FAQ - Table of Contents

What is the Sermon Player?
What is the Media Manager?
My church doesn't have a website, can we still use the Sermon Player?
What is a podcast?
Can I charge people to listen to my audio?
Can I charge people to contribute their sermons through my Sermon Player?
What browsers are supported by Sermon Player?
Why can’t I see all the elements within my Sermon Player / Media Manager?
Why will my player not load my sermons, or why can't I see the player that is installed on my website?
I noticed that you have a user directory on the homepage, how do I add my ministry to the directory?
I would like to remove my ministry from the user directory, how do I do this?
In the user directory on the homepage, my artwork/contact info is not what I would like it to be, how do I change it?
Does Sermon Player support live streaming?
I don’t have a way to record my audio messages, what do you suggest?
What is the Video upgrade?
How much does the Video upgrade cost?

Uploading

What is Server-side conversion?
Why should I compress my audio or video file before uploading?
My uploads are taking a long time, can I make it take less time?
Is there a limit to how much I can upload? / How many sermons I can have on my Sermon Player ?
Is there a size limit per file?
My upload just seems to take forever, what’s happening?
How do I convert my documents into a PDF format to attach as notes?
Why can’t I upload my files from a CD?
I already have my sermons online with another host/website. Can I easily transfer them?

Comments

How do I turn on/off comments from listeners?
How do I contact listeners after they've left a comment?
How do I add/change the email address that comments are sent to?
Why am I not receiving the listener comments to the email address I provided within my Media Manager?

Stats

Are the statistics unique listens?
How do I reset my stats?

Delivery

How do I adjust the color of my Sermon Player to match my site?
Can you install the player on my site for me?
Can I have different playlists and have a unique player for each playlist?
Do I have to install the player on my site after every upload?
I don't like the color I've changed my Sermon Player to, how do I reset it?
What is the "Install code"?
My player does not show my uploads, what is wrong?
My player is stuck on “Loading” and never pulls in the sermons, what is wrong?
I am using a mini player for video, before you click to play there is an image displayed. How do I change this image?
Is there a way that my listeners can click a link to subscribe to my podcast?

Resources

What can I do with the Media Converter software?
I am trying to open Switch / Rip / Wave Pad, and a popup says I need to purchase it to continue to use it. What should I do?
What is Switch used for?
How do I switch my filetype to .mp3?
How do I compress my audio file?
What is Rip used for?
How do I upload from a compact disc? What if my CD contains multiple tracks?
What is Wave Pad used for?
How can I edit my audio file before uploading?
What is iTunes used for?
How do I subscribe to a podcast?
What is PDF Online used for?

Help Desk

How do I contact Sermon Player to ask a question?
How do I contact Sermon Player ?

Referrals

What is my referral ID?
What is your referral program?

Account

Can I change my user name? Can I change the URL for my podcast and Sermon.net channel page?
How do I change my user name? Can I change the URL for my podcast and Sermon.net channel page?
How do I change my password?
I forgot my username/password?
How do I set the default information that is displayed in my Sermon Player ?
How do I update my account information?
Our web address has changed, how do I move the Sermon Player to our new site?
How can I check to see if I've been billed yet?
How do I view my billing history?
How do I know when my free trial expires?
I get a warning that says I need to update my billing information. Why?
Why am I not receiving the emails I should receive from Sermon Player ?
What is the "Channel Page" and "Media Player" page?

Q: What is the Sermon Player ?
A: The Sermon Player is a built in media player that embeds directly on your website, and was designed specifically for churches and ministries. It doesn't require your listeners to download any software or click any links that take them to another site. You can upload as much as you'd like, in fact we encourage you to upload your complete library!

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Q: What is the Media Manager?
A: The Media Manager is the control panel for your Sermon Player . It is where you upload your files, control your archive of files, check comments and stats from your listeners, maintain your Sermon Player , get help and support, and maintain your personal account information. The Media Manager is where you are taken upon logging into your account.

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Q: My church doesn't have a website, can we still use the Sermon Player ?
A: Yes, every Sermon Player account has its own page on the Sermon Network (sermon.net), with the Sermon Player and the church name, pastor name, address, phone number, email and website information, and a welcome message for your listeners. The link to your Sermon Network channel page can be found by going to the homepage of your Media Manager and expanding the section labeled "install the sermon player on your website or blog".

