The simplest solution in most cases is to simply update to the latest version of your current audio player. Pretty much every audio player out there can play streaming MP3's. If you have an old version, or if it has become corrupted, it may not handle the format correctly. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and their answers. How do I play the
story files? How do I play the story files? To play the audio files that accompany the stories, you need a program that knows how to play MP3 audio files. You also need a web browser, and an Internet connection, but if you're reading the story or this page you must already have them. There are several free players available for most computer platforms. Several are listed below. If you don't have a player already installed, you'll need to download one and install it. Once installed, you can click on the "Listen to this story" link, and the story will start playing. Your browser must know that a player program is available to send the file to. This is normally taken care of during the installation of the player. If the browser has forgotten or been confused, reinstalling or updating the software will typically fix the problem. Other audio on the site works just like playing the story files. However, some of these links go to actual live streams. Unlike the story files, which you can download and play later, certain of these files are like a radio station that you tune into. So don't try to download these before you listen! They'll fill your whole disk and still not be through! With AOL 6.0, I get an error when I try to listen to the story. What's wrong? AOL 6.0 includes the AOL Media Player, a subset of the functionality of WinAmp, that is, well, broken. Our "Listen to this story" link takes you to a small playlist file that contains the address of the actual MP3 file. The AOL Media Player doesn't understand this convention. You have two choices. 1. Click on the "Download the MP3 file" link instead. 2. Disable AOL Media Player and use another Media Player Why the change from Real format? Previously we provided story links and some other audio links in Real format. While this was an effective audio format, it was proprietary and required all users to download Real.com's RealPlayer to use. The MP3 format we're now using works just fine with the current versions of RealPlayer, as well as with software that ships with almost all current computers, and with software that is available for operating systems for which no RealPlayer existed. Where can I get more information about MP3s? Here are some links to non-NASA websites that have information and how-tos on listening to MP3 audio: MP3.com, CMJ, Cajun and Zydeco Radio Guide, and MP3-It *Disclaimer: NASA makes no endorsement and offers no evaluation of any vendor's products, whether listed here or not.
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