Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about Orb MyCasting:
How much is Orb?
Where can I use Orb?
What are the system requirements to use Orb?
What should I do before I install Orb?
How do I install Orb?
Can I use Orb on my current mobile phone, PDA or laptop?
What bandwidth do I need to listen to my music or watch TV or videos?
How does Orb find my media files?
How secure is my content and my PC?
Do I need to download software?
Where do I go if I am having trouble installing Orb?
What do I do if I forgot my Orb login or password?
What if I am unable to connect?
Where can I get Orb?
If I have other questions about Orb where can I ask?
Where can I find what has changed in Orb when a new version is released?
How can I partner with Orb?
I like Orb 1.0. Can I still use it and what do I have to do?
How do I get my Nintendo Wii to work with Orb?
Does Orb support Windows Vista?
How do I set up my OrbSecure Webcam?
Will Orb work with my Xbox 360?
How much is Orb?
Orb is free! There are no download or subscription fees. MyCasting through Orb eliminates the final barrier between you and your digital media.
Where can I use Orb?
You can MyCast from anywhere you have a broadband Internet connection and an internet-connected mobile phone, PDA, laptop, PC or Mac with media player streaming capabilities.
What are the system requirements to use Orb?
To have the best MyCasting experience, your home computer, which hosts Orb's remote access software, needs the following:
- AMD Athlon 3200+ processor or equivalent, or Intel Pentium IV 2.4Ghz processor or equivalent
(Note that a slower processor may cause excessive buffering, "stuttering", or "choppiness" when streaming TV or videos) - 512MB of RAM
- 100MB available disk space
- Broadband Internet connection
- Windows XP (Home or Professional) with Service Pack 2, or Windows XP Media Center Edition (2004 or 2005). Orb is also compatible with Windows Vista.
Note: We recommend a minimum of 1GB of available disk space for writing media (recorded TV, video, audio and photo) files.
For more info on supported hardware, see Orb's System Requirements
What should I do before I install Orb?
Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet. You need to be logged as a user with full administrative privileges on your Windows PC. You cannot install Orb on a PC if you are not logged on with these credentials.
How do I install Orb?
For complete step-by-step instructions, see Orb's Installation Instructions
Can I use Orb on my current mobile phone, PDA or laptop?
If you have a mobile phone, PDA or laptop with an Internet connection and a suitable media player, you can start MyCasting today. Check Orb's System Requirements to see what you need to start MyCasting.
What bandwidth do I need to listen to my music or watch TV or videos?
All you need is a home PC with a broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL) for Orb's software and an Internet-connected mobile phone, PDA, game console, laptop or desktop computer with media player streaming capabilities to access your content. Your viewing or listening experience will vary depending on both the upload and download speed of your connection (your bandwidth).
How does Orb find my media files?
Once Orb is installed on your home computer, it enables you to access media files in your default "My Pictures, "My Music" and "My Videos" channels remotely. You can also easily configure Orb to access media located in any other local or shared network folders.
How secure is my content and my PC?
Security is a core component of Orb. Orb provides you a secure and safe connection to your home PC. Anytime you access your PC from another device, the connection is secured in both directions, using state-of-the-art proprietary security algorithms and 128-bit encryption.
Do I need to download software?
Yes. You need to download Orb 2.0 to your home Windows XP or Windows Vista computer. And remember, Orb is free! Just click Get Orb and download it onto your PC. The installation is simple and should take less than 5 minutes. There is NO other software needed to install on any device (mobile phone, PDA, remote PC, game console) as long as it has a Web browser and a media player with streaming capabilities such as Windows Media Player (v.9 or higher), Real Player (v.9 or higher), WinAmp or a 3GP player like Quicktime.
Where do I go if I am having trouble installing Orb?
If you have any questions about the installation or use of Orb, please send us a Support Request.
What do I do if I forgot my Orb login or password?
No problem. You can retrieve your login (if you have verified your email address) or change your password: just click the Forgot your login or password links on the mycast.orb.com login page and follow the prompts.
What if I am unable to connect?
If you receive the following error: "Orb error 8: Your client is not connected to our server. Orb might not be running on your computer, or your computer might have been disconnected from the Internet." verify that:
- Your computer is properly connected to the Internet
- Your Internet Service Provider is not experiencing temporary difficulties
- Orb is running on your computer, and the Orb tray icon is green
- You have enabled all Orb applications to access the Internet in your firewall or anti-virus software
- You are using the correct Orb login and password you created on your home PC
If after verifying the above, your Orb PC still cannot connect to Orb's servers, please submit a Support Request so Orb's technical support staff can help you.
Where can I get Orb?
Orb can be downloaded from here.
If I have other questions about Orb where can I ask?
Check the Knowledge Base of the Orb Support Center and the Orb Community Forums
Where can I find what has changed in Orb when a new version is released?
You can find version changes by accessing Orb's Release Notes RSS feed.
How can I partner with Orb?
Our business development team will be happy to discuss partnership opportunities with you. Orb is actively forming partnerships with leading consumer electronics manufacturers (PCs, player devices, home networking), service providers (wireless, cellular carriers, broadband), and content distributors (movies, video, music, tickets). For more information on our partnership program, please contact us at partners@orb.com.
I like Orb 1.0. Can I still use it and what do I have to do?
Yes, you can still use Orb 1.0, and here is how.
Does Orb support Windows Vista?
Yes, Orb is fully compatible with Windows Vista. You will need to install Orb Version 2.00.0822 or higher.
How do I set up my OrbSecure Webcam?
Orb has easy step by step set up instructions for you to install OrbSecure. Download set up instructions here.
Will Orb work with my Xbox 360?
Yes, Orb works seamlessly with your Microsoft Xbox 360. Learn more here.