BigPond is now offering all AFL audio/video content exclusively to BigPond Broadband customers at no additional cost to their normal monthly subscription fee. BigPond Broadband customers and International AFL subscribers will have exclusive access to all the AFL match replays and other special AFL audio/video content (live match audio and some video is free to all users).
BigPond TV
All AFL.com.au video content is viewed via BigPond TV. Click on a video item from the AFL.com.au site and the link will launch the player.
Displaying video via BigPond TV requires a certain bandwidth from your internet connection and processing power from your PC.
What you need
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BigPond Broadband
The minimum recommended plan is 512k. BigPond Broadband customers who are on the 256k plan can still use the Guide but we don't recommend it. |
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PC Computer
1 GHz computer with an accelerated video card and 256 Mb of RAM. |
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Windows Operating System
The Guide has been designed to work with Windows XP. |
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Screen Resolution
The Guide is designed to run at a screen resolution of 1024 x 768. |
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Web Browser
Internet Explorer 6. You can download the latest version from Microsoft. |
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Flash Plugin
Latest version required. Download here. |
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Media Player
Please use Windows Media Player 9. Available free to download here. |
Non Windows Operating Systems
Video
AFL.com.au videos use Windows Media Player (versions 9 and 10) technology which is designed to work on Windows operating systems. While our services may work on other operating systems such as Unix and Apple Mac, BigPond does not support these systems.
We use WMP 9 and 10 for its Digital Rights Management capability so we can protect our content providers and their productions from improper use.
The BigPond Guide that surrounds the player has been built to work on Internet Explorer version 6.0 and above.
By meeting the needs of the content providers, and using the most common media player and operating system, BigPond is able to provide a video solution that is able to be used by the vast majority of Internet users.
Audio
How to access the live audio of matches if you are using a Mac:
The following instructions have been tested and work on a Mac with the latest version of Windows Media player (v9.0) and a Firefox – version 2.0
To listen to the live match audio via the HTML version go to Fixture - (http://www.afl.com.au/Fixture/2008ToyotaAFLPremiershipSeason/tabid/11007/default.aspx) and click on the HTML version of the Game Day Live here link.
Fixture, results and stats elements
Please note that currently Safari is not supported on the afl.com.au network. Some users have been unable to see some of the stats, ladder and fixture pages. These pages use AJAX to display some components. They have been tested and work on a Mac in Firefox – version 2.0TOP
Troubleshooting
Below are some recommendations to help you access the BigPond AFL Video content. These solutions have worked for customers with guidance from BigPond staff. We recommend you try the following and if the issues continue please contact us via the Help option on AFL.com.au.
Cannot access Live Scores (and/or other AFL pages do not load including Match Video)
- Please disable any Pop-up blockers. These include Add-ons to Browser such as Yahoo, Google, MSN toolbars etc,
- To remove in Internet Explorer 6 - go to "Tools", "Manage Add Ons" in "Enabled" section look for Yahoo, Google, MSN etc and "Disable" by clicking on file to be disabled then clicking on radio button at bottom that says "disable".
- Shut down browser then try again.
- Reduce security settings through browser (IE 6 instructions below:) Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and "Security" tab, "Custom level", reset custom settings to Medium and click "Reset")
Live scores data not updating
- Close the browser window then re-open
- With the browser window open press Crtl F5 (Refresh)
- Clear internet cookies in Internet Explorer 6 this is done by:
- Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and click on "Delete Cookies"
- Reduce security settings through browser (in Internet Explorer 6 this is done by:)
- Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and "Security" tab, "Custom level", reset custom settings to Medium and click "Reset")
- You may need to totally disable any Firewall. Eg. Norton Security etc
- Please disable any Pop-up blockers. These include Add-ons to Browser such as Yahoo, Google, MSN toolbars etc,
- To remove in Internet Explorer 6 - go to "Tools", "Manage Add Ons" in "Enabled" section look for Yahoo, Google, MSN etc and "Disable" by clicking on file to be disabled then clicking on radio button at bottom that says "disable".
- Shut down browser then try again.
Video not playing correctly / Audio playing but no video / Video not buffering / Video quality not good
- Close the browser window then re-open page
- With the browser window open press Crtl F5 (Refresh)
- Clear cookies and cache through your browser. (IE 6 instructions below:)
- Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and click on "Delete Cookies"
- Reduce security settings through browser (IE 6 instructions below:)
- Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and "Security" tab, "Custom level", reset custom settings to Medium and click "Reset")
- Please ensure you have the correct system requirements (See BigPond TV Guide Help)
- You may need to download Macromedia Flash player, go to: http://bigpondguide.com/help/need.html
- Your Windows Media Player may also need HTTP as its default protocol. Instructions for WMP 9 and 10:
- Start Windows Media Player through your Start Menu > Programs.
