This new version of the HOS custom Flash
player fixes some minor issues and improves various aspects of normal
operation. It should load automatically when you arrive at HOS.com.
We tried to launch it last month but it wasn't quite ready for active duty. In the interim, we fixed the original issues, found a new bug and fixed that, and tested everything thoroughly. So we will be very surprised if there are any problems with this build.
To verify your player version: right click on the large banner to see the version number.
If you see anything lower than v2.9.5, your browser is stubbornly holding on to the old version. Please click the "Reset" link at the upper left corner of the site to reload the newest version. In the few cases where this doesn't work ("sticky" browsers) you can clear your browser "cache" by following the instructions in our Help! section. Write to [email protected] if you need assistance.
Among the changes:[1] BANNER OPERATION: Now when you first arrive at HOS.com, the player displays our banner image full strength for 10 seconds, then changes to the "interactive" view (banner dimmed, controls visible) for another 10 seconds. If you don't interact with the player it then reverts to the full strength view (minimum text and controls).
Anytime you move the cursor over the player, it immediately reveals the interactive view. After 10 seconds of inactivity, it will fade back to the full strength view again while you are playing music and show you only the Now Playing information. If you don't want this, just leave your cursor over the player.
[2] VOICEOVER ON/OFF (microphone) button: now works anytime. Previously you had to make your choice while a program was actually running. Now you can press it anytime and it will toggle between on and off. As before, the player will save your choice when you log out and log back in.
[3] IMAGE GALLERY LINK: We've added a visible text link for the new program's "Image Gallery." It's visible when the player is in the interactive view. The gallery is a collection of 18 Flickr.com images that relate to the current week's program. There are thousands of awesome photographers posting millions of great images on Flickr. If you enjoy our banners, please take a moment to view the entire gallery. Click on any image to view the "photostreams" of the source artist photographers.
[4] SCROLLWHEEL SUPPORT: We've Improved support for scrollwheel operation on Macs. This was not working on some combinations of the Mac OS and browser, should be much improved now.
Go forth and stream, spacefans...
Great! Thanks for the upgrades. Now on to for the IPhone app....
Posted by: Susie | 26 February 2010 at 07:49 PM
Hi Susie. Though it may seem like our iPhone app is taking forever to appear, we've actually been working on it steadily. I'm going to post an item about it here on our blog shortly with the whole story.
:: SH
Posted by: Stephen Hill | 27 February 2010 at 02:16 PM
Great Job - thanks very much
Posted by: whashburn | 28 February 2010 at 08:18 AM
My connection seems to be dropping (as the program says) quite a bit today. Have you noticed issues related to this with the new roll out? All other internet connectivity seems to be okay with no interruptions on other streams.
That said, thank you for the continued work!
Posted by: Greg | 02 March 2010 at 08:20 AM
iPhone/iPod touch HOS app would be gravy! I love to listen while working in my greenhouse and lugging a laptop out there to stream HOS isn't the best idea. I am so glad to hear you guys are working on one! I can't say "thank you" enough for HOS and the crew that keeps the whole thing evolving and broadcasting.
Posted by: Vanessa | 02 March 2010 at 08:50 AM
Response to Greg, 3/2/10: You and one other person (only) are having this problem, so it's likely not on the HOS side. Please contact me directly at [email protected] and let's figure it out and fix it!
Posted by: Leyla Hill | 02 March 2010 at 04:46 PM