We distribute ViewSpace through the internet. You’ll receive automatically uploaded images and discoveries from Hubble that will display as soon as they’re released to the public. We also include news from other space missions, as well as a rich variety of additional programming. A modest annual subscription fee covers our pass-through costs for software to enable delivery and playback. Once that software is installed, ViewSpace programming requires only an Internet connection. (Contact us for current pricing.)

If you will be connecting the ViewSpace PC to an existing network to achieve the Internet connection and wish to use Wi-Fi wireless networking, we recommend using either an ethernet-based Access Point or a PCI-based Wi-Fi card. USB-based Wi-Fi devices are discouraged.

The following specification is suitable for playback for any current version of ViewSpace and will also support the requirements of the next generation playback software coming in 2009:

• Intel P4-500/600 series, 2.4GHz+/FSB 800MHz+ or better (dual core is good!). AMD Athlon64, 3200+
• Windows XP Professional SP2 (32 bit) or Windows Vista Business SP1 or Vista Ultimate SP1 (Home Basic, Home Premium and 64-bit are NOT SUPPORTED)
• 1 GB RAM minimum, ECC (error correcting) if possible
• 80GB/8MB-Cache, 7200RPM ATA-100 or SATA-150 or better Hard Drive / CD-ROM Drive for software installation
• ATI- or nVidia-based graphics card. Card should have WHQL*-approved direct-x drivers
• DirectSound® supported sound card with WHQL (*Windows Hardware Qualification Labs) certified drivers

Choose one of the following display types:

Plasma Display Panel or

LCD Display Panel or

Projector

Whichever you choose should be capable of displaying a minimum of 1280x720 pixels at 60 Hz refresh rate.  Important:  This should be a unit that supports input form a PC.  Sometimes displays sold as "TVs" through mass-market consumer channels do not accept input from a computer.  Verify with the manufacturer that the display you're buying offers the proper capability.