FAQ

Pay-Per-View

Q: How do I signup for an event?

Just click on the PayPal button for the event you want to watch. This will take you to PayPal. You will not return to the starStreamers site after payment

Q: How can I pay for an event?

starStreamers uses PayPal for payment processing. We accept PayPal accounts and also Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover

Q: Why do I need a valid email?

You MUST have a valid email the you put into PayPal processing. This is the mechanism we use to send you your login (which is your email) and your password to login to the event

Q: How do I watch the broadcast?

You will receive an email that give you a link to a secure page where the webcast is broadcast. Use your login and password to gain access. You will have a video viewer and an interactive chat to use to converse with other people watching. When you see the online event start, press the start arrow on the viewer

Q: Can I cancel before the broadcast?

You may cancel an event up to 24 hours before broadcast. send an email info@starstreamers.com. You will be credited to account you used to pay

Q: I missed the broadcast, is there a recorded broadcast I can watch?

No, starStreamers does not record the event for playback. These are live events only

Q: I missed the broadcast, can I get my money back?

There is no refund if not canceled at least 24 hours in advance

Q: Do I need a computer to watch?

YES! these are webcasts that you watch in the browser of your computer.

Q: What kind of computer processor do I need?

A: For minimum playback quality, You computer processor CPU score must be around 500 or higher from PassMark. A score of 1000 or better is highly recommended. Note your processor and go to: PassMark CPU score . If your PC is at or just above the minimum specifications for CPU and RAM, you may have trouble streaming videos.

Q: what type of Software do I need to watch?

All you need is a Web Browser on any computer that supports flash based browsing. We support Windows with IE and Firefox, and Mac with Safari and Firefox

Q: Can I watch on my iPhone?

A: The Streaming video format we use is not supported on the iPhone.. yet

Q: What kind of internet connection do I need?

You need a high speed broadband connection to watch live streaming video. If you connection is not capable of at least 1Mb download speed, we suggest you try to get to the event live. If you want to test your computer download speed go to Speedtest.net:

Q: How much Computer memory do I need?

A: Streaming video with a flash plug-in in the browser needs at least 512M of memory and we suggest 1GB of memory.

Q: I didn't like the quality of the broadcast, will you return my payment?

starStreamers is not responsible for the content or quality of the broadcast. Webcasting is not high definition or not the same quality as television

General

Q: What is starStreamers?

StarStreamers is a service that offers an affordable plug-and-play solution providing a social media capability to your studio or competition web site. The StarStreamers platform, based upon Watershed technology, enables you to effortlessly integrate a customized online streaming video solution through your site at a fraction of the cost and complexity. Our service provides seamless integration and customization to your site, eliminate the barriers to online video by removing the complexity associated with both web site implementation and deployment, and ensures that there is no code to develop, no infrastructure to own, and no software to maintain.

Q: How does StarStreamers work?

A: starStreamers provides your web site with two custom created pages: A Broadcast console, and a Viewing page. The Broadcast page is created for you to broadcast a streaming video from your camera and computer. Any one wishing to view the broadcast merely goes to your web site and navigates to the viewer page we create for you. There they can watch and even chat with others during the broadcast.

Q: Why would I not just do this myself?

A: If you are comfortable with web development yourself, or you can pay the cost of web design consultants, then you could do it yourself. If you want to focus on what you do – operate a studio or competition, or you do not want to spend the thousands of dollars to have someone custom design a system for you, then starStreamers is an alternative.

Q: Why would I not just use free service Ustream ?

A: Ustream provides a service that is free, but it comes with certain constraints: Videos are only available through the Ustream site, not on your site alone. Videos are free because they are ad-supported, so viewers must view rolling ads inside the video itself. Videos are open to the world – you cannot control access to viewing. If you want a personalized and customized experience for your site, and even wish to control access to viewing, then free services are not a option for you.

Q: What is Watershed?

A: Watershed is the private label version of Ustream’s proven and chosen Flash based live, interactive broadcasting platform. Watershed provides the capability to broadcast live on the Internet using a fully customizable player with a variety of different features and options including chat, privacy, and analytics. Using Watershed, starStreamers can build you a social media capability that creates genuine communities and relationships around a shared online experience.

Q: What do I need to use starStreamers?

A: All you need is your website, a PC connected to the Internet, and a Video Camera and microphone connected to your PC.

Q: What kind of computer do I need?

A: Almost any desktop or notebook computer will be sufficient to use starStreamers. The only requirement is that it has a camera connected to it and is connected to the Internet.

Q: What kind of camera do I need?

A: You can use Built-in webcam in laptops or Camcorders. Webcams - the Logitech QuickCam Deluxe for Notebooks is also very popular. These retail for approximately $50 USD at major electronics retail stores. Sony, Dell, Apple and many of the major computer manufacturers are embedding webcams and they work well with starStreamers. Camcorders - the Sony DCR-HC38 is also very popular among those who want the ability to zoom, record a local backup via tape, and want to mount a camera on a tripod for panning/tilting, etc.

Q: what kind of Microphone do I need?

A: If sound quality is not an issue, then the Built-in microphone on many computers will suffice. If you want higher quality, Utilize the digital audio output from your camera, or use a dedicated microphone such as the Shure PG-57.

Q: What kind of Internet connection do I need?

A: Your Internet connection can be wired or wireless. For the best picture quality and viewing experience, starStreamers requires the minimum upload rate for your Internet connection to be 400k. You can discover what your upload speed is by using site such as: http://www.ookla.com/speedtest.php

Q: I use the Access Dance web hosting for my comp. Can I use starStreamers?

A: Yes, we have worked with Access Notions to provide starStreamers service through the Competition site builder.

Q: I have my own website for my comp/studio. Can I use starStreamers?

A: Yes. We will work with you or your web contact to provide the necessary custom code webpages to be included on your site.

Q: Can I control access to my showcase or competition?

A: Yes, If requested, we will password protect the viewing of any streaming video from your site. You select the password.

Q: I do not want an ad-supported page on my site. Do you offer the starStreamers service without ads?

A: Ad supported viewing pages are included in the starStreamers base price. We have discovered that the targeted audience and advertisers seems to enhance the experience, seen by the large click-through rates. If your studio of competition does not wish to have the ad-supported viewer page, there is a custom offering at a higher price.

Q: What does starStreamers cost?

A: starStreamers has a base price of $1495 a year for a competition use, and $899 a year for a studio use with no advertizing. PPV events require no up front costs.

Q: Who would advertize on starStreamers?

A: Dance Studios of all types, Dance Competitions and any vendor of clothing, shoes, makeup, apparel, jewelry, hairstyling etc. who wishes to tap into a very interested demographic of people who wish to watch dance competitions and showcases.

Q: Why would I advertise on starStreamers?

A: starStreamers provides advertisers with an opportunity to target a very highly qualified demographic of interested prospects with web banner advertisement. Banner ads are part of the viewer page created for people who are viewing studio activities, showcases or competitions around the nation and world. We have seen click-though rates of between 3 and 4% (over 3x what you see with Google ad sense) due to the targeted nature of the audience.

Q: What are the advertising options?

A: starStreamers offers a yearly subscription for unlimited banner ad impressions. There are three offerings depending on the size of the banner ad

Q: What does it cost to advertize on starStreamers?

A: Please contact us for the latest prices on our banner advertising options

Q: How do I contact starStreamers?

A: For questions or other information email info@starstreamers.com. For sales email sales@starstreamers.com