kan-ed: member guide to videoconferencing
TRANSCRIPT
Kan-ed
October, 2008
A PROGRAM OF THE KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS
Kan-ed is: A broadband technology-based network to which schools, libraries and hospitals may connect for broadband Internet access and intranet access for distance learning.
Kan-ed: Member Guide to Videoconferencing
Table of Contents:
Videoconferencing! ......................................................................... 1 What Kind of Video System Do I Need? ......................................... 1 Is There a “Type” of Video That Kan-ed Requires?........................ 2 What Type of Video Systems or “User Endpoints” Are Available?. 2 Videoconferencing User Endpoint Setup: ........................................4
1) Desktop Video System for a PC .............................................3 Equipment Examples .........................................................4
Features .............................................................................5 Recommendations .............................................................5
2) Room Video Conferencing Systems .......................................4 Features .............................................................................7
Recommendations............................................................. 5 3) Custom Integrated Video Conferencing Rooms..................... 8
Equipment Examples..........................................................9 Features .............................................................................9 Recommendations..............................................................9
4) Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) Rooms ..........................11 Equipment Examples .......................................................12 Features ...........................................................................12 Recommendations ...........................................................13 So, Why Follow the Kan-ed Recommendations? ..........................10 How Large Should the Display Be? ...............................................18 Kan-ed Staff Contact Information...................................................11 Other Important Kan-ed Numbers..................................................20 Definitions / Glossary of Terms Used ............................................13
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Videoconferencing!
The purpose of this booklet is to give our members some advice and examples of successful video room configurations. This primer will help you to select a videoconferencing user system that is appropriately based on your need and includes some recommendations and contact information for Kan-ed and the State of Kansas vendors with whom Kan-ed has contracted. This booklet will help you to jump-start your discussion of videoconferencing.
Many of our members are using videoconferencing technologies today. They use videoconferencing for distance learning, continuing education, meetings, conferences, training, professional development, telemedicine consultations, teacher supplementation, and the list goes on. Videoconferencing also reduces travel time, gas expenditures, overnight stays, meal expenses, and general travel expenses. It
reduces your carbon footprint, and employees do not have “lost time” traveling.
As a connected member of Kan-ed, we provide “scheduled” video services at no cost to our members. This service allows your video rooms to be connected to a scheduler and multi-point control unit (MCU) so your video rooms automatically connect to each other when you schedule a meeting. The MCU allows you to have video conferences all over the world…not just within the Kan-ed network. Kan-ed also provides grant money to help you to purchase video equipment. In 2008, Kan-ed awarded over $2.1
million dollars in video equipment grants through the Enhancing Technology Grant Program.
What Kind of Video System Do I Need? The first step is to sit down and figure out what you want the room to do. There are a few standard setups that will work for 90% of our members. How large is your room space? How many people do you want to seat in the room? What does the room look like?
Is the video room for a specific purpose, or do you want it more general in nature? What type of meetings will most likely be held in the room? Many of these questions will be asked of you when you talk with a vendor about a videoconferencing room setup. The vendors under State contract with Kan-ed will help you with these questions and assist you in determining your needs and setup capabilities. Here is information on the State of Kansas/Kan-ed Member video conference equipment vendors:
Business Media Inc., [BMI] 6405 Metcalf Ave Suite 114 Overland Park, KS 66202 Telephone: (913) 677-3870 Fax: (913) 677-5908 FEIN: 47-0721556 E-Mail: [email protected] Customer Service Person: Tom Fletcher Website: http://www.bmiav.com
Cytek Media Systems Inc., [CMSI] 126 NW Jackson St Topeka, KS 66603 Telephone: (800) 255-0064 Local: (785) 295-4200 Fax: (785) 295-4290 FEIN: 481140127
“Video conferencing reduces your
carbon footprint”
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E-Mail: [email protected] Customer Service Person: Bill Jones Website: http://www.cytekmedia.com
SKC Communication Products [SKC] 8320 Hedge Lane Terrace Shawnee Mission, KS 66227 Telephone: (800) 882-7779 Local: (913) 422-4222 Fax: (800) 454-4752 FEIN: 31-1056628 E-Mail: [email protected] Customer Service Person: Brian French Website: https://www.skccom.com/ks114772 Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. dba AT&T Datacomm - ID Solutions LLC/AT & T [IDS/ATT] 220 East 6th, Room 100 Topeka, KS 66603 Telephone: (785) 291-9227 Fax: (785) 276-6558 FEIN: 36-4284455 E-Mail: [email protected] Customer Service Person: Jim Allman Website: www.e-idsolutions.com
Any of these vendors will be happy to work with you to help you select your video conference system. If changes, additions or deletions to the state contract are made, an updated State contract can be found at this link: http://www.da.ks.gov/purch/Contracts/ContractData/10033.doc
Is There a “Type” of Video That Kan-ed Requires?
