Frequently Asked Questions: Satellite Network and Technical Support Services
Where is the ODU satellite broadcast facility?
The Gornto TELETECHNET building is a FCC licensed earth station on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
What are the capabilities of the satellite network department?
We have two FCC licensed Ku band broadcast stations, analog and digital. We also have numerous C and Ku band digital and analog downlink systems. We provide complete satellite network broadcasting, system design and engineering, broadcast monitoring, repair, and installation services. Our ATS Technical Support facility provides complete earth station broadcast control, analytical equipment (spectrum analyzers, equipment monitoring, network management, etc), and daily operational support.
Who can access your satellite broadcasts?
All of our TELETECHNET facilities (add link to our TTN site listings) are configured to receive digital satellite broadcasts from main campus. Our digital broadcast network covers CONUS, Northern Mexico and Caribbean, and Southern Canada. We can also broadcast in Ku band analog to any satellite in the North American satellite arc. We provide custom satellite system design, installation, and downlinking services through the ATS Technical Support Department.
What if we need for ODU to broadcast to areas outside of CONUS, Northern Mexico and Caribbean, and Southern Canada?
Our daily operations do not cover outside these areas but we have numerous partnerships with vendors and service providers and can distribute content anywhere in the world. The ATS Technical Support Department can work with you to analyze the broadcast requirements to develop and propose a solution.
What equipment is required to receive digital broadcasts from Old Dominion University?
Each site typically has a satellite dish 1.2 or 1.8 meters in diameter located on the building roof or ground, cabling from the dish to an equipment rack or computer room, our satellite receiver/decoder, audio/video/data com cabling to the viewing location, and VoIP over satellite equipment for audio return. The ATS Technical Support Department can assist with determining the specific equipment needs, costs, and installation schedule for your specific site.
What does a typical TELETECHNET classroom look like?
Most TELETECHNET classes feature one way video and two way audio. In these classrooms, students watch the lecture content on large video monitors and have microphones at their desks so they can ask questions of the instructor in real time.
Can I use my existing satellite dish and receiver to receive digital broadcasts from Old Dominion University?
ATS Technical Support can help determine if your existing equipment will work with our network. Typically it will be a requirement to install new equipment specific to our network design, broadcast specifications, and conditional access/security systems.
Who do I contact if I want to start a partnership with ODU and become a TELETECHNET site?
ATS Technical Support provides complete technical design and installation for remote TELETECHNET sites only after a new site has been approved by Distance Learning administration. For information on becoming a TELETECHNET site, contact Dr. Edie Barnett, 757-683-4475
How do I get Technical Support for Distance Learning courses?
The ATS Technical Support Department provides complete support for all classroom a/v equipment at TELETECHNET sites. The ATS Technical Support Department also provides support for video streaming courses in conjunction with the OCCS help desk (757-683-3192).
How do I contact ATS Technical Support and when are they open?
ATS Technical Support is staffed whenever Distance Learning is broadcasting courses, typically M-F 7:30am-10:00pm and Saturdays 7:30am-5:00 pm. Contact ATS Technical Support at 800-462-0959 or atstechnicalsupport@odu.edu
