stream.jw.

org - Viewer User Guide

CD Engineering
Revision F
10-IST-30053
February 1, 2013
Computer Department Support
Expiration: February 1, 2016

Abstract: This document covers the requirements and steps necessary to view a theocratic via
the stream.jw.org website. It also provides technical requirements for the viewing location.

stream.jw.org - Viewer User Guide

Table of Contents
Quick Start ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Objective ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Terms & Definitions ................................................................................................................ 5
2.0 Technical Requirements ............................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Computer ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Credentials ............................................................................................................................. 6
2.3 Internet ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Browser .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.5 Video ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 Audio ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.7 Redundancy ........................................................................................................................... 7
3.0 Viewing a Program .................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Prerequisites .......................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Log in ..................................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 The Main Viewer Screen ........................................................................................................ 9
3.4 Playing the Program ............................................................................................................ 10
3.5 Other Viewer Functions and Resources .............................................................................. 12
3.6
Functions of the Schedules ........................................................................................... 13
4.0 How to Receive Assistance Using the Support Interface ........................................................ 15
5.0 How to Submit the Attendance ................................................................................................ 16
6.0 Notifications ............................................................................................................................. 18
6.1 Announcements ................................................................................................................... 19
7.0 Useful Shortcuts for the Player ................................................................................................ 21
8.0 Important Information Regarding Mobile Devices ................................................................... 22
8.1 Apple Devices ...................................................................................................................... 22
8.2 Android Devices ................................................................................................................... 22

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Revision History
Revision Letter
N/A
A
B
C
D
E
F

Date

Author

Comments

2/1/13
3/1/13
5/23/13
8/5/13
12/18/13
6/3/2014
8/5/14

JKC
JKC
CW
JKC
JV
JKC
JKC

Initial Release
Updates for v1.1
Updates for 20 live programs
Updates for v1.2
Updates for v1.2.1
Updates for v1.2.3
Added quickstart guide

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Quick Start

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Objective
This provides a how-to instructional guide for viewing a live or recorded spiritual program from a
remote location. It also provides guidance for using various features available on the
stream.jw.org website.

1.2 Scope
This document applies only to locations assigned as Viewers for a program.

1.3 Terms & Definitions

1. Calendar A list of past, current and upcoming streaming events.
2. Viewer - Any individual or location that is connecting to the stream.jw.org portal and
watching or listening to a program that is being streamed.
3. Program - Theocratic program that is broadcasted on one of the channels assigned.
4. Originating Site - The location where a theocratic program is actually taking place. From
this location the video and audio is captured and streamed so that the viewing locations
can watch the program.
5. Viewing Location - The physical site where a theocratic program is being viewed. This
may be a Kingdom Hall, Assembly Hall or other approved location.
6. Moderator An individual with a login for the stream.jw.org portal who is responsible for
providing technical support to Viewers in the support interface built into the portal.
7. Site Coordinator - Brother appointed to oversee all matters regarding the theocratic
program at a specific viewing location. Each viewing location should have a Site
Coordinator.
8. Technical Contact - Brother chosen by the local body of elders at a viewing location who
will provide technical support for the viewing location.

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2.0 Technical Requirements

Before using stream.jw.org to view a spiritual event, be sure to review the following checklist.

2.1 Computer
Do you have a computer that meets the basic requirements to view a program on stream.jw.org?
If using Windows:
Windows XP/Vista/7/8
2.33GHz or higher CPU
1gb of Ram or higher
If using Mac:
Apple Max OSX 10.5 Leopard or higher
1gb of Ram or higher
If using a mobile device:
Please review Section 8.0 Important information regarding mobile devices
2.2 Credentials
Do you have your username and password for logging into stream.jw.org?
Note: Typically this information is provided in a letter sent from the branch.

2.3 Internet
Do you have a high-speed internet connection? (Such as Cable or DSL)
Note: Information regarding exact internet requirements will be provided by the branch. It is
recommended that an Ethernet cable be used from the computer to the router or modem
providing internet service, rather than using wireless (WiFi) for viewing the program. This
provides more stability and a higher level of performance for the stream.

2.4 Browser
Are you using the most up-to-date version of your internet browser? (One of the following)

Mozilla Firefox (Version 23+)

Google Chrome (Version 30+)
Internet Explorer (Version 10+)
Safari (Version 6+)

2.5 Video
Do you have a way of connecting your computer/laptop to an external display like a projector or
television? (One of the following)

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HDMI / Display Port / DVI

Component (Red/Green/Blue)
VGA

S-Video
Composite (Yellow-RCA)
Coaxial

2.6 Audio
Do you have a way to connect the audio from your computer/laptop to the sound system available
at your location?

2.7 Redundancy
It is recommended that the computer, Internet router, monitors and projectors be connected to an
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) so that in the event of power failure the program can still be
viewed.
It is recommended that 2 computers be used, 1 for viewing the program and 1 to communicate
via the support feature. If only 1 computer is available, ensure that the desktop of the viewing
computer can be extended so as to put the video on the extended screen (projector or television)
while the support feature is running privately on the main screen.
Figure 2.1 shows a diagram of a standard setup for a viewing location:

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Figure 2.1

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3.0 Viewing a Program

3.1 Prerequisites
In order to view a program the following is needed:
1. A username and password for the www.stream.jw.org website
2. A computer with an internet connection
3. Adobe Flash Player installed on the computer
Please Note: Be sure to disable any popup blockers on the browser before viewing a
program.

