Having a few problems? Not quite sure what to do next? Then our handy FAQ's are here to help. If our FAQ's don't have the answer your looking for you can always email us at help@selfcast.com or head on over to our forums
Basics
What is Selfcast?
Selfcast is a place to create your own live broadcasts and interact live with a global audience through your own Channel.
You can create and broadcast your own live Casts or Schedule them for later. Anyone from around the Web can come to view your own personal Channel on Selfcast and embed your Channel into other websites and social networks.
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What is a Show or Cast?
This is the name we give to a broadcast you create.
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What is a Channel?
When you register with Selfcast you’re automatically given your own Web page on the site, called a Channel. From here people can see all the Shows or Casts you’ve already made, as well as any that are scheduled for the future. Your Channel can also include information about yourself, including content from other sites on the multimedia “Wall”.
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Who uses Selfcast?
People use Selfcast to create live broadcasts, interact with friends and share their life. Musicians and DJs use Selfcast to broadcast music and chat with their fans. Artists use Selfcast to promote their work. Comedians and entertainers use Selfcast to host interactive talk shows. The only limit is your imagination.
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Using Selfcast
Is Selfcast free? Will it stay free?
Yes and Yes.
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What do I need to watch Selfcast?
To use Selfcast you need a PC or Mac and an up-to-date browser like Internet Explorer v.6 and 7, Firefox, or Safari with the latest version of Adobe Flash Player installed.
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What do I need to broadcast?
What do I need to broadcast? All you need to broadcast on Selfcast is a video camera or webcam hooked up to an Internet-connected PC or Mac with an up-to-date browser like Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari with the latest version of Adobe Flash Player installed.
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Do I have to register to use Selfcast?
You can watch, chat and comment on any show on Selfcast without the need to register. If you want to broadcast yourself though you will need to register and create an account with us. We only need a minimum of details from you (including a valid e-mail address), it’s completely free and it only takes a few minutes.
We’re already busy preparing some extra cool and exciting features to add to Selfcast in the coming weeks and months so registering with us will be keep you ahead of the game! We promise not to spam you to death!
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I forgot my password. How do I retrieve it?
If you forgot your password use the links on the Selfcast application login page or the website login page and we’ll send you a reminder via e-mail.
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Broadcasting
How do I start broadcasting?
Unregistered users: First, Sign Up to Selfcast and create an account! Then just plug in your camera and press the ‘Start Broadcasting‘ button. You’re then live and ready to interact and chat with a global audience.
Registered users: Just log in to your Selfcast account, plug in your camera and click on the ‘Start Broadcasting’ button. You’re then live and ready to interact and chat with a global audience.
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How do I edit my Channel design?
Click the My Account link at the top of any page and you’ll be presented with a number of different ways to change your Channel. Personal profile allows you to edit your Channel details, such as about and an image. Channel info lets you change the name of your Channel. The Wall option lets you add multimedia extras and links from other websites to your Channel. You can also change your Banner and Background.
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Can I embed Selfcast on my MySpace/Website/Blog?
Yes! Simply click the “embed” button below the video window and a small section of code will be displayed for you to copy and paste into the website of your choice. The application this embeds will not only allow you to play Casts but also chat live with other viewers.
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Troubleshooting
What types of cameras are compatible with Selfcast?
Any USB webcam and many USB/Firewire digital cameras are supported by Selfcast, but IP cameras will not work. To avoid problems plug in your camera to your computer before trying to record a Show and make sure that it recognises it properly and that all the latest drivers are installed.
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My video screen isn’t showing anything but I hear noise?
There may be a conflict among the devices that are connected to your computer. If the driver software of your camera is working properly and is recognised by your computer, then check to see if there's any conflict among the other devices - TV tuners can be particularly problematic.
For Windows based applications:
- 1. Right-click on "My Computer" and then choose "Properties".
- 2. Click on the Hardware tab, and then open "Device Manager".
- 3. Look to see if there's any conflict among the different devices (indicated by an exclamation mark).
- 4. Disable the device that is causing the trouble.
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How can I improve the video quality of my Cast?
If your broadcast is choppy, ensure you have enough bandwidth to broadcast at your selected quality settings. Lowering the quality setting or video bit rate will improve video smoothness.
If your picture quality is poor, you may consider investing in a higher quality camera. Also try adjusting your lighting. Digital cameras need a lot of light, and video will begin to appear grainy in dark conditions.
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Where can I get more help?
If you can’t find the help you’re looking for on this page then we’ll be happy to try and solve your problem over e-mail. Contact us at support@selfcast.com and include a short description of your problem (include the error message number if there is one), your username and a link to the page where you’re having the problem.
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What are the System Requirements?
For PC: Your PC needs to have Windows XP (Home or Professional 32bit) or any version of Vista (32bit). Broadcasting video requires quite a powerful computer. You should have at least a 1.6GHz P4 processor, 512MB of RAM, a fast hard disc with about 10GB free, and a broadband connection with a good ‘upload’ speed of about ‘256kbps- 512kbps’ – this is standard for most ADSL connections and is different to your download speed that may be much higher. Note: if you run lots of other software on your computer or try to view your own broadcast on its web-site you may require more RAM and a faster processor to get the best broadcast.
For Mac: OS 10.2 and above and the Selfcast player supports the browsers for Firefox 1.2 and above and Safari 2.x. You will also need a plug in for Adobe Flash player 9.
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Does Selfcast work with iSight for Mac?
Yes, however Adobe Flash does not default to your iSight camera. To change to your iSight, pick USB Video Class Video from the drop down box that says Video Sources in the Selfcast Player.
You can also adjust it through Flash. On the local stream monitor box hold down CTRL and click. Select Settings and click the camera icon. Under the Camera section select USB Video Class Video then ‘Close’. You should now see your stream on the local server monitor.
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Cast Content
How do I report inappropriate content in a Show?
If you think the content of a Cast or Channel is unacceptable on grounds of obscene, violent or racially offensive language or imagery then please let us know by contacting support@selfcast.com
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Who is responsible for copyright?
It is the responsibility of the broadcaster to ensure the material you stream is not copyrighted material. Any broadcasts discovered to be copyrighted will be deleted and your account suspended.
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Why was my content removed?
The most likely reason for your Show or other content from your Channel being removed is because another user has reported it as containing inappropriate content or it includes copyrighted material. Please check our Terms and Conditions for more information on what is and isn’t allowed on Selfcast.
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