- When the Media Player window is launched, look up the top for "Tools" (if the "Tools" is not there look to the top right or left of the toolbar, where it has a little arrows, click this to display the tool bar), then Select "Options"
- For WMP V9 and 10 select the Network tab and deselect the UDP option to only enable the Multicast, TCP & HTTP protocols.
- Click on Apply, then ok
- Close application down then try content again
- You may need to disable any security application. Eg. Norton Security etc
No Audio, No video (ie BigPond TV page loads but nothing plays)
- Please ensure you are logged in correctly via the yellow authentication box for all BigPond video (Note some video is free to all and does not require a login)
- Close the browser window then re-open page
- With the browser window open press Crtl F5 (Refresh)
- Clear cookies and cache through your browser. (IE 6 instructions below:)
- Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and click on "Delete Cookies"
- Reduce security settings through browser (IE 6 instructions below:)
- Select "Tools", then "Internet Options" and "Security" tab, "Custom level", reset custom settings to Medium and click "Reset")
- Please ensure you have the correct system requirements (See BigPond TV Guide Help)
- Windows Media Player requires HTTP as its default protocol. (Instructions for WMP 9 and 10 above.)
- You may need to disable any security application. Eg. Norton Security etc.
- Disable pop-up stoppers, see above instructions
- If you have tried most of the above suggestions and it has not fixed your problem you may need to Re-install your Windows Media Player and your MacroMedia Flash player.
Additional hints for International and BigPond Subscribers
- International subscribers should select the Telstra.com option from the drop down on the login page when entering login details.
- BigPond TV is designed to work at a screen resolution of 1024x768. Please ensure your screen is set to this resolution to see the login prompt.
- A design feature of BigPond TV is once you have logged your details are stored in your internet cookies so you don't need to login again the next time you use it. To log in as another user i.e. for a family member or friend to use their BigPond account on your computer, you will need to:
- Clear cache and cookies (as above)
- Delete flash temp file from #shared object in C:\Documents and Settings\ \Application Data\Macromedia\Flash Player
- Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11 may not work successfully with afl.com.au content
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AUDIO & VIDEO
Q: Who can access the audio / video content on the site?
Q: How do I access audio / video content on the site?
Q: Does my afl.com.au video download contribute to my monthly internet usage allowance?
Q: When do games get published to the site?
Q: Can family members login using my user name and password?
Q: Is there a limit to how much match vision I can watch each week?
Q: Why isn't match video picture quality the same as on TV?
Q: Why have I been locked out of watching Video?
Q: When do games get published to the site?
Q: Can family members login using my user name and password?
Q: Is there a limit to how much match vision I can watch each week?
Q: Why isn't match video picture quality the same as on TV?
Q: Why have I been locked out of watching Match Video?
Q: Why can't I receive any match video content
Q: I’m viewing AFL.com.au video content from overseas – are there any known streaming quality issues?
Q: Can I listen to live radio broadcasts of matches if I am not an existing AFLTN or BigPond Broadband subscriber?
Q: Why do ads play when I click on a video
HELP
Q: How can I get support with the AFL.com.au website?
LIVE SCORES
Q: How do I access the Live scores on game day?
Q: What should I do if I can't see the link to the live scores on the homepage of afl.com.au?
Q: Are the live scores in real time?
Q: The live scores are not updating, how can I fix this?
SUBSCRIPTION (International Users)
All FAQs for international video subscription are contained on the International Video FAQs page which can be found by navigating from Home > Video > Video FAQs
PASSWORD
Q: I’ve forgotten my password…
Q: Why do I need a username and password to access the AFL Telstra Network?
Q: Can I use my AFL username and password to login to telstra.com?
Q: Password tips?
Q: What happens if I forget my username or password?
Q: What is the secret question and answer for?
MOBILE PHONES
Q: What is BigPond Mobile Services?
Q: What is "GSM"?
Q: What is "3G or 3GSM"?
Q: What does BigPond Mobile Services offer me?
RSS
Q: What is RSS?
Q:How does AFL RSS work?
Q:What do I need to get RSS?
PODCAST
Q: What is a Podcast?
Q: What do I need to download AFL podcasts?