The short answer is no. All the vendors on state contract are experts in providing equipment which will work on the Kan-ed network. Kan-ed is a statewide network that uses H.323 (IP) based video. Kan-ed does not supply connectivity for older ISDN video connections, but we do “gateway” with MPEG video consortiums. Today, most people are using IP-based video or video applications. As technology has started to transition from SD (standard definition) to HD (high-definition), we recommend that any equipment purchased after September of 2008 be HD in nature. SD equipment will still work with the Kan-ed network, but as manufacturers transition to HD equipment, vendor support for SD systems will decline.
What Type of Video Systems or “User Endpoints” Are Available? There are a few video room “profiles” or user endpoint systems that we suggest. Our recommendations are based on what our members are doing and industry best practices. Kan-ed also works with experts on video room solutions, and has direct relationships with videoconferencing technology manufacturers. We hope this information gives you some ideas to supplement your thinking on what type of videoconferencing system might work best in your institution. The Kan-ed office, located in the Kansas Board of Regents in Topeka, Kansas, also has several types of room setups that you may want to tour. These include several HD systems and were completed using the current State of
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Kansas/Kan-ed Members contract.
Videoconferencing User Endpoint Setup:
Based on your needs and your audience, there are several types of videoconference user endpoint setups to consider. Remember, the vendors will help you by making recommendations and even pointing out physical issues with your room. Typically, the consultation with them is free. However, it will help if you go into the meeting with an idea or thoughts about what it is you are trying to accomplish, your audience, and the types of meetings you’ll be having.
1) Desktop Video System for a PC
Desktop systems are either PC-based or appliance systems. Appliance-based systems have their own displays and do not need a PC to function. These systems are typically smaller versions of the room systems with smaller cameras, displays and microphones to fit onto a desk. Desktop appliance systems are functionally attractive because of the performance and ability to place calls regardless of a functioning PC. A disadvantage to appliance systems is that they are priced more like a small group system and are often 5-10 times the cost of a PC-based system. PC-based systems require the PC to be operating in order for a video call to occur. PC-based systems typically have smaller cameras than the desktop appliance systems or consumer grade cameras. PC-based video systems are less expensive to purchase but have higher cost of support and ownership.
Equipment Examples:
Typical units that are used with these applications are: Appliance-Based Desktop Units
• Polycom HDX 4000 (HD System)
• Polycom VSX 3000
• Polycom V700
• LifeSize Express
• Tandberg 1700MXP (HD System)
• Tandberg 1000MXP
PC-Based Desktop Units
• Cisco Unified Video Advantage
• Polycom PVX
• Tandberg MOVI
Recommendations:
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# Recommendations 1 When using PC-based systems, make sure the vendor’s
recommended minimum hardware and software specifications are met.
2 When considering PC-based units, balance the high cost of ownership with the low capital cost.
3 Look to Integrate desktop systems with IPT systems (Cisco Unified Communication Manager) or productivity suites (Microsoft Office Communicator) if possible.
