Use the options for controlling the video clips, such as sizing, looping, keeping the video picture 'always on top' and moving it around on the screen. Using these options lets you take full advantage of the videos in this lesson series.
These directions apply to Windows Media Player, but other AVI players have similar options and menus. (An AVI player is software that plays video clips with the file extension .avi.) All of the options listed below are found under the View menu.
The picture to the right shows Windows Media Player sized at 100%. (This is only a picture - you can't click or drag it.)
Moving The Player You can move the player around the screen by clicking on the blue area at the top and dragging it to the area of the screen that you want.
Sizing the Screen Most AVI Players have options for controlling the size of the video screen. In Windows Media Player, you can size the video screen at 50%, 100% or 200%.
Sizing the Player Controls Most AVI Players also have options for the size of the controls. To make your Windows Media Player appear like the one in the picture above, click on View, then select 'Compact'
Using the Player Controls The diagram below shows the controls for playing, stopping, pausing and adjusting the volume of the player. Left-click on the button you want to activate.
See The Videos At Full Size You get your best view at the 200% setting. While the player is stopped, click on View / Zoom / 200%. This will expand the video to it's maximum size.
See Tab And Video On The Same Screen
You can size the screen down to 50% by clicking on View / Zoom / 50%.
Then, reduce the player controls down to their smallest size by clicking on View / Minimal.
On most computer screens, the tablature will appear on the left hand side of the screen. Click in the blue area and drag the video-player window into the upper-right part of the screen. For an example of tabs and videos on the same screen click here. (Click the 'Back' button on your browser to return to this page.)
Keep The Video Always On Top Then use the 'Always on Top' option to keep the video in the same place on the screen as you scroll through the html lesson pages. Otherwise, the video disappears each time you scroll the tablature up or down. Click on View and check 'Always on Top.'
Loop The Videos You can make the videos loop (play over and over) by clicking on View / Options, then on the Playback Tab, click on 'Repeat Forever,' or enter a number next to the box that says 'Play.'
Problems with Sound?
Sometimes, when you first click on a video link, the video plays through the first time without any sound, or the sound seems to lag behind the video. Let the video clip play through completely one time. Then press the start button on the video player and let it play a second time. The video should play normally the second time.
No Sound? There is a volume control on in the lower-right hand corner of the Windows Media Player. Adjust this slider to control the volume. Sometimes, this slider will turn itself all the way down even though you didn't move it. If you're not getting sound, be sure to check this slider.