Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wisecast Television?
Wisecast Television is a software based digital gateway to the Ethan 6.7 Broadcasting Network, an Advanced,
Hybrid Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system.
Wisecast connects you to 5 types of broadcasts:
- WMC Digital and High Definition (HD) Broadcasts
- Video On Demand (VOD)
- WCM Choice Music
- Courtesy Channels (multi-format)
- ATSC Digital Local (where available)
Do I need any special equipment?
No. No special equipment is required to enjoy Wisecast Television.
I'm having trouble using the software. Where can I go to get help?
Login to My Wisecast at
http://www.wisecast.tv/MyWisecast and access the support / help file or
contact us at
http://www.wisecast.tv/ContactForm.aspx.
What are the minimum requirements to enjoy Wisecast Television?
- Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/2003/VISTA/7 32-bit or 64-bit/
- 256 MB RAM
- A display with 800 x 600 Resolution
- High-speed / broadband internet connection
Is Wisecast Television really free?
YES! Wisecast Television broadcasts really are free. There are no connection charges, no monthly or annual fees -- yes,
it's really free to enjoy, and we plan to keep it this way. You do need our software to access programming. There is a one-time licensing fee per device (Desktop, laptop, etc).
Basically, you buy the software, install it and enjoy it. Visit the Wisecast Store at
http://www.wisecast.tv/WisecastStore for
software pricing and/or special offers. Remember, you can always try before you
buy. Create a free account, login and download a 7-day full-featured trial
version.
When I power on my Wisecast Television software on my PC, it freezes and
has a wait cursor for about 15 seconds. Is this normal? Yes,
we have upgraded from a centralized data model to a decentralized XML based
real-time service that provides instant access to new features and programming.
When you power on your Wisecast Television software, it is synchronizing with
our data center for up-to-date broadcasts, the On Demand library, music, DVR and
other features.
I want the Wisecast Flickerbox. When will it be availalbe?
The Wisecast Flicker box is phase 2 of our deployment plan and is currently
being tested with a long list of television hardware to ensure compatibility and
guarantee high performance. We plan to launch the Wisecast Flickerboxes as
soon as testing is complete and will release them based on regional demand.
If you are interested in purchasing a Flickerbox, we recommend you start with
the
PC version of Wisecast Television
so you can enjoy Wisecast today and learn all its features. Then, send us a
note using our
online Contact Form
and we will add you to the Flickerbox pre-release notification list.
Will all channels and titles be free to view?
If we had it our way, the simple answer would be yes, but it's not quite that simple.
As we expand our library there will be channels or titles that are not free due to the owner of the content requiring royalties.
We are actively expanding WMC Broadcast Channels. WMC Broadcasted channels will always be free.
Where does your content come from? Do users upload and share
content? Users never upload content. Wisecast is different
from many online video websites in two ways: 1.) we do not post content to the
internet; instead, we leverage IP technology over a private, secured virtual
enterprise network; and 2.) our content, whether music or motion picture, is
licensed via blanket public performance licensing (where available) or with
direct permission from the copyright holder. We provide entertainment, but
we also work hard to protect copyrights and fight signal piracy across the
globe.
Is Wisecast Television a real opportunity for new artists and producers?
Yes. Our revenue sharing model puts money in your pocket and gives you the
chance to grow a large audience. Wisecast was designed to highlight
emerging artists, producers, directors and entertainers, who are supported by
the commercial advertising we sell to small to medium size businesses and the
fans who purchase a copy of our Wisecast Television software, a Wisecast
Flickerbox or purchase a ticket at a Wisecast Powered Movie Theater.
How much does it cost to access the WCM Choice Music Channels?
All WCM Choice Music Channels are broadcast free to the public and are
accessible interactively through Wisecast On Demand.
How is Wisecast HDTV different from YouTube and similar web sites?
These sites offer a "Search-Point-and-Click" streaming experience. From their websites, you find a video clip or show you want to view,
click on it and watch. Wisecast is a full-featured, high-quality television broadcasting service, providing an entertainment experience
similar to Cable and Satellite Television without installation costs and monthly fees the big companies charge you.
Why is Wisecast HDTV different from Apple TV™, Google TV™, FloTV™, WebTV™, etc?
The systems in question ALL require additional hardware/equipment. Wisecast Television
Software doesn’t. Some of them also require you to pay at a minimum a monthly recurring charge.
Can I watch Wisecast Television on a regular TV? Yes. If you have the proper
video out connection on your device that's compatible with your TV, you can enjoy Wisecast on your regular TV.
When the Wisecast FlickerBox is ready, you'll be able to connect it directly to
your TV and use its remote control to access all features and programming.
How big of a screen can I use with Wisecast Television and still get a
good picture. The picture you see on any channel or broadcast
depends on the source of the media. Some shows or movies are recorded in
high-definition while others are not. Wisecast supports full 1080p HD.