OTHER
Q: Q: What does "Broadband" & "Narrowband" refer to?
Q: What does ‘Streaming’ refer to?
AUDIO & VIDEO
- Q: Who can access the audio / video content on the site?
A: All afl.com.au users will be able watch the free video content and listen to live radio broadcasts of AFL Premiership matches. The live audio is housed within the Live Scores, Stats and Audio application. All other audio and video including match replays is available exclusively to BigPond Broadband customers and International AFL subscribers. This content is unmetered for BigPond Broadband Cable and ADSL members, but not for BigPond Broadband Satellite and ISDN members.
- Q: How do I access audio / video content on the site?
A: BigPond customers and International AFL subscribers can click on any video or audio link in the AFL website to launch the BigPond TV player. If you are an international subscriber you should check with your ISP to determine any usage charges that may apply.
Please see system requirements above.
- Q: Does my afl.com.au video download contribute to my monthly internet usage allowance?
A: If you are a BigPond Broadband Cable or ADSL subscriber, afl.com.au is an unmetered site and downloads will not contribute to monthly Internet usage allowances. If you are a BigPond ISDN or satellite customer, video downloads will count to your monthly allowance. You should check the monthly allowance of your current account to help avoid charges for excess usage due to accessing afl.com.au content. If you wish to upgrade your BigPond Account, simply go to My BigPond Account and change your plan.
- Q: When do games get published to the site?
A: We aim to publish all AFL games 24 hours after the final siren.
- Q: Can family members login using my user name and password?
A: If a second login occurs with the same username and password, the first session/user becomes logged-off.
- Q: Is there a limit to how much match vision I can watch each week?
A: No
- Q: Why isn't match video picture quality the same as on TV?
A: Internet bandwidth is an important part of video streaming delivery and playback. We have made our Match Videos available in two formats: 56kbps 'narrowband' and 256kbps 'broadband' (for ADSL, T1...). Bandwidth requirements for 56kbps are such that it reduces the quality of the images and sound when compared to television broadcast quality. The quality of video streaming through 56kbps modems and standard telephone lines may therefore be poor, whereas the quality through 256kbps broadband will be greatly increased.
- Q: Why have I been locked out of watching Video?
A: After three consecutive failed log-in attempts, a user is locked out from subscriber-only content for the duration of their browser session. Try closing down the browser session and starting a new one. You should then be able to successfully log-in (with the correct username and password!).
- Q: When do games get published to the site?
A: We aim to publish all AFL games 24 hours after the final siren.
- Q: Can family members login using my user name and password?
A: If a second login occurs with the same username and password, the first session/user becomes logged-off.
- Q: Is there a limit to how much match vision I can watch each week?
A: You are only able to watch a certain amount (based on time) of AFL Match Video per week. The 2006 limit set by Telstra is unlimited.
- Q: Why isn't match video picture quality the same as on TV?
A: Internet bandwidth is an important part of video streaming delivery and playback. We have made our Match Videos available in two formats: 56kbps 'narrowband' and 256kbps 'broadband' (for ADSL, T1...). Bandwidth requirements for 56kbps are such that it reduces the quality of the images and sound when compared to television broadcast quality. The quality of video streaming through 56kbps modems and standard telephone lines may therefore be poor, whereas the quality through 256kbps broadband will be greatly increased.
- Q: Why have I been locked out of watching Match Video?
A: After three consecutive failed log-in attempts, a user is locked out from subscriber-only content for the duration of their browser session. Try closing down the browser session and starting a new one. You should then be able to successfully log-in (with the correct username and password!).
- Q: Why can't I receive any match video content
A: Please see system requirements and trouble shooting tips above.
- Q: I’m viewing AFL.com.au video content from overseas – are there any known streaming quality issues?
A:. Many factors can affect the viewing quality of audio and video streaming. For example:
- The user's computer and its ability to playback audio and video content -- from processing power and graphics cards to quality of speaker, modem and so on.
- The ISP (Internet Service Provider) of the user.
- The connectivity 'hops' to access a streaming server and playback the audio and/or video content. Some overseas users may be come through to the afl.com.au streaming server via many hops. The audio and video playback quality could be affected by this.
- Connection speed of the user (this is not guaranteed by ISPs)
- Q: Can I listen to live radio broadcasts of matches if I am not an existing AFLTN or BigPond Broadband subscriber?
A: Yes, live radio broadcasts of 2006 AFL Premiership matches from selected radio stations will be available for access by all users to the AFLTN site.
- Q: Why do ads play when I click on a video?
