Video Activities

DISTRIBUTION

The College of Business is a good example of how multiple systems are used at UF. They originate programming in their classroom studio and make it available for students to view by multiple methods. Programs can be delivered either live, by scheduled replay, or on demand. Students make extensive use of these services. The signal starts at Bryan Hall and is sent over the fiber network to Campus Video Service at CSE. From there, it is sent back out in two ways. First, it goes by fiber to WLUF in Weimer Hall where it becomes part of the programming for the student-run television station (Channel 10). The WLUF programming is delivered to Cox Communications by fiber and is distributed throughout Gainesville and the surrounding area. Housing receives most of the Cox channel lineup (including WLUF) directly from Cox by fiber and redistributes it to residents in student housing. Wireless One, a Multi-Point Multi-Channel Distribution system ("MMDS"), also distributes WLUF to area apartment complexes where it serves as cable TV to the occupants. They currently pick up the broadcast signal of Channel 10 but are in the process of installing a fiber link. Also, from Campus Video Service at CSE, it is converted from fiber to a cable television signal and sent out to the 43 buildings that can receive Campus Video Service Cable TV. The College of Business also maintains a dedicated cable TV system reaching select rooms in Bryan, Matherly and Stuzin halls.

There is a large amount of equipment and infrastructure used to make this work. The numerous signal conversions and amplifiers required for these delivery methods keeps the costs associated with their construction and operation, both in staff-hours and dollars, quite high. And units that are not currently connected are required to bear the entire expense of system expansion if they wish to receive the services. The cost of new building construction and renovation projects is substantially more if cable TV distribution systems are included. The cost to add the systems later if they are not included is even worse.
The College of Business is also a good example to show the advantages of digital distribution of video content over the existing data network. They have closed their Viewing Room in favor of providing streaming video that can be viewed in existing CIRCA labs, classrooms, dorm rooms and virtually anywhere with a reasonably fast connection to the Internet. Between 100 and 200 simultaneous users take advantage of this service most hours of the day and night. The college has made an investment in training, equipment and facilities that will provide a huge return once the continuing costs of cable systems, VCR's, televisions and tape libraries, and associated staffing are removed. 

Many University of Florida academic units reach into geographically separate locations. Many of these locations are within business and industry sites, homes, and other academic institutions. Some are in areas with limited network infrastructure.

Certain departments in the Health Science Center are providing telemedical consulting and clinical services to locations that are not part of any University of Florida campus. There is a stated need and resultant goal to make services available in rural areas which do not have the sophisticated tele-services needed. Alternatives are being explored, including the use of Very Small Aperture Satellite systems, to reach into these areas.

The growth of video infrastructure on the geographic and virtual campus under the control of the University of Florida must include the ability to interconnect with "outside" distribution systems. These systems may remain analog for some time, may use different technical standards, and may be subject to governance structures that cannot be influenced by UF. These are essential variables for consideration in the design of a global UF video distribution system.

 

Recommendations Evaluate new technology in close collaboration with Network Services. This includes encoders, decoders, gatekeeper systems, videoconferencing equipment, test equipment, scheduling and directory systems.  Provide equipment that will allow the existing fiber and coaxial cable based video traffic to be converted and distributed digitally over the data network. This includes encoders, decoders, test equipment and related software.  Provide portable units that allow high-quality video connectivity on and off campus. This will allow a program originated in one location to be transmitted to other locations.  Establish transport systems to external sites that will allow seamless integration with the data network.