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Q: What is a podcast?
A: A podcast is an internet broadcast of your audio. Your listeners can subscribe to your podcast and automatically receive new sermons as you add them to your archive, as well as download past sermons. Your podcast includes all files you upload, so your podcast subscribers can receive any audio, video, notes, or artwork you have uploaded to a record. You can view your podcast link, which your listeners use to subscribe to your podcast, by going to the homepage of your Media Manager and expanding the section labeled "install the sermon player on your website or blog".

- Free accounts can turn on or off individual sermons by going to the Archive page within your account, and clicking View next to the record title. Then turn on/off the podcast inclusion of this record in the "Record Settings" in the upper left. Be sure to save your changes.

- Premium accounts can turn on/off the entire podcast on the Delivery page > Podcast tab within your Media Manager. If you have your podcast turned on, your listeners can view your link by clicking the iPod icon at the bottom of your Sermon Player.

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Q: Can I charge people to listen to my audio?
A: The Sermon Player is not designed to charge listeners, but you can put it on a secure page on your website that requires listeners to sign in, sign up, or pay to listen.

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Q: Can I charge people to contribute their sermons through my Sermon Player ?
A: No. You are welcome to let other people broadcast their sermons through your Sermon Player , but you may not charge them for the hosting and delivery services provided by Sermon Player.

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Q: What browsers are supported by Sermon Player ?
A: Almost all browsers will work with Sermon Player, it is best viewed in Internet Explorer 6 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox. The Safari and AOL browsers have some compatibility issues with the Sermon Player system. If you currently use the AOL browser and need a free alternative, Firefox is our recommendation.

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Q: Why can’t I see all the elements within my Sermon Player Media Manager?
A: You may need to update the Flash on your computer. You can type this URL into the address bar of your browser to go to the most recent update: www.adobe.com/go/getflash. Alternatively, go to the Adobe website (www.adobe.com) and get the most recent version for your system. You can easily access the Adobe site by entering “Flash Update” into a search engine such as google.com or yahoo.com.

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Q: I noticed that you have a user directory on the homepage, how do I add my ministry to the directory?
Q: I would like to remove my ministry from the user directory, how do I do this?
Q: In the user directory on the homepage, my artwork/contact info is not what I would like it to be, how do I change it?
A: The user directory displays our clients who have 5 or more uploaded audio messages. If you would like to be removed from the directory, please let us know by emailing your account manager, submitting a help desk ticket, or giving us a call. To change the information that is displayed in the client directory, go to the Delivery page within your Media Manager, where you can change the information displayed to the public.

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Q: Does Sermon Player support live streaming?
A: Yes! Please get in touch with us through the Help Desk in your Media Manager, by emailing support@sermonplayer.com, or by contacting your account manager. We'll email the information needed to get started, and will help you set up your live stream. This is a premium feature, for pricing information please check: http://sermonplayer.com/details.php

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Q: I don’t have a way to record my audio messages, what do you suggest?
A: There are a few ways you can record your audio. The ways we provide are through the Recording Studio (below the Media Upload Center when adding a new record), the Media Converter software, and WavePad (both found on the Resources page within your Media Manager). You can also purchase a digital voice recorder that will create recordings you can transfer to your computer for uploading. To use our solutions, here are some instructions. Please note that we recommend using the Media Converter software or WavePad, so that you will have a hard copy of your recording saved to your computer. If you use the built in recording studio, the file can be lost if any interruption happens during the upload of your recording.

Recording Studio: When logged into your Media Manager, click “Add Record”.
Enter the details for your message (title, date, speaker, etc) - click the Save icon on the upper or bottom right side.
Scroll down on the next page, below the Media Upload Center. You should see the Recording Studio.
Make sure your microphone is plugged in, and press Record. You should see the sound levels moving up and down as you speak. After you are done, click Stop, then Upload, and the audio file you just recorded will be uploaded as the audio file for the record you created.

Media Converter: Open the Media Converter software found on the Resources page within your Media Manager, and click tab for "Create Record".
Make sure your microphone is plugged in, and press record. You should see the sound levels moving left and right in the meter below the record button.
After you are done speaking, click stop.
Name the file that will be saved on your computer in the field labeled "Recorded Audio - File name". Tell the Converter where to save the file by clicking the browse button and pick a location on your computer.
Click "Save" and the file will be saved to your computer, ready to upload.

