Launch Radio Networks  FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) v2.8
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
  1. Where do I begin ?
  2. When I try to login, I'm denied access. Why ?
  3. How do I print the prep material frame ?
  4. How do I download and extract the files ?
  5. When are commercial feeds updated ?
  6. What is the audio format used, and why can't I play it ?
  7. I'm double-clicking the audio file, but it's not playing... why ?
  8. How can I configure WinAmp to recognize your MPA audio ?
  9. My prep doesn't print out properly... why ?
  10. Where is the prep from last week ?
  11. When I login, I'm not seeing all of the links that I need...
  12. When I login, the prep material is outdated...
  13. My internet-enabled PC is in another studio, how can I use the audio ?
  14. I have an additional web account for my sister station, but when I try to login again, it gives me the same menu.  Why ?
  15. I use a MAC.  Can I still use your website ?
  16. I've forgotten my password.  What can I do ?
  17. How can I convert the MPEG audio to .WAV format ?
  18. How do I download individual soundbites  ?
  19. When I try to download, I'm asked for my login information AGAIN.  Why ?
  20. When I click on a soundbite, I'm asked to login again and the audio still won't play.  Why ?
  21. I use Cool Edit Pro / Adobe Audition. How can I use the audio?
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Back to Top
Where do I begin ?
When visiting our site, just click on the AFFILIATES button.  A security window will pop up asking for your LOGIN & PASSWORD.
Also on this front page is a list of links to: feedback forms, tools & utilities to download, instructions and contact names & numbers.
Upon login, the left frame will be replaced by a menu of links custom generated just for YOUR station !  No more searching through endless navigation buttons.  All of your prep material is just 1 click away.  Click on the text link to see your on-screen prep in the frame on the right.  To download the full text & audio package, just click on the download icon next to the text link it accompanies.
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When I try to logon, I'm denied access.  Why ?

One reason could be an incorrectly entered login name or password.  Keep in mind that all entries are "case-sensitive".  Often, a lower case "L" is mistaken for the number 1.  You must type in the name and password EXACTLY as it was provided to you.  Another possibility could be a change in your status.  If contracts aren't renewed on time, an account may be deactivated.  If you were affiliated on a trial basis, your trial account may have expired.  If there is doubt, call your affiliate marketing representative. Back to Top

How do I print out the prep material frame ?

Since the navigation frame is the "active frame" that you click on, simply clicking PRINT will print out your menu instead of your prep.  To avoid this, click on the prep window first, then PRINT.

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How do I download and extract the files ?

IE 4.0+:  Hold down the CTRL key and click on the file name, or the icon.  You may be prompted with a window asking:  What would you like to do with this file ?  Select: "Save this program to disk", and click OK. This will open a "save as" dialog box.  Just choose where you'd like to save to, click OK, and it will download.

