Netflix "watch instantly" issue using Firefox on Macs

From Fish Phipps, IT:

For those who may not be aware, 'watch instantly' on Netflix does not work well in Firefox on the iMacs. This is an issue that can generate a lot of patron complaints so here's the 411:

Short version: If Netflix doesn't work on the Macs you have two options: Reboot and/or use Safari.

Long version: Netflix uses MS Silverlight for it's DRM and it seems that when parental controls are enabled on the macs (we use parental controls to control patron access to applications) that Silverlight and Firefox do not play well together. What usually happens is that when we are creating a new master image for all the machines we make sure that all the plugins are working but there are almost always issues with Firefox and Silverlight that, sooner or later, requires a reboot. Add the fact that after some random number of days/weeks later watching Netflix becomes totally broken in Firefox. This is due to changes made by either Netflix or MS on the server end as nothing has been changed on the machines. I am running some updates on a master image right now for the media center and it looks like I can't get Netflix to work at all in the latest version of Ffirefox. Point people to Safari if they wish to watch Netflix.

Media Center hours

The Media Center hours from today through September 22nd are Monday through Friday 12pm-5pm.

Material type "Music CD" active in CRUZCAT

I have added a new material type (Music CD, code "h") that is now selectable in the webpac. You'll notice that the old COMPACT DISC drop-down menu is gone, as it never functioned properly. Note that the DVD drop-down menu is still there as it works. Currently, Music CD is the last selection on the Material Type drop down menu. If there are no objections, I'm going to leave it as is. If, however, there is a strong desire to reorganize the Material Type list, I will do so. Please let me know if you feel strongly one way or the other Thursday, July 8th.

David

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David Meyer
CNS

New large monitor in McHenry 0345

There is now a large television monitor mounted on the wall in McHenry 0345. This monitor can be used to display data from a PC or Mac. There is a VGA cable that you may attach to a PC laptop. If you have a Mac laptop, come see me for a VGA to MiniDVI dongle that will allow you to use your Mac.

Right now, video from PC and Mac is supported. Audio is not yet supported but I am working on it.

--Greg

Reserve books in the Media Center

I just had two questions where it turned out that books were on reserve in the Media Center. It made sense since the classes were for music and language courses. But if you are like me and have the bad habit of assuming that if a location says "Media Center" it won't be a book I want to caution you to double check. In both cases the patrons and I initially thought the book wasn't immediately available but when we looked more closely happily discovered that, while the McHenry Reserves copy was checked out, the Media Center copy was available.

Frank

Media Center scanner

New directions for how to adjust the dpi on the Media Center scanner have been posted next to the scanner. It is now possible for patrons to select from that scanner's range of available dpi for any scan. Media Center Desk staff are being shown how to adjust the dpi so that they can assist patrons as needed.

If you have any further questions about this please contact Frank Dang.