Audio Requirements Help
How do I listen to an audio file?
If a topic has an associated audio file, there will be a large audio icon at the top of the document page (
) and a smaller audio icon next to each section within the page (
).
To listen to the complete recording, left-click the large audio icon at the top of the page. To listen to part of a recording, left-click the small audio icon alongside the section of your choice.
If you have problems listening to the recordings on our website, you probably need to install an mp3 plugin for your browser, or to download a free music player...
If you're using Mozilla Firefox on either Windows, Linux or MacOSX...
You may need to check the Firefox plugins site and download/install the necessary mp3 plugin. The Firefox plugin site is: https://pfs.mozilla.org/plugins/
Free Music Players...
Download RealOne Player for Windows, Macs or Unix
Download Windows Media Player for Windows or Macs
What is downloading?
Downloading simply means saving a file to your computer. The audio files on Patient UK are all in mp3 format and, once saved on your computer, you can listen to them at your convenience.
How do you download an audio file?
- Right-click on the audio icon to start the download.
- You should get a list of options such as 'Save Link As' or 'Save Target As' and following one of these will enable you to save the file to the folder of your choice.
Do I need to have an mp3 player or iPod to listen to downloads?
No - all you need is a media player and speakers (or headphones) on your computer. Transferring downloads to a portable player just gives you the added benefit of being able to listen to them on the go.
What is podcasting?
Podcasting is a way to 'subscribe' to audio updates and have them delivered to your computer. The audio files on Patient UK are all in mp3 format, and once saved, you can listen to them on your computer, or transfer them to a portable mp3 player for listening to on the go.
To receive a podcast, you will need an internet connection and a piece of podcasting software, which is generally available free of charge (click here for list).
How do I receive a Patient UK podcast?
If a topic has a podcast available, there will be an 'xml' icon at the top of the page (
). Clicking on this will take you to another page, showing the url (address) of the audio file you're interested in. All you need to do is copy the url and paste it into the subscription (feed) address area in your podcasting software. Getting the podcasting software to check for new podcasts on this subscription will result in the retrieval of the associated mp3 file.
Clicking the 'Return to document' link will take you back to the topic page.
Do I need to have an mp3 player or iPod to subscribe to podcasts?
No - all you need is a computer with an internet connection and some podcasting software, generally available free of charge (click here for list). Transferring podcast downloads to a portable player just gives you the added benefit of being able to listen to them on the go.