3.2 Log in
1. Open an internet browser and enter https://www.stream.jw.org into the address bar and
then press ENTER.
2. Log in with the username and password provided.
3. Upon initially logging in, users may be prompted to reset their password to a unique one
that the viewer must choose (depending on the discretion of the program administrator).

3.3 The Main Viewer Screen

When logging in to the stream.jw.org as a viewer, this screen will appear (See Figure 3.1)

Figure 3.1

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3.4 Playing the Program

To view or listen to the program, click on the desired program to expand the box and click the
green play icon. (See Figure 3.2)

Select the desired program.

Click here to watch the
selected program.

Figure 3.2
A popup window will appear and begin playing the program (See Figure 3.3)

Figure 3.3

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If desired, the video window may be projected onto a larger screen (a second monitor, projector
or other device) that suits local needs. Clicking on the square box at the bottom right of the
playback window puts the video window into full screen. Pressing ESC returns the window to
normal mode.
Controls appear at the bottom of the screen to adjust the playback volume, move the playback
slide bar forward or backward, pause and resume the program, or go back in increments of 30
minutes.
Moving the mouse over the letters HD reveals the set of program qualities that are available. The
player can automatically select the best quality depending on the Internet connection speed or
select a desired quality manually by clicking the desired entry. To see the locations of these
control functions that may be selected by the viewer. (See Figure 3.4)

Go Back 30 minutes
Pause/Resume

Go Full Screen
Volume Adjust

Slide Bar Control

Display/Select Quality

Figure 3.4

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3.5 Other Viewer Functions and Resources

In addition to the main function of being able to view or listen to the program, the viewer page
also provides a number of other optional functions and resources, depending on the programs
available accessed by the viewer (See Figure 3.5).

Enter Attendance

Submit Attendance
Be sure to Log Out
Download Help File
Show Downloadable mp4 file (if provided)

Click to Download
Max/Min/Del Message

Request Support

Figure 3.5
The following provides a list of functions that can be found on the viewer page as indicated on
Figure 3.5:
1. Top right: Log Out and Help.
a. Log Out: When finished watching a program, close the video player popup box
and then press Log Out to completely exit from the system. Simply clicking the X
or closing the webpage will leave the Viewer account logged in to the system and
this may cause issues related to counting the attendance. It will also cause
problems when logging in and viewing a program with the same user ID in the
future.
b. Help: Clicking Help will download the help file in pdf format.
2. Top left: This box is to enter the attendance when requested. To confirm, press Submit.
3. Optional Download icon (green down arrow) located between the submit attendance
icon and the play icon (when the download option exists). Click the desired file resolution
to download.
4. Bottom left: Click Message to expand and read; - to minimize and X to delete.
5. Bottom line: Submit a support request for assistance from a moderator (if this feature is
enabled). Simply type question(s) or comment(s) and press ENTER. The input will be
echoed back in the space to the right of the program list and the response(s) from the
moderator will appear at the bottom.

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6. If the viewer account is enabled for viewing Regularly Scheduled Programs such as the
weekly Bethel Watchtower Study or Bethel Morning Worship Program or other similar
programs, the viewer page will show a Calendar View (see Figure 3.6.) If there are no
scheduled programs this view will not be displayed.

Figure 3.6

Click the date of the program

Figure 3.6

3.6 Functions of the Schedules

1. If a program is available, the calendar will display the number of programs on that day as
shown in Figure 3.6. Clicking on the date of the program(s) desired will cause the
programs for that date to appear in the Programs list and these can be played like any
other program. Please note that the programs can be either live or pre-recorded.

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2. Note that the Calendar View uses the same space on the viewer page as does the
Viewer/Moderator support messages. Therefore, when both Calendar View and Support
functions are enabled, it will be necessary to switch between the Support View and the
Calendar View. For example clicking on Support in Figure 3.6 will switch the view to the
Calendar View shown in Figure 3.7. Similarly, clicking Calendar in Figure 3.7 will revert
from the Support View to the Calendar View.

Click Calendar

Figure 3.7

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4.0 How to Receive Assistance Using the Support Interface

The need may arise to send a message in the support section if you are having issues with either
the website or the audio / video of one of the programs. Depending on the program, this feature
may or may not be enabled for use.
1. Loading the main page should automatically show the support section.
2. Type in the message in the box where type here appears and press ENTER when
finished. What was typed will appear in the box above (See Figure 4.1)

The message will appear here

after pressing ENTER.

Type a message here

Figure 4.1
3. Replies from those assigned to provide support will appear in the chat room dialog box.
(See Figure 4.2)

Replies to messages
sent will appear here

Figure 4.2
Note: Support messages will have a delay of about 30-60 in both directions

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5.0 How to Submit the Attendance

All viewing locations are asked to submit their attendance at some point during the program.
Follow the steps below in the order that they appear to submit the attendance.
1. Click on the program to be viewed. The box expands and a field allowing for the
attendance figure to be entered becomes available. (See Figure 5.1)
2. Insert the total attendance count into the field.
3. Click the icon next to the attendance figure to submit the attendance. (See Figure 5.1)

Enter the attendance

total here.

