For all Big Brother 5 Fans ~ How to make your Big Brother viewing experience optimal!

Question
How can I make sure my PC is ready for Big Brother 5?

Answer
If you haven't signed up for Big Brother 5 yet, click here to subscribe. The first video feeds of Big Brother 5 will start at 9:30 pm Pacific time on Tuesday, July 6th, after the season premiere completes its broadcast.

Note: This article refers only to the Windows version of RealPlayer.

Before watching Big Brother 5 on your computer, you'll want to make sure that you have the optimum setup for your player and your computer. First, check that you have the latest version of RealPlayer on your system, your RealPlayer bandwidth is set up correctly, and you can play our test clips. Next, check that your computer has the latest video card drivers, sound card drivers, and Windows Updates.

1. Running the latest version of RealPlayer 10 for Windows on your system:

Although you can view Big Brother 5 on both RealPlayer 10 and RealOne Player, you'll get the best results from the latest build of RealPlayer 10.

1. Open RealPlayer.
2. In the top right corner, click Help.
3. Click About RealPlayer.
4. Look for this number: Build: 6.0.12.880. If the build number of your player is lower than this, update to the latest version from http://www.real.com.

2. Ensuring your player bandwidth is configured properly:

1. Open RealPlayer and click the Tools menu, then Preferences. The Preferences box opens.
2. In the Category pane, click Connection.
3. Click the Test Connection button.
4. Click the Perform Test button.
5. Follow the instructions to perform and complete the test.
6. When the test finishes, click OK to close the Preferences box.
7. Close RealPlayer.

3. Playing test clips:

To ensure that your player is configured properly, please go to http://service.real.com/test and run the test videos.

4. Making sure you have the latest version of your video card drivers:

Please contact your system manufacturer to ensure you have the latest version of DirectX 9 compatible video card drivers.
Most common video card manufacturers:

-NVidia
-ATI

Common system manufacturers:
-HP
-Compaq
-Dell
-GateWay
-Sony

If you put the card in yourself, please contact the manufacturer of the card.

5. Making sure you have the latest version of your sound card drivers:

Please contact your system manufacturer to ensure you have the latest version of DirectX 9 compatible sound card drivers.

Most common sound card manufacturer:
-Creative

Common system manufacturers:
-HP
-Compaq
-Dell
-GateWay
-Sony

If you put the card in yourself, please contact the manufacturer of the card.

6. Checking for the latest Windows Updates:

You will need DirectX 9 compatible drivers for both your sound card and your video card. Installing DirectX 9 on a system with an unsupported video/audio driver may cause system instability.

1. Visit http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp.
2. Once the page loads, click Scan for updates. Install ALL critical updates and service packs. - If you are unable to install DirectX 9 because you have older hardware, be sure to click the Remove button for DirectX 9.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Run this process again.
5. Keep repeating these steps until the page says "there are no critical updates available."

Source: RealOne