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Q: What is the Video upgrade?
Q: How much does the Video upgrade cost?
A: The video upgrade allows you to add video to your Sermon Player, in the same way you add audio. We will give you one month free to try the video, to make sure it is a good match for your ministry. You can turn on your video upgrade by clicking the “Select Video” button in the Media Upload Center. You can view the pricing information and other details after clicking the Select Video button. For your convenience, here is a link to the pricing scale: http://sermonplayer.com/details.php.

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Q: What is Server-side conversion?
A: Server-side conversion means that our servers will change your uploaded files to the proper file format to work with the Sermon Player and your podcast. This feature greatly reduces the amount of preparation required before uploading. Most major file types are supported by the Media Upload Center, and will be converted after they are uploaded to our servers. The following file types are supported by the Media Upload Center and can be uploaded with minimal or no preparation*.

Notes: .doc, .pdf, .txt, .ppt, .jpg, .gif, .xls
Audio: .mp3, .ram, .wav, .wmv, .wma
Video: .avi, .flv, .mp4, .m4v, .wmv, .divx, .vob
Artwork: .jpg

* We do recommend compressing your audio and video files before uploading, to save you time. You can compress your files, as well as convert them to an upload friendly format, with the Sermon Player Media Converter. The Media Converter can be found on the Resources page within your Media Manager.

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Q: Why should I compress my audio or video file before uploading?
A: Compressing your audio or video file before uploading will reduce the amount of time it takes to upload your file. We provide free programs to compress your files, just log into your Media Manager, and click the “Resources” tab to access them. We recommend using our free Media Converter software, which will make your files smaller (compress) as well as change them to a usable format (convert). The Media Converter can be downloaded on the Resources page within your Media Manager.

Q: My uploads are taking a long time, can I make it take less time?
A: Yes, by compressing your file before uploading, you will be able to reduce the time it takes to upload. We provide free programs to compress your audio files, just log into your Media Manager, and click the “Resources” tab to access them. We recommend using our free Media Converter software, which will make your files smaller (compress) as well as change them to a usable format (convert). The Media Converter can be found on the Resources page within your Media Manager.

Q: Is there a limit to how much I can upload? / How many sermons I can have on my Sermon Player ?
A: There is no limit to the amount of files you can upload, in fact we encourage you to upload your entire library! If you have past sermons, we encourage you to upload those as well.

Q: Is there a size limit per file?
A: There is a maximum upload size limit of 400 MB. However, to speed up the upload process we do recommend that you compress the file using the free software provided in the “Resources” tab of your Media Manager. We recommend using our free Media Converter software, which will make your files smaller (compress) as well as change them to a usable format (convert). The Media Converter can be found on the Resources page within your Media Manager.

Q: My upload just seems to take forever, what’s happening?
A: Due to the length of sermons, they are very large files. Uploading time can vary depending on file size and your internet connection, but can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes for an hour long audio sermon (with proper compression) coupled with a fast internet connection (i.e. DSL or Cable). If your sermon upload is not going through, we recommend clicking the “Add Record” icon and trying the file again. If the file still won’t upload, run the “Media Converter” software (found in your Media Manager on the Resources page) to compress the file and change it to MP3 format. This should allow the file to upload more quickly than an uncompressed file. If this does not solve the problem, please submit a ticket through the “Help Desk” in your Media Manager, and we will test your Sermon Player to make sure it is functioning properly, and help you fix the problem.

Q: How do I convert my documents into a PDF format to attach as notes?
A: Most documents will be converted automatically when you upload them through the Media Upload Center. If your file type isn’t supported by the Media Upload Center, you can use the PDF Online website to have a copy of your document emailed to you in PDF format. You can find the link to PDF Online, as well as instructions, on the Resources page within your Media Manager. The following file types are supported by the Media Upload Center: .doc, .pdf, .txt, .ppt, .jpg, .gif, .xls.

