Video Stream Help

Video streaming is a means of delivering a live course to students by computer. Using a computer, students may participate from any location; however, the course is live and does meet at specific class times. Students can view the instructor, but the instructor cannot view the students. Interaction takes place in real-time by use of a Virtual Instructional Assistant (VIA).

Video Stream courses are supported by the Office of Computing and Communication Services.

OCCS Technical Support Center
Hours of Operation (Eastern)
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: 1-877-348-6503 (toll-free) or 757-683-3192

If you are taking a video streamed course and need technical assistance, you must have the print out of the last page from the Browser Compatibility test with you when you make the call. The information on that page is critical in helping us help you.

Video Stream Computer Requirements

If you are unsure to which version of any software package you are running, go to the Help menu and open the choice "About" If your version number is older than those listed above, download and install a new version.

All students MUST have an ODU Student Email Account.

Important Firewall Configuration Support

If you are viewing the course from a corporate or military computer network that utilizes a firewall, check with your network administrator before proceeding; if using it on a personal computer, you will need to contact the firewall software manufacturer.

You will need to have the following network locations and ports opened on the firewall in order to successfully view the courses:

Servers:

• dl.odu.edu
• jasper.ts.odu.edu
• vs.odu.edu
• clt.odu.edu
• mfile.akamai.com

Ports:

• innovate.clt.odu.edu - port 1935
• *.akamaistream.net
  • port 80
  • ports 554/UDP & TCP
  • Open ports 6970 through 6999 (inclusive) for RTP/UDP data
• streaming.video.odu.edu
  • port 80
  • ports 554/UDP & TCP
  • Open ports 6970 through 6999 (inclusive) for RTP/UDP data

Tests & Exams for Video Stream Courses

Course examinations must be proctored. If you live in Virginia, and/or are located near one of our out of state sites, you must attend that site to take tests. Students not near a site must obtain a Proctor to administer tests. Students not near a site may incur costs associated with proctored tests.

Video Stream Troubleshooting

Video Lag
Due to Internet congestion (aka "net congestion"), that is beyond our control, the video starts to have a delay. You may end up seeing and hearing things that occurred in class up to as much as five minutes after they really occurred.

Managing multiple windows
Due to the need to use several applications at once, you will find it necessary to manage your windows so that you will be able to view the video, participate in the chat, or view notes on a web page.

Blacked out video
We have discovered that prior to the start of class, the video will occasionally be blacked out. We believe this is due to the lack of motion in our video slates. However, when the video fades to the class, the video stream returns to normal.

Poor audio and video quality
Due to Internet congestion, your audio and video may occasionally be of poor quality. This can be due to a high amount of Internet traffic occurring at Old Dominion's network, your ISP's network, or anywhere in between. We have also noticed that thunderstorms are a source for net congestion as they effect communications lines.

Problems with satellite ISPs
We have noticed that users of broadband satellite ISPs have had some video and connection problems. Most of these problems appear to be related to several factors:

• Misalignment of the satellite dish
• Inclement weather lowering the quality of the signal
• Bandwidth reduced by high usage during peak times (4pm to 10pm local time)