VIRTUAL FESTIVAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Activating Your Account

Before you can start watching, you will need to purchase a ticket, create a username and password. Please write down your credentials on a piece of paper and put it in a convenient place.

1. If you purchase a ticket using your mobile phone, office computer or other computer, you can still take full advantage of the festival on your device of choice, but you cannot watch the films concurrently on more than one device.
2. There is only one ticket to purchase and that is an all-access ticket.  You cannot purchase a ticket for a single film.

Setting Up & Transferring Passes

You cannot transfer your tickets or share your username and password.  Your access to TRIFF 2020 is device driven.

System & Device Requirements

Computers

Macs: You can watch content on Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12 or higher.
PCs: You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7 or higher.

iPhones & iPads

You can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later.

Android Devices

You can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later.

Supported Browsers

To watch at home, you will need an up-to-date web browser. We recommend using one of the following browsers for the best viewing experience.

Browser Operating System Version

Google Chrome Mac/OSX, Windows, Android 69+

Mozilla Firefox Mac/OSX, Windows 58+

Safari Mac/OSX, iOS 10+

Opera Mac/OSX, Windows 67+

Internet Speeds

For any device, you will need a strong and stable internet connection. Check your internet speed by running a speed test. Here are the minimum speeds required for each playback quality:

Internet Speed Available Playback Quality 240p Poor quality 2 Mbps

360p Poor quality 4 Mbps

720p Low quality 8 Mbps

1080p+ Standard quality

Ways to Watch

There are a few options available for watching from your TV, but keep in mind, the primary way we are delivering the film festival to you is via a personal computer equipped with a valid internet browser.

Direct Connection: Computer to TV

One way to watch on your TV is by directly connecting your computer (or other devices) to your TV via HDMI cable. Here are guides on how to connect using a Mac and if using a PC.

Apple AirPlay

1. Make sure your devices (iPhone, iPad, laptop, Apple TV or Smart TV) are connected to the same wifi network.
2. Using your Apple computer, iPhone or iPad, go to the AirPlay icon.
3. Connect to your Apple TV by entering the code. Your device screen should appear as a mirror on your TV.
4. If you are having audio sync issues when AirPlaying from your computer, try connecting from an iPhone or iPad.
5. Still having trouble? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use AirPlay.

Chromecast

Stream directly from a tab in the Chrome internet browser to a TV connected to a Chromecast device from your Mac or PC computer. Note: At this time, Chromecast is not available to cast from Apple iOS devices, like the iPhone and iPad. Once your Chromecast is set up you can stream directly from your computer.

1. On the video page, open the Chrome menu in the upper right corner of the window (or the View menu) and select Cast. Make sure the tab you want to be displayed is the one you are selecting to cast. The Cast icon may also be displayed in the bottom right of your video player.
2. Select your Chromecast source (consider selecting Chrome tab) and your Chromecast destination. Chromecast will then be connected and video will be playing on your TV.
3. To disconnect from Chromecast, click the blue Stop icon next to your casting destination.
4. If there are any issues with the Chromecast stream, try setting the video to a lower quality.
5. Still having trouble? Here’s a guide on how to use Chromecast from your computer.

Viewing Times

Each of the films will be available to screen for the full day of their screening. Most films will have director introduction prior to the start of the film and most, if not all, will have director interviews after the end of each film.

During the primary days of the festival, Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can watch those films as many times as you wish.  For eight days after the festival you can watch all of the films, introductions and interviews.

Playback Troubleshooting Guide

LAGGING VIDEO & AUDIO

Here’s a list of solutions for various devices that should help fix playback issues.

1. Make sure you have a fast and stable internet connection. You can check your internet speed here. Standard quality for playback requires at least 8 Mbps.
2. If you are using AirPlay, try connecting from an iPhone or iPad rather than a laptop.
3. If you are using Chromecast, make sure your device and Chromecast are on the same wifi network.
4. Restart your computer or device, and TV.
5. Reboot your internet modem and/or wireless router.
6. Log out of TRIFF 2020 and then log back in.

PROBLEMS STREAMING ON/FROM YOUR COMPUTER

1. Confirm that you are not on a VPN (Virtual Private Network). TRIFF 2020’s content protection protocol does not allow VPN access.
2. Try clearing your browser’s cache and restarting it. Please also make sure you are using the latest, up to date version of a supported browser (listed above).
3. Disable any ad-blocking software, browser extensions and/or plugins + add ons as some of these are known to interfere with website functionality. Once done, close and reopen your browser and try visiting our website again.
4. If you are plugged into your TV via HDMI connection, try unplugging and replugging in the HDMI cable.
5. Restart your wireless router or modem. Power it off, then wait 20 seconds and turn back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have not received a confirmation email from TRIFF 2020? Check your spam and trash folder.

I don’t remember my password. What should I do?
If you don’t remember your password, you can reset it here. Once you’ve reset your password, head back to the virtual festival and try logging in again. If you are still having trouble accessing your account, don’t hesitate to contact us via both emails at:  kgollwitzer@yahoo.com, beau.menetre@gmail.com

Can I watch films outside of the US?
YES, most films are available around the world, but a few films have been geo-restricted to specific countries.

Can I watch a film more than once?
Yes, but we suggest refreshing your computer from time to time by shutting down and rebooting.

Is there a way to create a watch list?
No

Can I rewind or start a program over?
Yes, but in theory there is not a rewind feature.

Can I watch programs through Roku, YouTube, Amazon FireStick?
No. At this time, streaming the festival using Roku and Amazon products (FireStick, FireCube, Kindle, etc.) is not available. YouTube and Vimeo are also not supportive to our films.

Does my web browser affect streaming?
We have had success streaming with the browsers listed above. If you are trying to access a film program and receive an error message, clear your browser history, then close and restart your browser.

Why does the image quality of the films change sometimes?
The quality of the image depends on a few factors:

1. Your internet speed. The player will auto-adjust to your internet speed. Your internet speed may change periodically based on how many other users are on your home network, the time of day, etc.
2. The quality of the image depends on the quality of the source we receive. Please consider that we always use the best available material.

How do I adjust the volume on the web player?

1. Hover the cursor over the video you are currently watching to make the video controls visible.
2. To control how high or low the volume is, hover the cursor over the volume bar and click the left side to lower the volume or the right side to raise the volume.
3. Once the film starts and you cannot find your volume control, minimize the film and adjust your volume using the standard controls on  your device.

How do I vote for the TRIFF 2020 Audience Award?

At present, we do not have that functionality, however if and when we do, you will see a notification on this website

When will the award winners be announced?
Sunday, October 11^th at 7pm EST. We will announce the winners via a live streaming event on this website.