Wisecast Television utilizes a 10-foot UI and is designed for exhibition on a
full-size movie theater screen. For home use, if you have enough
bandwidth, you can experience broadcasts the way the creator intended you to.
How many machines can I install Wisecast Television software on?
Like most commercial software, Wisecast offers a single-user license. You may install Wisecast on as many machines as you like;
however, you must purchase a full licenced copy from the Wisecast Store located at
http://www.wisecast.tv or from an authorized
reseller or retailer.
Where is Wisecast Television available?
Wisecast Television is available anywhere there is a broadband internet connection. Some channels and broadcasts may not be
available in all areas. Check the lineup to find out what programming is available in your area.
Currently, due to licensing restrictions, Wisecast Television services is only
available to U.S. customers; however, we are currently working abroad to extend
our digital private network to other countries as soon as possible. If you
are outside the U.S. and are interested in Wisecast Television service, please
join our mailing list so we can notify you of our deployment schedule.
Join our mailing list
The remote control shows some buttons like DVR, On Demand, etc. What’s the deal?
Wisecast Television is both revolutionary and evolutionary. We designed the core product to support new features we will release
soon. DVR Service is one of those featuers. The good part about the unique design is users who purchase a copy now will not have
to upgrade to enjoy many of the new features.
Revolutionary and evolutionary? Really?
Revolutionary, yes. Wisecast Television is unique in many ways, from features and functionality to
programing and industry participation. We didn't get in the game to "rebroadcast". We currently offer connectivity
to a number of "Courtesy Channels"; however, our goal is to offer a lineup of primarily WMC Broadcasted channels. We have the
infrastructure and resources to provide a rich television entertainment experience that is superior to the common "Point-and-Click"
offerings on the web today. This is real TV entertainment.
What are "Courtesy Channels"?
Courtesy channels include programs broadcasted by 3rd parties. These are
in many cases programs viewable using your web browser. Wisecast brings
these channels to you as a convenience for your viewing pleasure. However,
we have no control over content, availability, volume, recordings or anything
else associated with these programs. They are subject to removal from our
lineup at any time, for any reason and without notice.
For questions regarding "Courtesy Channel" practices visit
http://www.wisecast.tv/TermsofUse.aspx
What is ATSC?
ATSC is a set of standards developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee for digital television transmission over terrestrial, cable, and satellite networks.
ATSC broadcast
channels are similar to courtesy channels only they are channels that are
available free to you "over-the-air" by way of a digital tuner. Again, this
broadcast is integrated into Wisecast Television as a courtesy and is available
only locally. For example, a Wisecast Television viewer in California
would not be able to view a local television broadcast from Georgia because the
digital signal from Georgia is available only to local Georgia viewers.
What's a Virtual Hard Disk Drive (vHDD)
Wisecast Television offers DVR service for WMC Broadcast Channels only.
Again, we control WMC Broadcast channels, but we don't control courtesy
channels, so we do not provide DVR service for them. DVR service will be
available in the 4th quarter of 2010. Traditional Personal Recorders or
DVR systems utilize your Hard Drive to store shows and movies. However,
Wisecast Television DVR leverages WMC's proprietary Virtual Hard Disk Drive,
which allows your software to take advantage of storage space in our world-class
datacenter. DVR service, including vHDDs up to 1GB max will be available
for a one-time fee based on the size of the vHDD you need. If you purchase a
single DVR service and you have multiple devices registered (you have purchased
2 or more full copies of the Wisecast Television software), your single DVR
service can be assigned to any Device (one at a time) using the "My
Wisecast" console. For example, you can buy your DVR, assign it to your
registered and activated Wisecast Television software on your laptop, record a
show, then reassign your DVR to your Desktop running a separate fully activated
copy of Wisecast and view the show on your Desktop. Or you may purchase a
separate DVR service for each device.
How does the 7-day FREE trial work?
Some say it works as easy as 1-2-3; others say it's "apple pie". Truth is, they're all right, it's very easy. Just
download the software, create a FREE account, install it take it on a 14-day
test drive before you buy.
Do I have to wait until the end of the trial period to purchase Wisecast HDTV?
No. You can purchase a full license at any time during the trial period from the Wisecast Store at
http://www.wisecast.tv/WisecastStore.
I heard about a prize drawing. How do I enter for a chance to win? Everyone that purchases
a copy of Wisecast Television Software between now and Decmeber 31, 2010 is
automatically entered into the drawing unless you "opt-out" at the time of
purchase.
Who is WMC?
WMC is the Wisemen Multimedia Company, a full-service entertainment company and
the creator of Wisecast Television software and the
Ethan 6.7 Broadcasting
Service Network.