Channel Classics Records

FAQs - Mac OS X

To read the FAQs, select a category from the dropdown list. Then click any question to view the answer.

How do I play 24bit/96 kHz audio on my Mac?: Open Audio MIDI Setup in Applications/Utilities. In the window that opens:

Select the output device on the left side.

On the right side, change the Format to 96000.0 Hz and 2ch-24bit.

There are some applications that do not support 24bit/96 kHz audio that may cause the sound from your output device to become distorted. Therefore, we suggest you only use these settings for when you are running applications that do support 24bit/96 kHz audio. A few examples of these applications are Itunes, Songbird, and Cog. If you are not listening to high resolution audio or running an application that supports 24bit/96 kHz audio, change your output device's Format in the Audio MIDI Setup to 44100.0 kHz and 2ch-16bit.

How do I launch the downloader in Mac OSX Safari?: Even if you have Java security installed correctly. Safari will NOT auto-launch the JNLP file that starts the Downloader. However, you can manually launch it.

Step 1: Click the TRY IT NOW button to Download the JNLP file.
Step 2: Look for the Downloads button in the upper right corner of the Safari Window (see image below). Click it.
Step 3: Locate the JNLP file (EDDSDownloader.jnlp) and DOUBLE-CLICK it to open it. THIS will start the JNLP file within Safari.

*The JNLP file will auto-launch in ALL other browsers (including Firefox, Chrome, and Opera). These instructions are for SAFARI USERS ONLY.

I've heard frightening rumors about Java, what does it all mean? Reinstall Java if necessary.

For the last few months Oracle has been working hard to harden the Java computing platform for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The final result is that if you haven't already updated your Java environment before April 2013, you should uninstall and re-install Java with a fresh version. The instructions below are intended to assist you with this.

UNINSTALL:

http://www.java.com/en/download/help/mac_uninstall_java.xml

DOWNLOAD FRESH:

Visit this site and download whichever version of Java is correct for YOUR operating system:

http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

INSTALL IT!

Historical note: For about a decade, Apple provided its OS X customers with its own versions of Java based on the latest releases from Oracle. One advantage of this was that Mac users were privileged with not having to worry about installing or updating Java and Apple was responsible for fixing any compatibility issues. A Java Run-time Environment (JRE) with web browser plugins came pre-installed and was automatically updated each time users updated their OS X. However, the disadvantages of Mac providing its own Java became increasingly apparent to Apple in recent years. Every time Oracle updated Java for security reasons, Apple had to follow suit with their own version, and naturally this process involved a lag that left Mac users completely vulnerable for days or even weeks at a time.

Now, like other OS users, OS X users will be responsible for installing and updating Java directly from Oracle. However, the untimeliness of Apple's decision has created additional hurtles for some Mac users. The last Apple-provided Java SE 6 is still available, however not recommended, as Apple will not provide any updates.

Furthermore, if you are on Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), Apple has removed its Java SE 6 web browser plugins, which further complicates the situation. These web browser plugins allow your browser to recognize the .JNLP file and launch the Channel Classics Downloader. With the plugins gone, your web browser may prompt you to install the latest Java SE 7 plugins from Oracle. These Java SE 7 plugins are incompatible with the Apple-provided Java SE 6 on your computer and may cause the Downloader launch to fail.

The solution for Leopard (10.5) users is to completely remove the Apple-provided Java and start over again with an installation of Java SE 6 from the Oracle site. As of this writing (November 2012), Snow Leopard (10.6) users can use the Java SE 6 Update 37 provided by Apple. This update fixes the security holes that were in the Apple-provided Java SE 6 and can be found on the Apple site here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1573. Java 7 is not compatible with Leopard or Snow Leopard and is not an option. At this time, we are not certain what Apple plans for Leopard and Snow Leopard users in the future. It may be best to uninstall Apple's Java SE 6 from your systems and install a fresh Oracle Java 1.6 to your system so that you will be getting security updates from Oracle direclty in the future.

After this tenuous period ends, for up-to-date information and instructions about Java on OS X, you should be able to refer to the Mac Java 7 FAQ found on the Oracle site.

How do I know my Java is secure?

Even if you are not having any problems with your Java installation, we strongly urge you to make sure that Java is updated to the latest version and that it is set to the maximum security level in your Java Control Panel. This will require you to authorize any Java program that runs or launches from the web. Never authorize a Java application that is not code-signed and "authenticated" by a third party authority.

To open the Java Control Panel in Windows: Click Start, then Control Panel, then Programs, and then Java.

To update Java from the Java Control Panel: Click the Update tab, then click the "Update Now" button. (Even if Java Update has been run recently, it is possible that the latest version of Java is not yet properly installed on your system. Clicking the "Update Now" button and manually installing the Java Update is a better way to be sure that you are up-to-date.)

If there is an update available, click "Install". You will need to close the Java Control Panel before installation can begin.

In the latest version of Java, you will have access to a Security Level slider. After updating, open the Java Control Panel and select the "Security" tab. Make sure the "Enable Java content in the browser" checkbox is checked. Set the Security Level slider to "Very High" and click Apply or OK. This setting will require you to authorize any Java program that runs or launches from the web.

(The JNLP file will auto-launch In ALL browsers EXCEPT Safari. Safari users must open their browser's download tool, locate the JNLP file and double-click on it. For more instructions, read the FAQ below entitled "SAFARI USERS: APRIL 2013 UPDATE")

This setting will require you to authorize any Java program that runs or launches from the web. With the Java Downloader, you will be prompted during the "Verifying application" process. You should see Channel Classics or ITPDX, LLC. (the program's developers) listed as the publisher.

Only authorize Java applications from sites you trust.

A trustworthy Java Application should always be code-signed and "authenticated" by a third party authority.

By checking the "Always trust content from this publisher" box (see above), you will not be required to authenticate the particular application again. Java will add the certificate to your Trusted Certificates. You can manage your Trusted Certificates by clicking the "Certificates" button in the Security section of the Java Control Panel.