Web casting

It briefly explains what is web casting and how does it works.

1. WEB CASTING

2. What is a Webcast? Live video and audio transmitted via the Internet Simple definition: TV via the Internet

3. Webcast Advantages Low cost Uses existing resources (network/Internet) People can travel to central locations or view Webcasts at their own locations rather than paying for travel, etc. Allows for low level of interactivity Computer chat software Fax transmission

4. Webcast Disadvantages Relies on the Network Can be prone to network congestion Requires high level of technical expertise at Webcast transmission site Requires low to mid level of technical expertise at receive sites Host (receive) sites require a fast network/Internet connection – minimum T1 connection recommended

5. How Does a Webcast Work? Video and audio are captured in a studio or meeting room and mixed together Video is “encoded” into a computer media format (Windows Media Player, etc.) The encoded video is sent to a streaming server Viewing sites run the media software and connect to the host site’s server to view the video and audio

6. How Does a Webcast Work? Video and audio  Switching equipment  Encoder workstation  Streaming server  Internet  Receiving site computer

7. Setup for Viewing Webcast Computer Projector Speakers Internet Chat Computer

8. Communicating with Presenters A chat program is used by receiving sites to communicate with presenters Questions are written on index cards at receiving sites and entered by “ Chatmaster ”. http://chat.scoe.net

9. Viewing Tips Set video computer screen size to 800x600 Video will look less “blocky” Test out the Webcast feed well before the event Ensure you can receive a 384 Kbps transmission without any problems beforehand!

10. Hosting your own Webcast Recommend fast network connection Calculate bandwidth requirements ahead of time (384 Kbps x receiving sites = total bandwidth requirements) Need technical staff to monitor the Webcast Perform “live” tests ahead of time with all sites connected simultaneously to work out problems

11. Production Tips - Computer Get a fast computer as your “encoder workstation” Create streams with multiple bit rates (example: 384 Kbps, 256 Kbps, 128 Kbps) PowerPoint presentations should be kept to no more than 5 lines per page with relatively large text

12. Production Tips - Video Select a good location for your productions Use two cameras & switcher, if available Ensure adequate lighting is available Use “external” microphones to ensure quality audio Use a scan converter for computer output (converts computer to video signal)

13. Create a Webcast web page Create generic Web page for upcoming/archived Webcasts What should the Web page include? Test or sample video streams Companion PowerPoint or other files Technical information Archived Webcasts SCOE Webcast page

14. Types of Webcasts for PD Webcast with computer chat Webcast with chat and local facilitation Webcast with chat and video and/or DV distribution

15. Webcast with Computer Chat Useful for: RFP, RFA announcements Provision of regulatory information Specialty presentations Example WIA Application process

16. Webcast with Chat & Local Facilitation Useful for: In-depth training on a process or procedure Sharing specialist expertise with many locations simultaneously Combining direct information with local practice / collaboration Example EL Civics Tranning

17. Webcast with Chat and Video and/or DV Distribution Useful for: Situations where wider information distribution is required (training of trainers) Implementing a continuum of training Example CAPA Assessment (testing implementation)

18. THANK YOU