Video Streaming and Podcasting

Archival of all classes at 790 kbps MPEG-4

By the Fall of 2007 all ODU distance learning classes, meetings, and events will be able to be encoded and archived an MPEG-4.These MPEG-4 archives will be provided to instructors and students who are taking class asynchronously, or who have missed a class, or who are reviewing classes for an exam.Interfaces will be created to deliver these files either as Video on Demand live streams to workstations or laptops or as Progressive Download to portable players such as iPods, cell phones, and PDAs.

Live streaming of all classes at 790kbps MPEG-4

Also by August 2007, all ODU distance learning classes will be able to be streamed live at 790 kbps.This bit rate and video format will provide increased resolution and video quality over the previous MPEG-2 format.These streams will be delivered over the ATS's existing Internet Protocol satellite network further providing economies of scale by supplying dedicated bandwidth to all satellite locations.

Archival of all classes at 256 kbps MPEG-4

All distance learning classes could also be encoded and stored at 256 kbps.This lower bandwidth will also be made available to instructors and students via Video on Demand or Progressive Download (or Podcast).This 256 kbps version provides an additional option to students who lack high speed Internet or are experiencing network congestion.

Live streaming of all classes at 256 kbps MPEG-4

To support students across the many variables of the commercial internet, live courses can be streamed at 256 kbps.This is our most popular video streaming bit rate as the MPEG-4 stream cleanly balances video fidelity with connection reliability.

Transcoding of MPEG-4 into Real Media, QuickTime, Windows Media, and/or Flash Video

ATS can convert the base MPEG-4 encoded format into the industry's many other 'flavors' of Internet video, this includes Real Networks RealVideo, Apple Quicktime, Microsoft Windows Media, and Adobe/Macromedia Flash video.

Transrating of 790 kbps and 256 kbps into higher and lower data rates

Not only can ATS convert video into many different formats, the base video can also be converted into various data-rates.An example would be the conversion of 790 kbps video down to 128 kbps or 56 kbps to support dial up Internet connections.

Automated video servers

ATS can ingest content from a variety of sources including live studio productions, XDCAM, DVCAM, DVCPro, Betacam SP, or DVD into a broadcast quality MPEG-2 format and automate the scheduled playout of these events.For instance, a 24x7 'station' can be automated such that at 9 a.m. the servers play last night's ODU basketball game, at 11 a.m. the servers play the football coach's program, at 12 p.m. it's a student news program, or any series of events.

Podcasting or Progressive Download video servers to mobile video devices