Answers to Common MacTV Questions
What can I watch using MacTV?
MacTV is designed to show you video from your own set of Cisco IP/TV servers. However you may also test MacTV using video content from the Internet. If you don't have any Cisco IP/TV servers yet, here are a few ways to get started testing MacTV.
iWitnessTV.com provides a program listing for MacTV that lets you view a variety of QuickTime streaming content on the Internet. (BBC, WGBH, NPR, VH1, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Melissa Etheridge, etc)
Just create an entry for 'iwitnesstv.com' in MacTV's content manager dialog. (shortcut is Command-M) You should then see lots of new programs. Just double-click one that suits your connection speed to view it.
MacTV is also compatible with MBONE programs like the NASA space shuttle missions or the worldwide NetAid concert. MacTV now provides a builtin SAP/SDP listener to gather the MBONE program listing from the multicast announcements. Or you can use the IP/TV Content Manager at the University of Oregon which provides a constantly updated list of MBONE sessions.
Create an entry for 'iptvhost.uoregon.edu' in MacTV's content manager dialog.
Note: You should be able to see the program list, however unless you are at a school or enterprise that has access to the MBONE you're NOT likely to receive any video.
It's easy to set up your own Cisco IP/TV demo server using a spare Windows PC. It lets you stream live events or prerecorded files. Get your free IP/TV demo CD by visiting Cisco's web site.
Can I watch H.323 video conferences with MacTV?
Yes, both Polycom and VCON video conferencing systems support a multicast conference mode where any number of people can watch the conference using IP/TV or MacTV.
Where can I get sample programs to stream myself?
Cisco will send you a free IP/TV Demo CD. This CD contains a time limited copy of all the IP/TV software. The IP/TV server comes with some prerecorded content or it can stream your own stored content. And you can stream a live program if your server has a capture card installed. Note that the IP/TV products require a PC to run.
Just install the IP/TV demo server on any Win95, Win98 or NT box and set MacTV's Content Manager dialog to that machine name or IP address to see the demo program listing. Be sure to specify port 8080 when using the demo server.
Why does the video window shrink after starting a program?
This happens when QuickTime doesn't recognize the video stream format, most likely because you're trying to watch an MPEG stream without having QuickTime 5.0 installed. Try viewing an H.261 stream as described above or install QuickTime 5.0 or later.
How can I preconfigure MacTV to simplify installation for my 1,000 users?
MacTV looks for a preferences file in the same folder as the MacTV application. This means that you can preconfigure MacTV just by including a preferences file in the MacTV app folder you distribute.
Just configure MacTV the way you like it, copy the MacTV Preferences file from the Preferences folder to the same folder as the MacTV app, and then compress and distribute that folder.
Can MacTV display MBONE sessions?
Yes, if your network is receiving a feed from the MBONE, MacTV will display interesting broadcasts from NASA and others. The Content Manager at the University of Oregon (iptvhost.uoregon.edu) will provide a listing of MBONE programs. Just configure 'iptvhost.uoregon.edu' into the MacTV Content Manager dialog.
Note: Unless you really do have a multicast feed from the MBONE you will not be able to see MBONE programs even though you can see the program listings from the UofO server. Check with your network administrator to find out if your network receives MBONE programs. Of course IP/TV lets you broadcast your own programs even if you're not on the MBONE.
Other questions
This page will eventually include everything you ever wanted to know about MacTV. Until then please email your questions to mactv@iwitnesstv.com