A: When you click on a video on AFL.com.au an ad may play before the video you selected. The ad will play and then re-buffer to play the video. Please see system requirements to play all video.
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HELP
- Q: How can I get support with the AFL.com.au website?
A: If you are experiencing difficulties with logging in and viewing content on the AFL website, assistance can be obtained by contacting Telstra.com on one of the numbers below or go to Help then choose the technical issue option.
Domestic callers - 1800 266 000*
International callers - 612 9242 0275*
* open 8am - 10pm Mon - Fri, 8am - 12am Sat - Sun AEST
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LIVE SCORES
- Q: How do I access the Live scores on game day?
A: Click on the Live Scores, Stats & Audio link. You should be able to view the live scores link on the afl.com.au homepage, approximately 1/2 an hour before the game commences.
- Q: What should I do if I can't see the link to the live scores on the homepage of afl.com.au?
A: You should be able to view the live scores link on the afl.com.au homepage, approximately 1/2 an hour before the game commences. If this link is not visible by game time, try holding down your 'Shift' key and hit 'Refresh' on your browser. You may also go to the homepage of either club playing and check for the text link at the top of the page to 'Live Scores'. If both of the above is unsuccessful, you may need to contact AFL Support group for assistance.
- Q: Are the live scores in real time?
A: On game day the Live Scores, Stats & Audio window, has extended scores and stats information, game tracker that tracks the ball on the screen for the duration of the game in real time.
- Q: The live scores are not updating, how can I fix this?
A: See trouble shooting for live scores above.
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SUBSCRIPTION (International Users)
All FAQs for international video subscription are contained on the International Video FAQs page which can be found by navigating from Home > Video > Video FAQs
Video
- All 2007 AFL matches (available a minimum of 12 hours after the final siren)
- All 2003 - 2006 AFL matches
- Classic matches from 1995 to 2002
- Quarter by quarter news reports, highlights packages, coach and player interviews, press conferences, specialty pieces and much more
- Ability to build highlights video of players; top tackles, clangers, marks and goals
- Weekly Panel shows including Friday’s Tip Off, Tribunal News and Monday’s Experts.
Audio
- Coach and player interviews, pre and post match press conferences and more...
- It is recommended you have high speed Internet access (such as ADSL, Cable or Satellite) to view the video. Video viewing unlimited.
- Q: Can I use my subscription on any computer?
A: You are able to use your username and password to login from any compatible computer with access to the Internet.
- Q: Can I use my subscription straight away as an International subscriber?
A: Once your credit card or billing details have been validated online during the subscription process, you will have access to AFL website subscriber content.
- Q: How do I renew my AFL subscription as an international subscriber?
A: You will be sent a renewal email advice prior to your subscription expiry date. You will be instructed to go to the Subscribe section of the AFL website to complete the process.
- Q: As an overseas user how do I login?
A: All Telstra.com AFL International subscribers will be prompted to log in via bigpond.com log in/subscription page. When logging in from this page be sure to select the Telstra.com option from the user name drop down.
- Q: Do I get a tax invoice for my AFL subscription?
A: Yes, you will receive a tax invoice via email once you have subscribed to the AFL website if you pay via credit card. This will provide a summary of charges and an itemised description of charges.
You will receive a tax invoice if you are billing to your credit card. This will be emailed to the customer as soon as the credit card validation has occurred online. The Record of Transaction and Tax Invoice simply sets out the details of your AFL website subscription. This will be sent to your WebMail account once your AFL website subscription is completed online.
- Q: Can I get a refund if I stop using the site?
A: No. The terms and conditions at the time of subscription clearly state that refunds will not be issued. Please click here to revisit the terms of use.
- Q: When will I receive my Tax Invoice as an international subscriber?
A: You will receive a Tax Invoice to your preferred email address within 30 days of subscription.
- Q: Can I claim back the GST I have paid on my subscription?
A: Yes, you can claim your GST for six months from the date of subscription. It is the customer's responsibility to notify Telstra of any changes to GST status.
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PASSWORD
- Q: I’ve forgotten my password…
A: If you forget your username and or password, you will need to phone FREECALL™ 1800 266 000*
- Q: Why do I need a username and password to access the AFL Telstra Network?
A: Your username and password ensure that the exchange of sensitive and private information between your computer and the AFL website is secure.
Your username and password also ensures that people using the site are subscribed users.
- Q: Can I use my AFL username and password to login to telstra.com?
