Bcbs.com Webcast FAQs


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Please note: BCBS.com cannot provide customer service for technical difficulties. Please contact your internal IT department or software company regarding required software upgrades to view webcasts.

What is a webcast vs. a webinar?

A webcast is free streaming video that is live or on demand (played whenever you want to watch) and viewed from your computer (similar to YouTube, CNN online videos, etc.). You just register your name (for future webcast promotions), click the viewing software, and watch. You can pause, stop, rewind, and fast forward. All audio and video is played directly through your computer (no separate dial-in required) and is open to all users of the website. All bcbs.com viewed media are webcasts and are located at http://www.bcbs.com/news/bluetvradio/.

A webinar is video conferencing for targeted audiences, such as employees. Usually there is a cost and a password given in order to watch from your computer. To listen to audio and interact with the host giving the presentation, you have to call in via telephone. Usually these are one time presentations that do not have capabilities to pause, stop, fast forward, or rewind. The host of the presentation controls the viewing. Bcbs.com streaming video are not webinars.

I'm not available during this Webcast, is there another available time?

All of our webcasts are posted and archived on bcbs.com for one year so you may watch at any time after the event is posted. Please see our BlueTV archives to see a full year's listing of the webcasts we have hosted.


How do I watch a webcast?

BCBSA webcasts are watched from your computer. There is no need to dial in via phone to listen. You just need to register for the specific webcast, choose a media software, and watch when you are ready. You can stop, pause, play, rewind, and fast forward at any time. It is important to register from the computer you intend to watch, otherwise you will have to re-register if it's being watched on a different computer. Make sure you have the software required via system check and click either Windows or Real Player depending on what software you have.


What kind of technical equipment do I need to attend?

  • A 56Kbps Internet connection or better
  • Speakers on your computer
  • Access to watch the latest versions of  Real Player, Windows Media, or Flash software (consult with your internal IT department if you cannot view a webcast due to firewall/streaming media restrictions)
  • Prior to registering and watching a webcast, do a system check to see what software you are using and if you need to consult with your internal IT department for software upgrades.

Is there a charge for watching webcasts?

No. All BCBSA webcasts are free.

Slide Deck Copies

All of our PowerPoint presentations are posted on bcbs.com under the specific webcast. Click the title you wish to view and a full listing of presentations and support documents are posted on the individual webcast promotional page.

Troubleshooting

No Sound - Why can't I hear sound through my speakers? 
Check to see if your computer volume is on mute or set on low. If you have any technical issues in not being able to view our webcast, please contact your internal IT department for troubleshooting.

No Video—I can't see the webcastIf you do not have the latest Real Player, Windows, or Flash media, you might not be able to see the webcast. Please do a system check prior to watching the webcast to see if your IT department needs to upgrade your software.

Also occasionally it's a restriction/firewall issue within your company. You will need to talk with your IT department about giving you access to streaming media.

BCBSA cannot troubleshoot issues with viewing webcasts. You will need to contact your own internal IT department or software support desk to troubleshoot.

For additional troubleshooting please see the help page.