2) Room Video Conferencing Systems
Room Systems or “off the shelf” systems are typically cart-based, self-contained and mobile. The echo cancellers and displays are integrated in the self-enclosed system. The Room System is typically controlled by a remote control that goes to a videoconferencing set-top box which sits on top of the display or inside of the cart. They range from a small, single 20” display on a cart to larger dual 50” displays whose functional capabilities overlap with the small custom integrated rooms. The greatest benefit of these systems is the lower long term costs since all components including peripherals are supported by a single vendor. Some Room Systems are customized to meet the needs of specific customers such as distance learning or telemedicine. Room Systems come in the following sub-groups:
• Executive Office/Small Conference Room Systems This sub-group has a smaller display (20”-40”) with a single table microphone and are intended to support 1-2 users in a smaller space.
• Medium to Large Group Systems This sub-group has larger displays (40” to 65”) with multiple microphones and are intended to support 2-6 people. These systems also are often used with advanced peripherals including a 2nd Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera.
• Vertical Specific solutions Example solutions of this sub-group are:
o Education systems that include a podium, education-based control panels, etc.
o Telemedicine systems certified to be in surgery rooms and peripherals that integrate into the codec.
o Prison systems that are enclosed in protective enclosures.
Applications Features Executive Office or Small Office
• Applications where the full feature functionality of a Room System is necessary for smaller spaces or super users with high videoconferencing usage.
Medium to Large Office • Standard cart and monitor systems that are used for general collaboration in medium to large conference rooms. Sometimes used in conjunction with a projector.
Why? Features Low Cost Video Applications include locations that cannot afford the cost of a full room system but
require video capability. Initial Video Entry An affordable way of introducing videoconferencing at locations new to the
technology. Teleworker or remote contributor
Enables a contributor not at a primary site to contribute and experience the benefits of teamwork collaboration.
Executive/ Power User
For heavy individual users of video. This would avoid their monopolizing a conference room and allow them to have the meeting from the comfort of their office.
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Applications Features Education • Applications include normal conferencing applications, mobile carts with
projectors, and integrated systems that include whiteboards, control panels, etc. Some have teaching components that are integrated into the system. Ideal for this application because of their low cost and low cost of support.
Video Arraignment • Applications include hardened systems that are built within secure enclosures that protect the technology from theft and vandalism.
Telemedicine • Applications include products that are designed for remote doctor visits with peripherals such as a stethoscope.
Recommendations:
# Domain Recommendations
1 General Preference should be given to dedicated spaces for videoconferencing that allow for the best possible experience and prevent frequent teardown and set-up for each call.
2 General Constituents should not look to reuse monitors from previous systems. Instead, preference should be given to digital displays such as LCD’s or Plasmas.
3 Control Determine if a touch panel or control system that requires an RS-232 interface is necessary. This will restrict the variety of user endpoints available. Avoid Infrared Red (IR) transmitters for touch panel control systems if possible.
4 Audio Do not place microphones (“mic”) in front of speakers during calls. Whether using a pod mic or a speakerphone as a microphone, do not place any mic near the speakers of the displays. Ideally, put them on a large flat surface such as a table.
5 Video Cameras should be placed in an elevated position that provides a direct line of sight to every one of the people positioned in the room. However, they should also be low enough to prevent people from having to look up. The camera position should be adjusted according to expected seating arrangements and distance.
3) Custom Integrated Video Conferencing Rooms
Custom Integrated rooms are defined as any room that has external audio and video input/outputs. Examples include:
• On the low end cost: a cart that uses a ceiling microphone and projector for its primary display.
• On the high end cost: a room that has integrated audio systems using external echo cancellers, video distribution systems and integrated touch panels.
These systems have high levels of customization with features such as room automation (blind controls, lighting, A/C, etc), custom furniture, etc. Custom systems can be designed to meet almost any user requirement. However, the ongoing support costs of these systems are extremely high, often surpassing the cost of initial purchase after 3 or 4 years. Organizations often face the dilemma of paying the ongoing cost of maintenance and choosing not to repair or update the room. Lack of maintenance will eventually make the system unusable. Constituents should identify key required features and evaluate their benefits against the total long term costs of customization. In addition, priority should be given to using pre-made custom integrated rooms of manufacturers which may cost more initially but would significantly lower the total cost of ownership.
