Problem Streaming media

Hello all, ain't been here in a while - as usual I only appear when I have a problem and Google can't find my the answer!

So, I'm wondering if you guys can help?

Whenever I try to stream media, be it a vid or audio through my browser (Firefox) or through WMP 11 the same thing happens:

It works well for a little while, then stops, and goes into "buffering state" for ever. During this time there is NO internet activity. I have a 16mb connection and I try listening to (for example) "Soulfunkstication" (internet radio) either through the browser (on their website) or through WMP and I get this problem. A friend of mine who is on the same telephone exchange has a 6mb connection and streams it all day without issue.

I'm running XP, he's running Vista. Is it my machine, my router? the results are the same if I connect wirelessly or through a CAT5 cable.

I can get it to kick start again by opening a browser - as if the internet activity needs a shove to get moving again.

Any ideas?

Cheers.

 

I have a somewhat similar problem at the moment and I don't think I have solved it yet , but I will share some suggestions if you like.

Clear out the Temporary Internet Files, not by using Disk Cleanup, but by going to Control Panel -> Internet Options. Delete the files, but also use the View Files button, there will probably be cookies and other junk still remaining, delete them.

In Firefox, go to Tools -> Clear Recent History and delete the cache.

Try disabling the firewall while you do a stream. See if the website offers troubleshooting and if it runs through a certain port in the firewall. You need to tell the firewall to Allow it. Try disabling the antivirus (but run a full scan first) or antimalware that runs in the background.

The router will have Network Address Translation (NAT). I suppose you will have a modem, that will have NAT. [My motherboard has a software version of NAT.] You might need to reset the modem by turning it off for several minutes and turning it back on. Same with the router, but you might need to go through it's setup system again.

Try opening the stream with Internet Explorer (Firefox closed). My Firefox doesn't seem to be working 100%. I might uninstall mine and download the latest version.

Look at any browser add-ons. See if they can be updated (Firefox suggested that one of mine was not completely compatible, so I have disabled it).

If you change settings, do a restart to test it/them.

Matt

 

Tried 'em all matt. No dice. Thanks for taking the time to reply though.

Something very interesting and probably very relevant: My kids PC is the same too (ethernet connected to the router). So, is my connection dirty? is my router faulty? are there router optimising settings for streaming I can look at?

Thanks

 

RESOLVED

Seems that the problem is unique to my modem (Echolife HG520). I've not tried this yet (I'm at work) but it seems promising!

http://www.talktalkmembers.com/content/view/118/102/