Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here, or if there is not enough information provided, please email customer service or call 800/745-5480.
- In what formats are the telecourse materials available?
- What are the system requirements for videocassette (VHS)?
- What are the system requirements for DVD?
- What are the system requirements for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM?
- How will I know if my computer and Internet connection are fast enough to handle the streaming video files?
- What are the system requirements for streaming video?
- What are the system requirements for video downloads?
- Where do I need to go to access my streaming videos and video downloads once I've purchased them?
- Do I have to access the streaming video files from the same computer every time?
- Must I be enrolled in a telecourse class at my college or university before ordering materials from ACT Media?
- How much will the rental or access cost, and do I get a refund at the conclusion of the course?
- How long does it take to receive my materials, streaming video, or video downloads?
- Can I just rent or access the program for general viewing?
- How long do I get to use the materials or streaming videos? When are the materials to be returned?
- How do I return my materials?
- What if my materials are damaged or defective when I receive them?
- What if I have problems registering for streaming viddeo access or logging in to view the videos?
- Are all of the programs in a course included on the rental videotapes, DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs?
- Can I copy the materials?
- If I damage a tape, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD, will I be charged?
- Can I also purchase my textbooks from ACT Media?
- What are the payment methods that you accept?
- What are your hours, and where is ACT Media located?
- Will I receive a refund if I drop my course?
- What happens if I accidentally return a non-telecourse item with my order?
- How long will it take to download my videos?
- Can I purchase individual lessons on DVD, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, or VHS?
In what formats are the telecourse materials available?
ACT Media offers all of our telecourses on videocassette (VHS). We also offer a select number of titles on DVD, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, streaming video, and video downloads.
What are the system requirements for videocassette (VHS)?
The system requirement for videocassette (VHS) is a VCR.
What are the system requirements for DVD?
The system requirement for DVD is a DVD player that will play DVD-Rs. Please refer to the manufacturer instructions.
What are the system requirements for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM?
Your computer must have the following:
- Windows 98 or higher
- Browser: Internet Explorer 6 or higher Windows Media Player is required. Download Windows Media Player.
- Flash 6 Player or higher. Download Flash.
- Audio speakers or headphones
- Video display properties set at 800x600 high color (16 bit is recommended)
- 12x or greater speed CD-ROM (DVD-ROM required for DVD-ROM playback)
- Pentium processor 200 MHz or faster (Pentium II 300 MHz or greater is preferred)
Most CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs will not play on a stand-alone DVD player connected to a television.
For Macintosh/Apple: CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs will not play properly on a Macintosh/Apple computer.
How will I know if my computer and Internet connection are fast enough to handle the streaming video files?
Before the you begin the ordering process, we strongly recommend you test your computer by playing a streamed video using the Streaming Video Test. If you are satisfied with the quality of the video, then you can obtain lessons in the streaming video format. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the video you view, then it is suggested that you obtain your course in another format instead. If your computer does not meet the system requirements and you choose to purchase the streaming video anyway, then ACT will not be responsible for lack of quality in the streamed files and a refund will not be issued. AOL, Chrome, and Safari browsers and Macintosh/Apple computers do not fully support Windows Media Player embedded in an HTML page, and therefore are not compatible with ACT's streaming videos.
What are the system requirements for streaming video?
- Broadband connection (cable, DSL, or broadband wireless)
- Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher (free download available)
- Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher OR Firefox 3.6 (PC) or higher (free download available)
- Testing the user's system before purchase is required.
Streaming media will not work with the following.
- AOL (America Online)
- Google's Chrome browser
- Apple's Safari browser
- Macintosh/Apple computers and devices
What are the system requirements for video downloads?
You need a video iPod or other MP4 video player, a portable Windows Media video device, a Windows Media-compliant PDA with video playback, or a personal computer with Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, or Quicktime installed. Before you download each video, you have the option of downloading it in either the MP4 format or the Windows Media format.
For more information on how to download video, see our Video Download User Guide.
Where do I need to go to access my streaming videos and video downloads once I've purchased them?
Once the checkout process is complete and you have made your purchases, please go to the Digital Video Access page to log in and access your streaming videos and video downloads.
Do I have to access my streaming videos from the same computer every time?
No. You can view streaming video from any computer, as long as it meets the system requirements. However, ACT Media strongly suggests that you register from the computer you intend to view the streaming videos on so you may test the quality of the stream before you rent. Lending your password to other persons constitutes a violation of your agreement with ACT Media and will result in your service being disconnected.
Must I be enrolled in a telecourse class at my college or university before ordering materials from ACT Media?
Yes. We do require confirmed enrollment at your institution before renting.
How much will the rental or access cost, and do I get a refund at the conclusion of the course?