Netscape 4.0+: Hold down the SHIFT key and click on the file name or the icon.  This will open a "save as" dialog box.  Just choose where you'd like to save to, click OK, and it will download.  Remember where you are saving this file to, since you will have to retrieve it later.  A common error is forgetting where you saved the file to. (We suggest you create a folder on your C: drive called "Downloads").  Also, since they're static file names, you will likely be prompted about this, since a file with that name will exist (from prior days' feeds).  You should overwrite the file each day to make sure that you have only the newest material. 
Once downloaded, you do not need to stay connected.  Just go to that .EXE file and double-click it.  It will extract your files to a directory called C:/launchradio.  (No need to create it...it's done for you !)  Each day, your audio will extract to this directory...and THIS can be your weekly library of soundbites. 
We also offer "Individual file" downloads.  With this option, you can download a single soundbite on it's own. Just go to the Daily Downloads page and download a single file when needed.  Keep in mind that when using this option, please make note of where you're choosing to save the file(s) to.
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When are commercial feeds updated ?
 Commercials & Traffic are now handled by United Stations Radio Networks on another web page, which you can view via the link that's generated in your custom menu upon login.  Please contact the traffic department with any traffic issues.
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What is the audio format used, and why can't I play it ?
We currently use the MPEG 2 format (.mp2/.mpa) for our soundbites.  This was the broadcasting standard before the popularity of MP3.  Since we primarily deal with mono audio,  we went with MP2 instead...finding a balance between audio quality and shorter downloads.
You can download the QDesign MPEG player from our website (see Tools & Utilities) OR use Windows Media Player from the Microsoft website.
The QDesign player offers an option where you can open an .mpa file and SAVE AS a .wav file. This is convenient for affiliates who would like to import the audio into their digital workstations.
NOTE: There are dozens of Audio Players, each with it's own capabilities.   Since there are a wide variety of plug-ins and codecs for each player, we can not provide support for any issues that may arise.  We strongly recommend using our specified players to avoid any playback problems. ( QDesign or Windows Media Player 6.4 or higher ) NOTE: Windows Media Player 9 does not support basic authentication, so you can only use WMP9 by saving the audio first, and then playing it from your PC
If you have a preferred audio player that works, feel free to use it.   If you're having problems using a player other than those that we recommend, please try another player - as the issue is most likely with your particular audio player.
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I'm double-clicking on an audio file, but it isn't playing... why ?
Issues such as this are usually due to a problem on the particular PC that  you are using, and NOT with our audio files.
One common issue that we found, is that another staff member recently installed a new software item (most likely an Audio Player) on that PC.   What happens is, the most recently installed player "takes over the rights" to audio files - and when you double-click the .MPA file - the program that used to launch and play the file - is no longer associated with it.   To find out if this is the trouble - try opening your player of choice (Windows Media Player for instance) - and choose "FILE / OPEN" - and browsing to your audio files.    If the audio plays - then the problem is most likely what we described.    Please have your PC support staff re-install your preferred audio player, as this usually repairs the file associations.
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How can I configure WinAmp to recognize your .MPA audio ?
MPA files are not listed as a default file type for Winamp, but you can add them by following these steps: 
Open Winamp. 
Go to Preferences (CTRL + P). 
Select Input. 
Select Nullsoft MPEG Audio Decoder. 
Select Configure. 
In the File Association box add ;MPA 
Select OK. 
Select Close. 
Close Winamp and then Restart Winamp. 
Go to Preferences (CTRL + P). 
Select File Types. 
Click on MPA. 
Then Select Close. 
This will allow MPA to be a default file type for Winamp.  MPA files can now be added to WinAmp playlists, and they can also be launched by double-clicking.
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My prep doesn't print out properly... why ?
It is the nature of HTML to be dynamic.  It prints differently depending on your browser, version, margin settings and such.  HTML is not formatted like a word processing document, in which page breaks and such are kept.
If page formatting is important to you, we suggest that you use the .DOC file that is included in your download to print from a word processor.  If you don't have Microsoft Word, you can download the latest version of WORD VIEWER from the Microsoft website. 
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Where is the prep from last week ?
Click "Prep Archive" in the menu created when you login.  We archive a month's worth of TEXT - as well as a week's worth of full prep archives (EXE containing audio and text)
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When I logon, I'm not seeing all of the links that I need... Your menu is dynamically created just for you !  The links are customized to what your station subscribes to.  After any failed attempt, you should always try to login from a new browser instance. (Close the browser, and reopen it again to clear cached settings.) Try logging in again.  
Please note: We only generate links to a file that exists.  For instance, if there is no "BULLETIN" or "SPECIAL EVENTS" link, it's because there is nothing to report.
If you still don't see what you should, contact your affiliate marketing representative to correct the matter.