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Equipment Examples:
Typical units that are used with these applications are:
• Polycom HDX 8000 System
• LifeSize Room
• Tandberg 6000MXP
Applications Features Large Public Rooms
Supports videoconference broadcasts from auditoriums, public chambers, courtrooms, etc.
Specialized applications
Applications in which general videoconferencing will not suffice because of a business requirement that requires a specific feature unavailable in a commercial off-the-shelf system.
Recommendations:
# Domain Recommendations
1 Audio There should be a sufficient number of microphones and echo cancellers to pick up all presenters and attendees in their intended seating arrangement.
2 Audio Ceilings height should be between 8’ to 10’. Higher ceilings can cause acoustic issues
3 Audio Windows should cover no more than 20% of a room’s vertical space. Anything in excess of that should have window treatments that limit the amount of reverberation from the hard surface.
4 Audio Ceiling tiles should look to have a 0.70 NRC (this is typical of standard business ceiling tiles). This means that the tile will reflect 30% of sound back into the room.
5 Audio Avoid hard flooring surfaces such as hardwood or tile. These hard surfaces will reverberate sound.
6 Environment Doors should be out of the camera field of view as it distracts from meetings.
7 Environment Overall Illumination of the room should be between 300-400 Lux +/– 50 Lux; there should be no dark corners in the camera field of view.
8 Environment Lighting temperature should ~4000 Kelvin with no more than 4200.
9 Environment Color Rendering Index (CRI) should be around 80 +/– 10.
10 Environment Task lighting or hotspots should be < 600 Lux but no more than 700 Lux; however, they should be avoided in the camera field of view.
11 Environment Natural light from windows should be limited as it changes throughout the day and can create shadows and darken the face of a person.
12 Environment Preference should be given to Indirect Pendant Strip or Indirect Recessed Panels.
13 Environment Parabolic Direct Recessed Panels or Recessed Can lighting should be avoided as it creates hot spots of light. If recessed panels are used then diffuser panels are recommended.
14 Environment Paint reflectivity should be < 40%.
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# Domain Recommendations 15 Environment Patterns on the paint should be limited to subtle patterns or textures.
Unnecessary furniture should be out of view or put at the back of the room.
16 Environment BTU calculations should be made of the equipment and verified against room HVAC systems to ensure the room will not become too hot or cold. Your HVAC system would have to support any heat generating components (e.g. room lighting). For example: • Display dissipates 3 x 3000 BTU/h = 9,000 BTU/h
• Primary Codec dissipates 1 x 1000 BTU/h = 1,000 BTU/h
• Participants dissipates 6 x 300 BTU/h = 1,800 BTU/h
• Total = 11,800 BTU/hr
The HVAC system in this case would have to be able to cool over 12,000 BTU/hr.
17 Video Duplicate peripherals should be avoided. Ceiling mounted devices and integration should leverage components at the highest quality possible. For example, if a projector that was integrated with a system was cabled using analog connections through a scan converter, use of these components means presentations with fonts less than 24 font are barely legible.
4) Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) Rooms Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) systems are unique custom room systems that have been designed in conjunction with a specific vendor. They are designed to meet the needs of some of the educational consortiums in the State of Kansas and surrounding areas. They typically include 3-4 displays mounted on the front wall. Each screen typically has a codec cabled to the system, providing four videoconferencing systems that share a control panel, audio and video peripherals.
IDL Control System
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Equipment Examples:
Typical units that are used with these applications are:
• Polycom HDX 8000 System
• LifeSize Room
• Tandberg 6000MXP
Applications Features K-12 • Integrated Controls allow an educator control over audio, video and peripherals
from a single touch panel interface. • Interoperability with other IDL systems that are within the various consortiums.
Recommendations:
# Domain Recommendations
1 Video Displays size should correlate to size, depth and placement of the individuals in the room. IDL systems should have larger display sizes based on the distance of the person furthest away from the screen.
2 Video Screens should be placed at an optimal height and distance so that participants in their expected seating positions can easily see the far end video and content. Having the large displays lower than eye level and in the corner prevents people from the back of the room from seeing the screens.