Click this icon to submit

the attendance.

Figure 5.1

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4. If you need to edit the attendance figure, click X and re-enter the figure. Click the icon
next to the attendance figure to submit the attendance. (See Figure 5.2)

Clear the incorrect

attendance figure by
clicking here and
reentering the figure

Click this icon to submit

the attendance

Figure 5.2
5. A message will appear in the upper right corner confirming that the attendance has been
submitted. (See Figure 5.3)

A confirmation
message will appear

Figure 5.3
6. If an update is received to the attendance total, simply repeat steps 1-4 to submit the
updated total. This will not add to the previous total but will replace it with the new
number submitted.

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6.0 Notifications
A useful feature of the stream.jw.org website is the ability to send notifications to quickly provide
users with needed information.
The notification message appears in the lower left corner under the Notifications heading. Once
the message appears the recipient has the option to minimize or close the notification box.
1. Messages appear under the Notifications heading. (See Figure 6.1)

Figure 6.1
2. Click on the Message to expand the box so that the message can be read. (See Figure
6.2)

Click here to expand

the box and read the
message

Figure 6.2

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3. Click minimize to minimize the message once more (See Figure 6.3), or
4. Click X to close the message. A popup box will appear asking you to confirm that you
wish to close the message and have it removed from your list of messages. (See Figure
6.3)

Click here to close the

message box. A
confirmation popup
appears

A popup appears
asking you to confirm
that you wish to close
the message.

Click here to minimize

the message again

Figure 6.3
5. If you click OK to confirm the closing of your message, the message disappears from
your list of messages and you will not be able to see it again. (See Figure 6.4)

The message has now

disappeared from you
list of messages

Figure 6.4

6.1 Announcements
Announcements are important messages sent from the streamer. These can be viewed by
clicking on the Announcement under the Notifications heading (See Figure 6.5). This will

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expand the box so that the announcement can be read. Announcements cannot be closed, only
minimized.

Click here to minimize the

announcement again

Click here to expand

the box and read the
announcement

Figure 6.5

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7.0 Useful Shortcuts for the Player

Key

Description
F or Double Click on video window( or Clicking Full Screen Icon)
takes video window to Full Screen mode

F / Double Click / ESC

/ Right Click

ESC or Double Click when in Full Screen mode cancels Full Screen
Mode
Pressing S several times switches through four kinds of image
scaling. Press number:
1. Scales to full screen width keeping aspect ratio (crops 4:3 at
the top and 16:9 at the bottom of the screen)
2. Scales to full screen width, ignoring correct aspect ratio
(distorted image, but no cropping)
3. Displays unscaled video (1 to 1 pixel), image size on screen
depends on video resolution.
4. Reverts to default setting: scales to full window/screen and
keeps aspect ratio
Key presses are accepted only in non-full screen mode, but the effect
of mode 1 and 2 is only visible in full screen mode..
The default setting is the one which must be always used, so that the
image is not distorted and not cropped, and the video is in maximum
size, for both 16:9 and 4:3.
Show statistical information about video and audio stream
Note: This option should not be used when displaying the program to
a large audience
Change volume 10% up () or down ()

= or NUM+ : Zoom video in by 1%

- or NUM - : Zoom video in by 1%
0 or NUM0 : Reset
Advanced Key Codes affects video player when the player window is selected

= / / 0 or
NUM+ / NUM / NUM0

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8.0 Important Information Regarding Mobile Devices

Stream.jw.org uses either HDS or HLS video formats to play videos on your computer or mobile
devices, this is done using a Flash (HDS) based player or by using HTML5 (HLS) and your
devices built in video decoder. However, since Flash support is limited on phones and tablets, we
use HLS for all videos played on your mobile device.

8.1 Apple Devices

All iOS devices running 3.0 and later support HLS and stream.jw.org. These include the iPhone 4,
iPad 1-4 and iPad Air. However, If you are having issues viewing a video and are using an iPad
Air, be sure to disable private browsing.
How do I disable private browsing on my iOS device?
To turn off private browsing, tap Safari, then tap

in the lower-right corner. Tap Private to turn

private browsing off.

Note: If you're using an iPad, tap

, then Private.

Note: While Private is disabled, Safari should appear white or gray instead of black or dark.

8.2 Android Devices

HLS has limited support on devices running the Android operating system. Android devices
before 4.x (Gingerbread or Honeycomb), do not support HLS. Devices running Android 4.x and
above will support HLS, but there are still inconsistencies and problems.
To use stream.jw.org on an Android device you must use either Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) or
Jelly Bean (4.1+).
How do I check what version of the Android operating system I have?

From the Home screen, touch Menu

> Settings

> More

> About device

Please Note: Even if you are using version 4.0+, many features of stream.jw.org are not
guaranteed to work. You may experience issues with the aspect ratio of video, video seeking and
full screen viewing.

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