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When I logon, the prep material is outdated... On rare occasions, we could be experiencing server problems, in which case you should call us...but usually the problem is local ( your browser, your computer, or your internet provider ) First step is to clear the cache of the browser you're using.  Then, shut down the browser, and return to our site.   Always logon to our site from a fresh session... never try to bookmark a logged-in session.   
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My internet-enabled PC is in another studio, how can I use the audio ?
The convenience of our website allows you to download the text and audio wherever you have an internet connection.   Once downloaded, you can extract the files to a ZIP disk or floppy disks.  As long as you have an MP2 player (QDesign or Windows Media Player 6.4) in your studio PC, you can just take the disks in there to play the files.  If using the QDesign player, you can save the mp2 files as WAV files, which are supported by a wide variety of digital workstations.   You can simply import them into your station's system as WAV files if you'd like.
Another solution is to use a removable audio media device (DAT, MiniDisk, DigiCart, Traditional audio cart deck, etc).  Simply route the audio out of your soundcard to the audio input of the media device.  When you download the audio, play it on that PC...recording it to your choice of media.   Then, simply take the DAT, MD, Cart, etc. into your studio for use !
Playing the MPA file directly from your PC is fine, but we highly recommend downloading it first.   Trying to click an MPEG audio  file and have it play directly from our site will lead to choppy playback.
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I have an additional web account  for my sister station, but when I try to login again, it gives me the same menu.  Why ?
Since you're already logged into our network from the first login, it doesn't prompt you again for the second.   When you're done accessing your first station's prep, close your browser completely.  Then, simply re-open the browser, visit our site, and login as your second station.
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I use a MAC. Can I still use your website ? Back to Top
I've forgotten my password.  What can I do ?
You should call or e-mail your affiliate marketing representative for any lost or forgotten login information.  If you do not know who your affiliate representative is, you can e-mail Affiliate Marketing.  If you know what the login name was, as well as the e-mail account we have on file, you can use the 'Forgotten Password' utility to have it mailed to you.
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How can I convert the MPEG audio to .WAV format ?
Once downloaded, you can use our QDesign Mpeg Player to SAVE the audio as an uncompressed WAV file.  See our INSTRUCTIONS PAGE, step 4.
There are also some other third-party shareware applications that handle this nicely.  KONVERTOR_xxx2wav or dBpowerAmp Convertor can convert MPA to WAV.
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How do I download individual soundbites?
When you're viewing the "Daily Downloads" screen,  RIGHT CLICK on the file name. This will show a sub-menu. Choose "Save Target As" (or "Save Link As") and save the file to C:\LAUNCHRADIO on your hard drive.
You can now play the audio offline.
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When I try to download, I'm asked for my login information AGAIN.  Why ?
It's not us ! (REALLY)   Most likely, you have a third-party "download manager" installed on the computer you're using.  These applications "help" you, by taking over your browser downloads - but in doing so, in essence, act as a second browser.   It's THIS application that's telling you a login/password are needed.  Some common types are:  RealDownload,  GoZilla, GetRight,  & Download Accelerator.   Sometimes you don't even realize they're running because someone else installed them (blame the overnight guy !) - or they were a companion application to a different program that was installed.
You have 3 options.   
a) Uninstall the download manager.
b) Find out where in that application you can disable the "browser integration" feature.  (You'll still have the program to use when you want, but now it won't interfere with your normal web surfing)
c) Find out where in the application your login & password for www.launchradionetworks.com can be stored - so that it doesn't ask again.
If you are NOT using a 3rd party download manager, there are some rare instances where you might be prompted for another login.  If you are using Windows Media Player, and you try to directly play a "Daily Soundbite" - it may request a login because it's trying to play a file that is not local to your PC.   In this case, be sure to follow our instructions to download the file (right click - Save As).   Also, if you left your browser logged into our site for an extended period of time - and then tried to revisit the next day, your session may need to be restarted. (Closing your browser after you're done with our site is strongly recommended).
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When I click on a soundbite, I'm asked to login again and the audio still won't play.  Why ?
MPEG audio is not intended to be streamed.  When you click an MPA file and choose "open" instead of "save as", your computer is trying to play it from our server.  Unless you're on a very fast connection, this will lead to choppy playback.  In fact, some players (like Windows Media Player 9) won't play it at all, as it does not support basic authentication, which we use to customize your menu.
For best results, download the soundbite by right-clicking and choosing "Save Target As". (Or click the DISK icon and download the entire package of soundbites for the day).   You can now play the files locally on your own computer, as they were intended.
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I use Cool Edit Pro / Adobe Audition. How can I use the audio?
Unless you have an MP2 plugin or convert the audio to WAV first, you must use the File/Extract Audio From Video feature from the menu. For details, read THIS
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  Compiled by Dan Panariello
Copyright © 2003 United Stations Radio Networks. All rights reserved.
Revised: October 17, 2003 .