FAQ's
Welcome to TripSmarter.com's Frequently Asked Questions page. In our continuing effort to make your trip planning easy, enjoyable, and helpful, we've created this page to guide you through any problems you may experience while on our site.
Upgrade browser, if necessary.
What resolution is best for viewing TripSmarter.com?
How do I know my bandwidth?
I can't see the video or television... what do I do?
I still can't see the video/television... now what?
I can't see the live cams... what do I do?
I can't hear the "How do you Say?" audio files. What now?
I can't find the information I want. Now what?
What are the rules on posting to your Bulletin Board?
Can I dowload pictures or copy from TripSmarter.com?
How can I contact TripSmarter.com?
Do you have to register to join the Bulletin Boards?
Upgrade Browser, if necessary.
If you're using an older browser, some of our multimedia may not work correctly for you. Additionally, the web page layout could be displayed wrong. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of you favorite browser. Click on the links below to upgrade now:
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What resolution is best for viewing TripSmarter.com?
TripSmarter.Com is designed for viewing at a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher.
How do I know my bandwidth?
If you are accessing the Internet via a dial-up connection, you are considered low bandwidth. TripSmarter.Com multimedia is formatted for broadband connections, which means if you are on dial-up, you may not be able to view some features, such as our live cams, live TV streams, etc. Users with a braodband connection (DSL, Cable Modem, T-1, etc). should be able to view all features on TripSmarter.Com with no problems.
I can't see the video or television… what do I do?
If you aren't able to see a video or television stream, you may need to download the Flash Player plug-in. You can upgrade your browser to do this (see above), or you can download the plug-in alone. Click on the link below to download the Flash Player plug-in:
Download Flash Player
I still can't see the video/television? Now what?
There are several reasons you might not yet see the streaming video or television. If you are accessing the Web from work, there may be a "firewall" in place that protects the company's internal network from outside intrusions. If so, you may experience some difficulties accessing the videos and television streams. Sometimes, all you need to do is close the media player, then click the link again. If this doesn't work, contact your network administrator.
If you are using a computer from home, it may be that the Web is extremely busy at this time. Network congestion can interfere with the delivery of streaming media. This will also sometimes lead to "jerky" or hesitant playback. Somtimes your connection speed may not be sufficient for proper playback. If this is the case, try playing the media again at a later time. If it still won't play properly, contact your Internet Service Provider or consider upgrading your Internet connection.
I can't see the live cams. What do I do?
Wait. It takes a few seconds for the images to begin streaming after you've selected the camera you want. This is the "initializing" message you see on the black screen. If there is a problem, that message will tell you that the socket was closed. In that case, you will need to close the window, and click the live cam link again.
As with the streaming television and videos, our streaming live cams are subject to congestion on the Web (as are all streaming media). Occasionally you will need to try a cam two or three times to get a proper connection.
I can't hear the "How do you Say?" audio files. What now?
To hear them, you'll need a computer with a sound card and speakers (of course), make sure they're on, and you'll need the RealPlayer plug-in.
I can't find the information I want. Now what?
Try using our internal Search Engine. It's at the top-center of the site, on every page. If that fails, your best bet is to go to our forums. There are plenty of helpful people on our Bulletin Boards, and they're usually able to give you an accurate response quickly… and it's a great way to meet people!
What are the rules of posting to your Bulletin Board?
In a nutshell- be polite. This board is live, and so we are unable to monitor it in real time. We do have moderators who monitor the individual sections, but they are unable to maintain a constant presence. So, play nice. Our basic policy is- you will not use this BB to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law. You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by this BB.
Can I download pictures or copy from TripSmarter.com?
Of course! We bring you the best views from the markets we serve, and we're proud that you like what you see. Just keep in mind that all material on the site is copyrighted, and can't be reprinted, republished, duplicated or used for anything else than personal use without the consent of TripSmarter.com.
How can I contact TripSmarter.com?
To find a listing of contact information, click here.
Do you have to register to join the Bulletin Boards (Forums)?
Yes. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of spammers who target Forums, it is now necessary to register before you can post in the Forums. However, it only takes a minute and regitration allows others to get to know you, and gives you a chance to say something about yourself.