Q: Why can’t I upload my files from a CD?
Q: I already have my sermons online with another host/website. Can I easily transfer them?
A: You can only upload files from your computer, or with a direct link to the files if they are hosted elsewhere on the internet. To transfer the files from a CD to your computer, please use the Media Converter software, found on the Resources page within your Media Manager. There is a green Launch Demo button that will show you how to use the Media Converter. If your files are hosted on another website, you can use the direct link to your files to upload them. When adding a new record, in the Media Upload Center, to the right of each file type you will see “upload from computer” and a left and right arrow. Click the arrow to change it to “upload from web”. Paste in the direct link to your file and click “Begin Upload” in the lower left corner to transfer your files into this record.

Archive

Q: How do I edit the details of a sermon?
A: To edit the details that are displayed for each sermon in your Sermon Player , log into your Media Manager and click the “Archive” tab. To the left of each sermon is a “View” button. Find the sermon you would like to view/edit, and click the button. From this page you can modify the record settings. To modify the record details (such as title, date, speaker, scripture, etc.) you will need to click on the "edit" button in the upper right corner. After making your changes, click the “save” icon in the top or bottom right to make the changes take effect.

Q: How do I remove a sermon from my Sermon Player ?
A: To completely remove a sermon from your Archive and your Sermon Player , click the “Archive” tab in your Media Manager. Find the record you would like to remove and click the trash can icon to the right of the record. If you would like to keep the sermon in your archives for future use, or use with a mini player, find the file in your archives and click the “View” icon to the left of the title. Once in the view/edit record mode, you can turn off the "Show in Player” status, and the sermon will remain in your archive but will not appear in your Sermon Player . To use the off-air sermon in a mini player, cut and paste the mini player code to your website, and it will appear only in the mini player but not on the Sermon Player itself.

Q: How should I enter my keywords?
A: A space between keywords will work great. There is no need to put your keywords into sentence format, as they are not visible by your listeners and are only used for the search function within the Sermon Player. You only need to enter one keyword to satisfy the 'required field' requirement, but if you have more you can put them on all 4 lines or just separate them with spaces on the top line.

Q: Can I have a direct link to my uploaded files?
A: Yes, every file you upload has a direct link that is provided within the record. To see the direct link, go to the Archive page within your Media Manager, and click the View button to the left of the title you would like a direct link for. Scroll down to the tabs that say “Document, Audio, Video, Artwork” and select the proper tab. The direct link for each file is displayed in these tabs.

Q: What does "Show in Player" mean?
A: The status shows whether the sermon will appear in your Sermon Player . This is primarily used for keeping files in your archive that you do not want to appear in your Sermon Player, but you do not wish to delete entirely. This function is also used in conjunction with the mini player, so you can turn off “Show in Player” and the sermon will appear in your mini player but not in your Sermon Player. To change this setting, go to the Archive page in your account, and click the View button to the left of the title. You'll see this setting for the record itself, as well as each attached file (in the tabs above the Media Upload Center). After making your selection, click “save” to make the changes take effect.

Q: How do I block/allow listeners to download my sermons?
A: To edit the settings for each sermon in your Sermon Player, log into your Media Manager and click the “Archive” tab. To the left of each sermon is a View button, click this to see the details for the record. Find the sermon you would like to block/allow downloading. Once you are in the record details page scroll down to the media tabs and turn the "Allow Download" to on or off, for the media type(s) of your choosing. After making your selection, click “save” to make the changes take effect.

Q: What is the mini player? / How does the mini player work?
A: The mini player is designed to play only one audio file. It can be setup to play automatically when the web page loads (for example, a greeting on your homepage), or click to play. To use a mini player, find the desired file in your Media Manager Archive and click the “View” button to the left of the title. Once you are within the record, scroll down to the audio or video tab and adjust the Mini Player Auto Play to off for click to play or on to auto play. The page will refresh, and the mini player code on the right will represent your selection. Copy and paste the mini player's code (video or audio) to your website's source/html, and it will appear.

Q: What is the difference between “click to play” and “auto play”?
A: These mini player commands control how the mini player is used by your website visitors. “Click to play” means that your visitors must click the mini player to listen to the audio file. “Auto play” means that the Mini player will automatically play the audio file when the page opens for your website visitor. A common use for the “auto play” feature is for a welcome message on your homepage.

Q: How do I add a different speaker?
A: When you are entering the record details, you will see the option to "Add New" in the Content fields. Select "Add New" and a field will appear where you can enter the new speaker's name. You will only need to add a name once, the next time you create a new record that speakers name will be in the dropdown list where you previously selected "Add New". The new name will be added to the dropdown lists once you've saved the details for the new record.