A: Yes. Your AFL website subscription gives you telstra.com membership by default. You may use your username and password for both sites interchangeably.
- Q: Password tips?
A: Some tips for choosing a password are:
- Choose a password that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.
- Don’t choose a password you’ve used before or are using now for access to something else.
- Make sure your password is between 4 and 16 characters long for International and existing AFLTN subscribers (at least 4, but no more than 16)
- Make sure your password is between 4 and 8 characters long for BigPond Broadband subscribers (at least 4, but no more than 8).
- Q: What happens if I forget my username or password?
A: If you forget your username, you will need to phone FREECALL™ 1800 266 000*
*A free call from fixed phones.
TM Trade mark of Telstra Corporation Limited ABN 33 051 775 556
- Q: What is the secret question and answer for?
A: It’s easy to forget your password. We’ve created an alternative way to identify you, in case this happens. We’ll ask you a question to which only you know the answer, and if you answer correctly, you’ll be allowed to log in and change your password. Now, think of a question to which only you know the answer. (For example, “What is your mother’s maiden name”).
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MOBILE PHONES
- Q: What is BigPond Mobile Services?
A: BigPond Mobile Services (formerly known as WAP and Telstra Active) brings you a world of content specially formatted for use on your Telstra Video Mobile (3G) and on other WAP capable phones. If you have a Telstra Video Mobile (3G) phone, it allows you to access exciting new content and video clips, including the latest in sports, news, music, games and entertainment.
- Q: What is "GSM"?
A: GSM stands for "Global System for Mobiles", which is a digital technology for cellular phones.
- Q: What is 3G or 3GSM?
A: 3rd Generation wireless data technology that allows enhanced multimedia, like video and audio, to be delivered to your i-mode handset, on compatible i-mode video mobiles (3G) in 3G coverage areas.
- Q: What does BigPond Mobile Services offer me?
A: Watch exclusive mobile video* AFL match highlights, live scores, news, match stats, game previews, photo galleries, match reports and official AFL ringtones and wallpapers. You can also enter your footy tips via your Telstra mobile.
* 3G video and audio services only available in 3G coverage areas which are in selected areas of most capital cities. See To find out more about AFL BigPond Mobile services go to http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=mobiles
For Telstra mobile help please see http://mobilefun.telstra.com/(4xafokropsccof55jtqxtfn5)/help.aspx
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RSS
- Q: What is RSS?
A: RSS provides an alternative means of accessing the vast amount of information that now exists on the world wide web, saving you the time of browsing the ever-growing world wide web.
- Q: How does AFL RSS work?
A: Web feeds provide AFL content or summaries of AFL content together with links to the full versions of the content. RSS in particular, delivers this information as an XML file called an RSS feed, webfeed, RSS stream, or RSS channel. In addition to facilitating syndication, web feeds allow a website's frequent readers to track updates on the site and get the latest information form AFL.com.au or clubs.
- Q: What do I need to get RSS?
A: To subscribe to it, you will need a News Reader or other similar device.
To use RSS you need a News Reader. For more information please see the RSS page.
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PODCAST
- Q: What is a Podcast?
A: Podcasting allows you to download radio programs and other audio to your MP3 player or PC by subscribing to a feed. As well as being able to listen to the latest episode, new episodes will be downloaded automatically onto your computer as they are published.
- Q: What do I need to download AFL podcasts?
A: Software to play MP3 files once they're downloaded (such as Windows Media Player) and a podcast client to subscribe to the feed. We recommend:
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OTHER
- Q: What does "Broadband" & "Narrowband" refer to?
A: Broadband refers to a range of technologies in which a wide band of frequencies are used to transmit information (in contrast with narrowband telecommunication, where information is carried in a narrowband of frequencies). The term ‘broadband services’ is generally used to describe a range of services and technologies that provide high-speed data connections. Broadband offers customers an 'always on' dedicated digital service, that is principally used for fast Internet access at this stage. Broadband services and technologies are often defined in terms of a capability to transfer information including text, sound and video/graphics, at a higher rate than narrowband services.
BigPond offers the following broadband services-ADSL, cable and satellite at speeds of up to 256kbps, 512kbps and 1.5mbps. BigPond dial up (and ISDN) are classified as dial up services.
- Q: What does ‘Streaming’ refer to?
A: Streaming refers to online audio and video playback. Instead of downloading audio and/or video content entirely before being able to see or hear it, streaming allows the user to see and/or hear it as it is downloaded, using real-time buffering. Video on AFL is not available for download it is only available via streaming.
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