3 Security Remote VPN connections into Touch panels should be monitored and turned on only when needed.
4 Audio Avoid hanging microphones designed for table-top use. If ceiling microphones are required then purchase microphones specifically designed for that purpose.
5 Audio There should be a sufficient number of microphones and echo cancellers to pick up all presenters and attendees in their attended seats.
6 Audio Ceiling height should be between 8’ to 10’. Higher ceilings can cause acoustic issues.
7 Audio Windows should cover no more than 20% of a room’s vertical space. Anything in excess of that should have window treatments that limit the amount of reverberation from the hard surface.
8 Audio Ceiling tiles should look to have a .70 NRC (this is typical of standard business ceiling tiles). This means that the tile will reflect 30% of sound back into the room.
9 Audio
Avoid hard flooring surfaces such as hardwood or tile. These hard surfaces will reverberate sound.
10 Environment Doors should be out of the camera field of view as it distracts from meetings.
11 Environment Overall Illumination of the room should be between 300-400 Lux +/– 50 Lux; there should be no dark corners in the field of camera view.
12 Environment Lighting Temperature should ~4000 Kelvin with no more than 4200.
13 Environment Color Rendering Index (CRI) should be around 80 (+/– 10).
14 Environment Task lighting or Hotspots should be < 600 Lux but no more than 700 Lux however they should be avoided in the camera field of view.
15 Environment Natural light from windows should be limited as it changes throughout the day and can create shadows and darken the face of a participant.
16 Environment Preference should be given to Indirect Pendant Strip or Indirect Recessed Panels.
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# Domain Recommendations 17 Environment Parabolic Direct Recessed Panels or Recessed Can lighting should be avoided
as it creates hot spots of light. If recessed panels are used then diffuser panels are recommended.
18 Environment Paint reflectivity should be < 40%.
19 Environment Patterns on the paint should be limited to subtle patterns or textures. Unnecessary furniture should be out of view or put at the back of the room.
20 Environment BTU calculations should be made of the equipment and verified against room HVAC systems to ensure the room will not become too hot or cold. Your HVAC system would have to support any heat generating components (including room lighting). For example: • Display dissipates 3 x 3000 BTU/h = 9,000 BTU/h
• Primary Codec dissipates 1 x 1000 BTU/h = 1,000 BTU/h
• Participants dissipate 6 x 300 BTU/h = 1,800 BTU/h
• Total = 11,800 BTU/hr
The HVAC system in this case would have to be able to cool over 12,000 BTU/hr.
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Ceiling mounted devices and integration of devices should leverage the components at the highest quality possible. For example, it is ineffective to purchase and install a plasma monitor, and then use analog connections through a scan converter. If you do, presentations with fonts less than 24 font are barely legible.
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So, Why Follow the Kan-ed Recommendations?
These recommendations and suggestions benefit you, our Kan-ed member, by:
• Alleviating much of the work that constituent groups are doing to select their user endpoints. Following Kan-ed recommendations removes the burden for constituent groups from having to make design decisions outside of their areas of technical expertise.
• Preventing vendors from having undue influence on the long-term strategy of the Kan-ed and end-user environment. Vendor recommendations don’t always provide long term benefits to Kan-ed constituent groups. For example, Kan-ed constituent groups should avoid purchasing any SD user endpoints. Market and technology developments are causing vendors to only offer HD user endpoints in the future. Many SD user endpoints will be discontinued by the end of 2008, thus reducing the usable lifespan of these systems. Without guidance from Kan-ed, many constituent groups may find the pricing on “close out” SD units to be an attractive purchase.
• Encouraging minimum standards. This allows those constituent groups that have comprehensive technical capabilities and experience to still design their own systems, while ensuring they are interoperable with the rest of Kan-ed. These minimum standards are standards based and avoid including manufacturer proprietary features or protocols. Note, however, that because the standards of the videoconferencing industry are somewhat disorganized, Kan-ed may find it necessary to include a proprietary feature. For example, the ability to display a far end presenter and the far end presentation at the same time over two separate displays is called People+ Content (Polycom) or DuoVideo (Tandberg). The proprietary versions of this feature were available almost a year before the standards version called H.239 was ratified. Thus, if a feature is deemed necessary, then exceptions should be made to include a proprietary feature. Otherwise, we encourage standard protocols to ensure interoperability and avoid over dependence on any specific vendor.