Q: What is the difference between "Description", "Keywords", and "Sermon Notes"?
A: A “Description” appears as text within your Sermon Player . When your listeners search for a keyword, the Description is searched along with the Title, Speaker, etc. Keywords are not displayed to your listeners, but they are used by the search feature. “Sermon Notes” are a file in PDF format that you can attach to a record through the Media Upload Center, and will open in a new internet browser window if selected.

Q: How do I change the artwork? Can I set default artwork?
A: In your Media Manager Archive, click the “view/edit” icon to the left of the title you wish to change the artwork for. Scroll down to the Media Upload Center, and click “Select Image” on the Artwork row. Select the artwork from your computer then click begin upload. Your artwork should be a JPG file that is 300x300 pixels in size. If your image is not this size, our system will resize it to fit, so a square shape is best. After you’ve selected the artwork, click “save” to finalize the change. Your Artwork will then appear in the Artwork tab of your Media Manager. To set a default artwork that will appear for every sermon in your archive (for example, your church logo), go to your Media Manager Delivery page, and click on the “Podcast” tab. Click the browse button to locate the artwork on your computer. Click the “save” button to finalize the change. Default artwork will appear for sermons that are uploaded after the default artwork is added, for previous records you will need to go into each record through the Archive page, and select the Player Default artwork in the Artwork tab. Then click save, and the default artwork will be attached to that record.

Q: What is the artwork for?
A: The artwork will be displayed to your listeners when they listen to your podcast or downloaded sermons in iTunes, on an MP3 player, or when they click the paintbrush icon within your Sermon Player .Because of the small screen size on iPods and other MP3 players, this artwork should be 300 x 300 pixels in size, and saved in the JPG file format. Your podcast artwork will be displayed for each new record once you've added podcast artwork on the Delivery page within your account. You can replace the default podcast artwork for an individual record by uploading a different artwork file (just as you upload your audio or video).

Q: How do I upload my own artwork?
A: In your Media Manager Archive page, click the “View” icon next to the record you wish to add/change the artwork for. Scroll down to the Media Upload Center, and click “browse” in the Artwork section. Select the artwork from your system then click "begin upload". Your artwork must be a JPG file that is 300x300 pixels in size. Click “save” to finalize the change. Your Artwork will then appear in the Artwork tab of your Media Manager. To set a default artwork that will appear for every sermon in your archive unless individual artwork is uploaded for a record (for example, your church logo), go to the Delivery page within your account and locate the artwork section. Click the browse button to locate the artwork on your computer. Click the “Apply” button to finalize the change. Default artwork will appear for sermons that are uploaded after the default artwork is added, for previous records you will need to go into each record through the Archive page, and select the Player Default artwork in the Artwork tab. Then click save, and the default artwork will be attached to that record.

Q: I entered the details correctly, but I uploaded the wrong file. Can I change the media file or should I delete the entire record in the archive and start over?
A: You can easily replace the attached media files for a record. In your Media Manager Archive, click the “view/edit” icon to the left of the record you wish to modify. Scroll down to the Media Upload Center and click on the 'change file' button on the right side, across from the appropriate media type. Select the new file from your system and click on the "begin upload" button - this will replace the old media file while keeping the details unchanged.

Comments

Q: How do I turn on/off comments from listeners?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Archive” tab. Select the record you wish to turn on/off and click the “view/edit” icon to the left of the title. In the upper left-hand side of the edit details page, there are buttons to turn on/off comments for that particular record. After making your selection, click the save icon in the upper right corner to make the changes take effect.

Q: How do I contact listeners after they've left a comment?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Comments” tab. On this page you will see the listener's name, email address (if they provided it), and their comments.

Q: How do I add/change the email address that comments are sent to?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Comments” button. At the top of this page you will see a field that you can enter an email address into. To have the comments automatically forwarded to this address be sure to check the box to the left of the field. Enter the desired email address, and press the save button.

Stats

Q: Are the statistics unique listens?
A: The statistics are not unique, that is, if one person listens to the same sermon twice, your stats will increase by 2 listens for that particular sermon.

