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Q1: What software and hardware is required to use FreedomFlix?
A1. The following technical specifications are required to implement FreedomFlix in a school or public library: FreedomFlix streaming video and animations require a T1 connection or higher and Adobe Flash Player® 10 or higher (this is a free download at www.adobe.com).
For PC: We recommend the following operating systems and browsers
We also recommend using a 15-inch monitor with the resolution set at 1024 x 768 for best viewing (will operate fine at 800 x 600) with 16-bit colors or higher selected.
For Mac: We recommend the following operating systems and browser:
We also recommend using a 15-inch monitor with the resolution set at 1024 x 768 with “thousands of colors” selected.
FreedomFlix includes numerous audio features and therefore requires speakers or headsets.
CloseQ2: How can we be certain we meet the technical requirements for FreedomFlix?
A2. Before you begin your subscription, please click on the following link to make sure every computer that will run FreedomFlix meets the necessary technical requirements: http://FreedomFlix.scholastic.com/browsercheck. After you have completed this diagnostic check you will be ready to begin using FreedomFlix.
CloseQ3: How do we access FreedomFlix in our school or public library?
A3. FreedomFlix is a subscription-based literacy resource for schools and libraries and may be licensed for both on-site and remote access. A variety of methods are used to authenticate these accounts at your district, school or public library. If you are not integrally aware of your network or Web infrastructure, please review this information with the head of your technology department before making your decision.
Q4: How do we set up remote access?
A4. If you choose to subscribe to FreedomFlix with remote access, there are a variety of methods to make this resource available to your students or patrons at home. You may already be using one of the methods below for other databases, including Grolier Online. If you are not integrally aware of your network or Web infrastructure, please review this information with the head of your technology department before making your decision.
Q5: Will FreedomFlix play on my mobile device or tablet?
A5. FreedomFlix has been developed to play on all current mobile devices and tablets, such as:
The only true way to determine if FreedomFlix is compatible with your mobile device or tablet is to sign up for a free trial and try it out on your device or tablet.
CloseQ6: What software and hardware is required to install FreedomFlix at home (remote access)?
A6. Families will need a DSL, cable modem or higher connection. FreedomFlix will not work with a dial-up connection. Browser and Flash requirements are the same for remote access as they are for school/library use.
CloseA7. No installation of FreedomFlix is required. The only thing you might need to install is Flash version 8.x or higher.
CloseQ8: Our school district has a secure firewall in place. Will I be able to use FreedomFlix?
A8. To access FreedomFlix you should
have ports 80 and 1935 open for best streaming video playback.
Streaming will play through port 80 (which is the standard web port),
but playback is better with the additional port 1935 open.
You may also need to add www.scholastic.com, scholastic.fcod.llnwd.net
and scholastic.vo.llnwd.net to your list of safe web sites.
Q9: How many FreedomFlix videos can be watched simultaneously?
A9. FreedomFlix delivers videos and other content over the Internet. The number of videos that can be watched by a user simultaneously depends on many factors, including connection speed, the amount of other activity that is taking place on a school or library's computer network at a given time, and whether a school or library has a dedicated Internet connection or shares with other schools or libraries.
The following guidelines should be used to determine how many FreedomFlix videos can be streamed simultaneously, and what implementation options for FreedomFlix are most appropriate. Note that these are average usage guidelines only. Actual performance may vary based on factors listed above.
School Connection Speed | Maximum # of Simultaneous Videos That Can Be Streamed | Recommended Implementation Options (Schools) |
T1 (1.5 MB) | 10 | Teacher Led, Small Group, Library Learning Center, Small Lab |
Cable Modem (4-5 MB) | 60 | Teacher Led, Small Group, Library Learning Center |
T3 (44.7 MB) | 100 | Teacher Led, Small Group, Library Learning Center, Lab |
Gigabit (1000 GB) | Unlimited | Teacher Led, Small Group, Library Learning Center, Lab |
A10. FreedomFlix uses streaming media, so there are no files to download to your computer or server.
CloseA11. FreedomFlix uses streaming media, so there is no way children can download the files to your computer.
CloseA12. No, unfortunately you cannot bookmark any links within FreedomFlix.
CloseQ13: Can I monitor how often my students or patrons use FreedomFlix?
A13. Yes, you monitor usage stats for FreedomFlix by visiting http://FreedomFlix.scholastic.com/stats. Existing Grolier Online customers can also view a combined stats report at http://stats.grolier.com.
CloseQ14: My username and password does not work.
A14. Please check your records carefully to ensure that you are entering the correct username and password and that you are typing them using all lower case letters. If the problem is not resolved, please call our customer service line at 1-888-326-6546.
CloseA15. Any number of factors may temporarily affect your ability to access FreedomFlix. If you are experiencing such difficulties, we recommend that you consult the technical staff at your school or library first, to see if any of the factors listed below applies, then call (or have your technical supervisor call) our customer service line at 1-888-326-6546. We have specific solutions for each of these issues:
Q16: When I go to "Watch It" section all I see is a white screen.
A16. Your computer is missing the Flash plug-in. Download it for free at www.adobe.com, follow the installation instructions, and relaunch your browser.
CloseA17. While on the title page, right click your mouse on the story and scroll to the bottom of the menu. Here it will tell you what version of Flash you have installed. If you are using anything below Flash version 8, you will need to upgrade to a newer version. To update your version of flash, go to www.adobe.com. This upgrade is free.
CloseA18. Your network may be experiencing heavy traffic. To decrease the amount of pauses that you get, right click on the video, and select “Quality” from the menu. Changing this setting from “High” to “Medium” or “Low” may alleviate the choppiness.
CloseQ19: I click on the full screen option within the “Watch the Video” but nothing happens.
A19. You may have a pop-up blocker installed or Javascript has been disabled.
CloseQ20: The full screen version of the video is blurry. How do I remedy this?
A20. FreedomFlix automatically delivers a file that is optimized for your internet connection speed. The full screen option is a scaled-up version of this file, and intended mainly for classrooms or groups of several people watching at a distance. Take a few steps back from your computer, and the picture should appear fine.
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