There are also several general recommendations that apply to all of the various classes of video system user endpoints outlined in this booklet:
# Domain Recommendations 1 Cabling Digital video Input/Outputs should be leveraged wherever possible. Video coax
and RCA connections should be avoided whenever possible. If given a peripheral that has both digital and analog, preference should be given to the digital connections.
2 Cabling Scan-converters should not be used with preference to digital VGA or DVI connections directly into the codec.
3 Cabling Preference should be given to those peripherals that support digital inputs / outputs.
4 Cabling Cat5 cabling or better should be used for all videoconferencing equipment.
5 Codec All new video codec’s should be able to receive H.239 signals. In addition, those sites that will be presenter sites should have H.239 presenter capabilities enabled. H.239 content should be shown over a digital medium such as a plasma, LCD or projector.
6 Codec MCU options should not be purchased at the user endpoint level. Those resources are available at a centralized shared resource center within Kan-ed Network Operation Center (NOC).
7 Codec Codec’s are to support H.261, H.263 + annexes, Preferred: H.264 (720p at 30 frames per second).
8 Codec Codec’s are to support G.711, G.722, G.728 and CD Quality Audio (Siren or AAC-LD).
9 Codec Codec’s are to support H.239 transmit / receive (transmit is often a paid option
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# Domain Recommendations that can be added at any time)
10 Codec Avoid codec’s that have been taken out of the original manufacturers packaging and put into new packaging. This will ensure the product is FCC verified and does not violate any UL Rating certifications.
11 Audio Avoid having ceiling based microphones in the direct path of HVAC ventilation airflow.
12 Network Codec’s are to support ITU H.460.18 and H.460.19
13 Network Differentiated Services (Diffserv), IP Precedence, Type of Service (TOS), Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP).
14 Network Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
15 Network IPv4 and IPv6 protocols should be supported directly on the codec.
16 Security Codec should not be accessible from the public Internet. Testing should be done periodically.
17 Security Encryption using a minimum of H.235 V2 and V3.
18 Video Displays should be sized based on expected distance of furthest participant. For example, if you are using 20”-27” displays, only the first row of the audience can clearly see the other sites. Visibility from the second row is limited and the third row visibility is not acceptable. This can lead to a diminished attention span for viewers further away from the monitor.
How Large Should the Display Be? Generally speaking, you should buy a display as large as your budget can afford. Displays are a key to a successful video room. We have never heard that someone wished they had bought a smaller display. Also, make sure the display is either LCD or Plasma (digital). The vendors can work with you on the benefits and drawbacks of each. Stay away from older analog technologies (CRT tube monitors). Below is a “Display to Distance Chart” which might help you when considering how large of a monitor to purchase. At this time, Kan-ed does not recommend HD video projectors, but there are some cases where a large projection is needed, and a HD projector might be the best choice.
Display to Distance Chart: (based on 720p)
Screen Size
Viewing Distance
30"
3-6 feet
34" 4-7 feet 42" 5-10 feet 50" 6-15 feet 56" 7-18 feet 62" 7-20 feet 70" 8-22 feet
Kan-ed Staff Contact Information:
Kan-ed staff are also happy to talk with you, or even come to your site and assist you with your video questions. We can send someone out to visit your area and offer general suggestions. We also have rooms located in our office at the Kansas Board of Regents in Topeka, Kansas, and throughout the state, enabling you to see a demonstration. We would be most happy to answer any questions that you have!