Q: How do I reset my stats?
A: Currently you cannot reset your own stats. In the future this is an option that will be added, but for now please contact us if you need your stats to be reset.

Delivery

Q: How do I adjust the color of my Sermon Player to match my site?
Q: I've changed the color, how do I get the new code/make the change on my site?
A: Customizing your player is only available to Premium accounts. In your Media Manager, go to the Delivery page and click the “Player” tab. You can adjust the color with the Color Selector on the lower left hand side. You may also enter a custom color in the box in the lower left corner of the color selector. When you are happy with the new color, click the "Apply" icon at the top right corner of the page, and your changes will take effect immediately.

Q: Can you install the player on my site for me?
A: We are happy to install the player for you! All we need is your FTP or login information (where you manage your site, username and password), as well as where on the site you would like the Sermon Player . If you are a Premium user and would like it to color match your site, please let us know which color and we will gladly do that as well. For an installation, please submit a ticket through the Help Desk in your Media Manager with the necessary information, email support@sermonplayer.com, or contact your account manager.

Q: Can I assign my records to different playlists and have a unique player for each playlist?
A: If you have a Premium account you can use this feature. When you create a new record, at the bottom of the add record page you will see the "Assign this record to a playlist" dropdown menu. You can add this record to an existing playlist, create a new playlist, and assign to multiple playlist by making a selection in the dropdown menu. You then go to the Delivery page (Player tab) and select the playlist to be pulled in by a player from the dropdown menu located below the player in the Installation Code section. Once you make your selection the page will refresh and show you the player you have selected. Copy the installation code for this player and paste it into the html/source of your web page or blog. If you need a hand installing your player or have any questions please feel free to contact your account manager or support and we will be happy to help!

Q: Do I have to install the player on my site after every upload?
A: No, after your player is installed it will automatically retrieve the settings and archive from your account. This includes uploads as well as changes to the appearance and information that is displayed within your player.

Q: I don't like the color I've changed my Sermon Player to, how do I reset it?
A: In your Media Manager, Delivery page, click the “Player” tab. Then click the round arrow button on the lower left corner of the color picker. Click the Apply icon in the upper right corner of the page to save the changes you have made. Please note the ability to customize the player is available only for Premium accounts.

Q: What is the "Installation Code"?
A: The Installation Code is the code that you use to put the Sermon Player on your website. Within your website management software, paste the code into the html/source where you would like the Sermon Player to be located. You can access the installation code on the homepage of your Media Manager, by expanding the section titled "install the sermon player on your website or blog" then click the Copy button to the left of your player.

Q: My player does not show my uploads, what is wrong?
Q: My player is stuck on “Loading” and never pulls in the sermons, what is wrong?
A: Something has caused a break in the install code for your Sermon Player. Please reinstall the code on your website to see if the problem is fixed. If the problem persists, please contact support and we will be happy to fix your installation for you.

Q: I am using a mini player for video, before you click to play there is an image displayed. How do I change this image?
A: The image displayed is the artwork for that particular record. If you didn’t upload artwork for that record, then the default artwork is used. The default artwork can be changed within your Media Manager by going to the Delivery page. If you created the record before you added your default artwork, you will need to go into the record by going to the Archive page within your account and clicking the "View" button to the left of the title. Scroll down to the Artwork tab, select Player Default from the list, and click the save icon in the upper right corner of the page.

Q: Is there a way that my listeners can click a link to subscribe to my podcast?
A: Yes, within your Sermon Player, your listeners can click the iPod icon in the bottom of your player to see your podcast information. They can copy the link to paste into their podcast software, or click the link to subscribe to your podcast through iTunes. If you would like to make your own image or hyperlink to click and subscribe in iTunes automatically, replace the ‘http’ at the beginning of your podcast feed with ‘itpc’. This will create a clickable link for your listeners.

Resources

Q: What can I do with the Media Converter software?
A: The Media Converter software is used to prepare your media files for upload. You can convert Audio files that are on your computer system to MP3 format, or rip your audio CD's (and join multiple tracks if necessary). You can also convert Video files, or rip DVD's to an upload friendly format. As well, you can do an Audio Recording with this software - just plug in a microphone and press record. There is a complete video tutorial covering all aspects of this software on the Resources page, click the "Launch Demo" button below the Media Converter. If you have trouble uploading your files we recommend running them through the Media Converter and trying again.

