independent of your browser.

IF YOUR COMPUTER CAN'T ACCESS AN X2C SITE

Java applets enable your computer to display fast-moving high definition video images using the QuickTime graphic utility from Apple Computer. To insure this resource can be found by Java, QuickTime must be downloaded and installed after Java is in place.

When you first grant permission to your browser to visit this website, we check that Java and QuickTime software are properly installed. If we detect a problem, we will automatically fix it. In some instances you may need to manually remove (de-install) incorrectly installed software. Our automated diagnostic feature will assist you in updating your system so that you can easily use this and other advanced Java-based websites in the future.

If you arrived at this website by clicking on a link from another website and are having problems playing video, try manually entering www.x2c.us in your browser address window to initiate a diagnostic check of your computer.

IF YOUR COMPUTER DOESN'T DISPLAY THE FULL PAGE

The screen resolution of your computer display may be set too low. The screen resolution should be set to 1600 x 1000 pixels or higher. Certain older computers and low cost laptops may not offer display settings above 1280 x 800 pixels. It is not possible to see the lower portion of the website page using these computers, but the basic video window will still be displayed on a squeezed version of the page.

HOW THE PAGE CONTROLS WORK

Video can be quickly sorted by highlighting the categories in the upper control bar. The control bar appears whenever the cursor is moved to the top of the screen. Click on the triangle icon to access additional categories. De-highlight any selection to return to the full database.

Sorted videos from any category can be scanned by horizontally dragging the icon across the screen. Any video window can be played or paused by simply clicking on its image. Placing the cursor below a playing video will reveal a time code and a download progress bar. Clicking in this area will pause video on the selected frame.

The appearance of a "pink" progress bar indicates that your internet access has momentarily dropped out or is too slow for continuous play. Normal play will resume when enough video has downloaded. A minimum ISP speed of 3 megabits per second is required. Note that certain Internet Service Providers throttle back their published speed by half after only 30 seconds.

The UP-DOWN and LEFT-RIGHT keyboard arrow keys offer the easiest way to PLAY-PAUSE and to SELECT the desired video to play. Holding the DOWN arrow will play video in slow motion. When resumed, the video backs-up and automatically repeats the last 4.5 seconds.

Some videos offer an informational PDF. This is evident by the appearance of an icon when the cursor is placed below the video window. Click on the icon to deliver that PDF to your desktop after the session.

Some pages are sponsored. Clicking on the sponsor's logo at the bottom of the screen will play the sponsor's message or redirect you to the sponsor's website for further information.

To enhance viewing of an extended video, you can darken the surrounding area by clicking anywhere on the lower portion of the screen.

KNOWN ISSUES FOR MACINTOSH AND WINDOWS USERS

MAC 10.6

The Snow Leopard version of OSX is shipped with Java Preferences set to use 64-bits although this is not presently supported by Apple. If your video windows do not play, go to /applications/utilities/java_preferences and drag "Java SE 32-bit" to the top of the list. This will cure the problem until support for 64-bit Java is added. Not all 10.6 users are affected.

WINDOWS 8

There are no known issues.

WINDOWS 7

There are no known issues.

VISTA

QuickTime software is often missing or out of date. When Java and QuickTime are updated, there are no known issues.

WINDOWS XP

Java installation problems are common. QuickTime software is often missing or out of date. Problems are common using Internet Explorer as a browser. When Java and QuickTime are updated, there are no known issues.

KNOWN ISSUES FOR WEB BROWSERS

SAFARI 5

There are no known issues.

GOOGLE CHROME ON MAC

Chrome leaves residual .jnlp files on the desktop. Until fixed, manually delete them after the session, or use Safari 5.

FIREFOX ON MAC

FireFox leaves residual .jnlp files on the desktop. Until fixed, manually delete them after the session, or use Safari 5.

INTERNET EXPLORER

Various versions of IE are unstable when playing HD video. Not recommended.