The cost is a nonrefundable $35 to $55 per course, plus shipping and handling for VHS, DVD, DVD-ROM, and CD-ROM rentals. The purchase price for streaming video and video downloads ranges from $3.29 to $55. There is no shipping charge for streaming video or video downloads.
The only reason a refund would be given is if the college or university cancels the course after you have enrolled. The college must provide proof of the class cancellation to ACT Media before any refunds will be allowed.
How long does it take to receive my materials, streaming video, or video downloads?
For VHS, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, and DVD orders, standard shipment is by USPS. It will take an estimated 2 to 9 business days for you to receive your order, depending on your location. The Priority and Express options are also available at an additional cost. Allow about 3 to 4 business days for Priority and 2 to 3 business days for Express. Shipping charges include delivery and return shipment of the tapes, DVDs, DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs. See shipping charges chart below:
| Standard | Priority | Express | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 course | $15.00 | 1 course | $20.00 | 1 course | $32.65 |
| 2 courses | $17.25 | 2 courses | $24.75 | 2 courses | $39.95 |
| 3 courses | $21.00 | 3 courses | $29.95 | 3 courses | $46.95 |
| 4 courses | $26.25 | 4 courses | $35.25 | 4 courses | $53.70 |
| 5 courses | $27.00 | 5 courses | $36.00 | 5 courses | $55.95 |
| 6 courses | $28.25 | 6 courses | $38.25 | 6 courses | $57.95 |
You are granted access to streaming video and video downloads immediately after the ordering process is complete and payment is received. You will have access to purchased video downloads and streaming video during the specified and registered semester or term. Please visit the Digital Video Access page to log in and access your previously purchased streaming video and video downloads.
Can I just rent or access the program for general viewing?
No. Your school must register its courses with ACT and you must be enrolled in one of those telecourses.
How long do I get to use the materials or streaming videos? When are materials to be returned?
The rental/access period is for the semester or term in which you are currently enrolled. The materials must be returned no later than 30 days after the final day of your course. If the materials are not returned in this grace period, you will be assessed a late fee equivalent to your rental fee and your credit card will be charged after a notification by mail. Streaming video and video downloads do not require the return of any materials, but your account will be closed when your semester ends. You can view or download each lesson as often as necessary during the semester.
How do I return my materials?
Included with the rental is a prepaid return shipping label. At the end of the semester, simply return the materials with the original packing slip. If the original packaging is not available, please use a sturdy shipping box. If you have misplaced the packing slip, please include your name, address, and telephone number with the order. Put the return shipping label on the box. Then take the package to any United States Postal Service (USPS) office. (Please do not take your order to UPS.) Streaming video and video downloads do not require the return of any materials.
What if my materials are damaged or defective when I receive them? Call ACT at 800/745-5480 or email customer service, and we will send you a replacement set at no cost to you.
What if I have problems registering for streaming video or logging in to view the videos?
Call ACT Media at 800/745-5480 or email us, and a customer service representative will gladly help you.
Are all of the programs in a course included on the rental videotapes, DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs, and DVDs?
Yes. All programs that would be broadcast or cablecast are included in your order.
Can I copy the materials?
No. Federal copyright law forbids the copy or alteration of ACT's telecourse materials. Penalties up to $250,000 per occurrence could be assessed.
If I damage a tape, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD, will I be charged?
Yes. All tapes and discs must be returned in satisfactory condition. If they are damaged (pizza sauce or beverage spills, for example), you must pay replacement cost per damaged videocassette or disc.
Can I also purchase my textbooks from ACT Media?
No, not at this time.
What are the payment methods that you accept?
ACT Media accepts all major credit cards, cashier's checks, and money orders. No personal checks will be accepted. If you use another person's credit card, ACT Media must have direct verbal authorization from that person within 48 hours of the order being placed. It is a felony to illegally use another person's credit card without their knowledge or authorization. CODs are not permitted.
Orders paid by cashier's check or money order will not ship until ACT Media receives payment.
Orders are cancelled after 15 days of being placed if payment has not been received.
What are your hours, and where is ACT Media located?
Our hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. central time, Monday through Friday. Should you call after hours, do not order your telecourse materials or leave credit card information. Call back during normal business hours.
ACT Media is located at:
1365 N. Winchester Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061-5880
Our phone number is 800/745-5480.
Our fax number is 800/755-6910.
Our customer service email is actmedia@act.org.
Will I receive a refund if I drop my course? No. Once your order has shipped, it is nonrefundable. That is why we require that students be enrolled in the course before placing an order.
What happens if I accidentally return a non-telecourse item with my order?
We will contact you if you inadvertently send us items that do not belong to ACT Media. There will be a minimum $6 charge to mail the item(s) back to you.
How long will it take to download my videos?
That depends on your Internet connection and computer. However, the average is eight minutes per lesson.
Can I purchase individual lessons on DVD, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, or VHS?
You are currently able to purchase individual lessons only on select streaming video and video download lessons.