Q: I am trying to open Switch / Rip / Wave Pad, and a popup says I need to purchase it to continue to use it. What should I do?
A: You can click "no" when asked if you'd like to purchase. If this does not work for you, you can start another free trial of the software by reinstalling it. A link to install/reinstall the software can be found on the “Resources” page in your Media Manager.

Q: What is Switch used for?
A: Switch is a program that is designed to compress (reduce) your audio files and/or change the file type to .mp3 before uploading. This is beneficial because it greatly reduces the amount of time it takes to upload a file if it is already compressed.

Q: How do I switch my file type to .mp3?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Resources” tab. You can download and install the free Media Converter software that we provide. This will help you convert your audio files to an upload friendly, MP3 format. Alternatively, there is a link to the Switch software, as well as instructions on how to change the file type and other file characteristics, also on the Resources page within your Media Manger.

Q: How do I compress my audio file?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Resources” tab. You can download and install the free Media Converter software that we provide. This will help you compress your audio files. Alternatively, there is a link to the Switch software, as well as instructions on how to change the file type and other file characteristics, also on the Resources page within your Media Manager.

Q: How do I upload from a compact disc? What if my CD contains multiple tracks?
Q: What is Rip used for?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Resources” tab. Download and install the free Media Converter software that we provide. This will help you rip your CD's to an upload friendly, MP3 format. If your CD contains multiple tracks, this software will allow you to join them into one MP3 file for uploading. Also available is Rip, a program that is designed to take an audio file from a compact disc, change the file settings, and save it to your computer for uploading. There is a link to Rip on the “Resources” page in your Media Manager, as well as instructions on how to use the Rip program.

Q: What is Wave Pad used for?
Q: How can I edit my audio file before uploading?
A: Wave Pad is used for editing your audio file before uploading. You can perform tasks such as trimming, fading, removing a section of the file, and much more with Wave Pad. There is a link to Wave Pad, as well as instructions on the “Resources” page in your Media Manager. With Wave Pad, you can edit your audio file, as well as compress the file size and convert it to .mp3, and taking a file from compact disc to your computer for uploading. Wave Pad can be used to perform the functions that the Rip and Switch programs perform, along with the editing functions. Also available on the Resources page is Audacity, this software allows you to edit your audio prior to uploading as well. You will find how to videos available with each software on the Resources page, which will help guide you through this process.

Q: What is iTunes used for?
A: iTunes is a very popular website/program that your listeners may use to download your sermons via podcast. Your listeners can enter the podcast link into their iTunes account and they will automatically receive any new audio files you add to your Sermon Player . You can use iTunes to submit your podcast to their store, which will make your podcast available to anyone in the world. You can also use iTunes if you need to join multiple tracks on a CD into one single track. This process is much easier if you use the Media Converter software we provide, but there are steps for how to use iTunes to join tracks on the Resources page within your Media Manager.

Q: How do I subscribe to a podcast?
A: In the Sermon Player , click the “Delivery” button in the lower right corner of the player. Click on the "copy to clipboard" link and paste into your podcast software to subscribe to the podcast. You can also subscribe directly to the feed in iTunes by clicking the link provided on this panel. You will automatically receive any updates that are added to the Sermon Player to which you are subscribed.

Q: What is PDF Online used for?
A: PDF Online is a program that is designed to convert a file that is not in .pdf format into a .pdf file, and save it to your computer for uploading. There is a link to PDF Online on the “Resources” page in your Media Manager, as well as instructions on how to use the PDF Online program.

Help Desk

Q: How do I contact Sermon Player to ask a question?
A: There are several ways to contact Sermon Player staff. In your Media Manager, you can click the “Help Desk” tab and submit a ticket with your question. You may also email support@sermonplayer.com for assistance.

Q: How do I contact Sermon Player ?
A: There are several ways to contact Sermon Player staff. In your Media Manager, you can click the “Help Desk” tab and submit a ticket with your question. You may also email support@sermonplayer.com for assistance.

