TECHNOLOGY FAQ's

Q. I clicked WATCH and nothing happened!!

A. In order to watch the demo stream, you need to download our player software. The player and demo stream are both in closed beta right now but will be released soon.

Q. What speed internet connection do I need to have?

A. You must have a Broadband connection [Tech details: video stream 1Mb/s, audio stream 192kb/s].

Q. What video format are you using?

A. The audio stream uses an MP3 format, the video stream uses H.264 Codec at DV resolution, 30fps [for more info on encoding with H.264, check out YOUR ACTLAB TV].

Q. How does this peer-to-peer technology work?

A. To learn about all that, take a look at our TECHNOLOGY page.

Q. Why is it streaming and not in a download format?

A. There are two advantages to a streaming format. 1) Like TV, it provides an effortless means to learn about new content without having to actively search for appealing material. 2) Using the streaming format, we can get radical improvements in the efficiency of our bandwidth usage. For more details, again, read our TECHNOLOGY page.

Q. Why don't you use BitTorrent for your peer-to-peer download technology?

A. Although the BitTorrent protocol supports it, no existing implementations allow for streaming of downloaded files. We use a similar technology called Swarmcast, which you can think of as BitTorrent for streams.

COMMUNITY FAQ's

Q. How do I contact ACTLab TV?

A. You can reach us at blanu@actlab.tv.

Q. How do I set up my own streaming server? -OR- How do I start my own ACTLab TV station?

A. Stay tuned! Soon, we'll be putting up some detailed how-to documents showing you the step-by-step process to create your very own ACTLab TV station in the section of our website called YOUR ACTLAB TV. In the meantime, become familiar with how our client works in the TECHNOLOGY section.

Q. Who can submit content to the station?

A. Anyone can join the community - just visit the SUBMISSION page to find out how.

Q. Who gets to decide what content gets shown?

A. The members of the ACTLab TV community sort through submissions and organize them into thematically-related programs. While we won't be able to show everything we're given, we will go through it all and serve you the very best. To learn more about the people who run ACTLab TV stop by our PEOPLE page.

Q. What are you guys looking for in submissions?

A. We're looking for stuff that's experimental, independent, and interesting. We're looking for your own original creative works. We do not distribute copyrighted material, only Creative Commons, Copyleft, or public domain content.

Q. Who is the driving force behind this awesome television station and this amazing website?

A. To find out more about the folks behind the curtain, click on over to the PEOPLE page.

Q. What is the purpose of all this? Why put forth so much time, money, effort, blood, sweat, and tears? Basically, what's in it for you?

A. By merging the ideas of Open Source software and Copyleft media, we are forming a new medium which will revolutionize media distribution. That's a sufficient reward for us. To learn more about our motivations read our PHILOSOPHY page.

Q. How can I help?

A. Join the community! You can submit content, give us some feedback, make a donation, order stickers, and most importantly, spread the word!