Referrals

Q: What is my referral ID?
Q: What is your referral program?
A: Your referral ID is used when you refer someone to Sermon Player , and they sign up for an account. You can send an email from the Referrals page within your Media Manager that includes your referral ID, or you can view your ID on the Account page within your Media Manager. If you have 10 referrals that become paying users after their free year has passed, for every month they pay you get the next month free. For a free month on your audio account you need 10 paying audio or video+audio referral accounts. For a free month on your video account, you need 10 paying video+audio referral accounts.

Account

Q: Can I change my user name? Can I change the URL for my podcast and Sermon.net channel page?
Q: How do I change my user name? Can I change the URL for my podcast and Sermon.net channel page?
A: Your user name and URL can only be changed by Sermon Player staff. Please contact support via phone, through the help desk within your account, or by emailing support@sermonplayer.com if you need to change your accounts user name.

Q: How do I change my password?
A: In your Media Manager, go to the “Account” page, then click the “Owner” tab. Type your new password, then click the save icon in the upper right corner.

Q: I forgot my username/password?
A: On the login page there is a “Forgot Password” link below the sign in boxes. Click that link and enter the email address you signed up with to have your password emailed to you. If you can’t recall the email address you signed up with, please give us a call or an email and we’ll be happy to reset it or remind you.

Q: How do I set the default information that is displayed in my Sermon Player ?
A: By default, the information you enter when setting up your account (Church name, speaker, address, etc) is the information that is displayed in your Sermon Player . You can edit your public information by going to the “Delivery” page in your Media Manager, and editing the details contained on the available tabs. (Free accounts have access to Profile tab only, Premium accounts can access this info on Profile, Player, and Podcast tabs). Click the Apply icon to confirm the changes when you are finished.

Q: How do I update my account information?
A: In your Media Manager, click the “Account” tab, then click the "Owner" or "Billing" tab for the information you would like to update. Click the Edit button to make your changes. When you are finished, click the “save” icon to confirm the changes.

Q: Our web address has changed, how do I move the Sermon Player to our new site?
A: For Premium accounts, in your Media Manager, go to the “Delivery” page then click the Player tab. For free accounts, go to the homepage and expand (click the plus sign) the section titled "install the sermon player on your website or blog". You will see the “Installation Code” to place on your new site by the player on this page. Your archives and information will still be there, as they are saved on our servers. If you need help installing your Sermon Player on your new site, please contact us and we will gladly assist you.

Q: How can I check to see if I've been billed yet?
Q: How do I view my billing history?
A: In your Media Manager, go to the “Account” page, then click the Billing tab, then select the “View Billing History” button at the top. This will take you to your billing history and will show when you were billed and the amount billed.

Q: How do I know when my free trial expires?
A: In your Media Manager, go the “Account” page, then click the Details tab. In your account information, it shows “Member Since”. Your free trial expires 1 Year from this date. To activate lost features after expiration, or to make sure that your service is uninterrupted, enter your billing information by clicking the “edit” button on the Billing tab (Account page). After you have entered your billing information, click the save icon to confirm the changes.

Q: I get a warning that says I need to update my billing information. Why?
A: The free trial period for your account is nearing expiration or has expired. To upload more audio files, you will need to enter your billing information. Your Sermon Player will not be removed or deleted, so your past audio sermons can still be heard, but you will be unable to upload any new audio until you have updated your billing information. Your video files will not be available for your listeners or for editing within your account if your video trial is expired. If you would like to continue using the player, you may continue as a free account without entering any billing information. Some features will not be accessible in a free account, you can view a list of features and pricing here: http://sermonplayer.com/details.php

Q: Why am I not receiving the emails I should receive from Sermon Player ?
Q: Why am I not receiving the listener comments to the email address I provided within my Media Manager?
A: Our emails to you may be blocked by a spam filter in your inbox, please check the junk folder to see if they were blocked. You can also add us to your accepted senders domain list, so future emails will not get blocked.

Q: What is the "Channel Page" and "Media Player" page?
A: This is a page that can be used in the absence of a regular website, or to link to from a web page. If your church does not have a website but would like to put sermons online, you can give your listeners the Web Page link (available by expanding the "distribution methods for your media archive" section on the homepage within your account) so they can access your Sermon Player and listen to your sermon audio. This is also handy if your web site will not allow the use of the Installation Code to place the player directly on the site.

Sermon Studio

FAQ - Table of Contents

Uploading

Archive

Comments

Stats

Delivery

Resources

Help Desk

Referrals

Account

Information