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Below is the contact information for the Kan-ed staff, including their respective expertise areas:
BRAD WILLIAMS
Executive Director, CIO Board of Regents Responsible for the overall leadership of the Kan-ed program and technology implementations.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-0843
JERRY HUFF
Director of Operations Operational issues, including services, network operation center services, vendor contracts, billing, state contracts.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-7034
CHARMINE CHAMBERS
Network Access Manager Connecting members to the Kan-ed network, video room questions, telecom and ISP provider questions, NOC management.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-7027
CHRISY MADDEN
Membership Services Coordinator Member information, applications, web development, conferences, presentations, Kan-ed Empowered Desktop, databases, newsletter.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-2238
RANDY STOUT
Grant And Development Coordinator Enhancing Technology Grant Program, grant programs and applications, RUS, Rural Health FCC pilot.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-7033
LEANNE HOUSER
Accountant
Grant and subsidy payments, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-3213
JANELL HOLT
Executive Assistant Front office, meeting coordination, video meetings, logistics, special projects. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 785-296-0843
Other Important Kan-ed Numbers: Kan-ed Main Office: 785-296-0843 Network Operation Center: 866-984-3662
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E-rate Help: 866-372-8302 Kan-ed Empowered Desktop: 888-705-3276
Definitions / Glossary of Terms Used: Broadband – Telecommunications technology, devices or circuits that allow communication over a wide range of frequencies to transmit voice, data, and video signals.
BTU - British Thermal Unit is a measure of energy and used to calculate the amount of heat given off by people and equipment to determine the capacity of HVAC equipment.
Carbon Footprint – is the measure of the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by a defined collection of human activity and/or associated products/services over their life cycle.
Codec - A codec is a device or program capable of encoding and/or decoding a digital data stream of signal.
Color Rendering Index – a measure of the ability of a light source to faithfully reproduce the colors of various objects as if using an ideal or natural light source; in general, higher is better for video.
CRT – Cathode Ray Tube that uses an electron gun to strike and excite phosphors to provide luminescence and a corresponding image controlled by a video signal.
Differentiated Services – is a telecommunication network architecture that specifies a mechanism for classifying, managing traffic, and providing minimum quality levels of service.
Echo Cancellers – a device or technology that removes your originating voice signal from the returning audio stream thus allowing you to hear the other party without having the annoyance of hearing your own delayed voice.
Encryption - is the process of transforming plain text information into indiscernible information using a classified cipher that can only be decoded using a classified key.
FCC – Federal Communications Commission establishes and regulates telecommunication practices in the U.S.A.
Gateway - Gateways are devices that enable communication between H.323 networks and other networks, such as PSTN or ISDN networks. If one party in a conversation is utilizing J terminal that is not an H.323 terminal, then the call must pass through a gateway in order to enable both parties to communicate.
H.239 – is an umbrella recommendation from the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) that defines the protocols from the H.32x multimedia communications family of standards over various networks.
H.323 –is an umbrella recommendation from the ITU-T that defines the protocols to provide audio-visual communication sessions on any packet network. It is widely implemented by voice and videoconferencing equipment manufacturers, is used within various Internet real-time applications such
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as GnuGK, NetMeeting and X-Meeting, and is widely deployed worldwide by service providers and enterprises for both voice and video services over Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
High Definition – refers to any video system having a video resolution that is higher than standard-definition display video typically 1280×720 (720p) or 1920×1080 (1080i or 1080p).
HVAC – Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning equipment.
Indirect Pendant Strip – a light fixture that is suspended/mounted below the ceiling and projects light directly on the ceiling but indirectly into the room.
Indirect Recessed Panel – a light fixture that mounts within the ceiling and uses a deflective shield to disperse/diffuse light while preventing direct light into the room.
Infrared Red Transmitter – a remote control that uses infrared (IR) technology to wirelessly transmit signals.
Interactive Distance Learning – a technology-based system that allows instructors and students who are not at the same location to pursue an educational curriculum.
IP Precedence - provides the ability to classify network traffic at Layer 3 according to its priority.
IPT - Internet Protocol Telephony or Voice-Over-IP (VolP) is J protocol optimized for the transmission of voice through the Internet or other packet-switched networks. VolP) is often used abstractly to refer to the actual transmission of voice (rather than the protocol implementing it).
ISDN - (Integrated Services Digital Network) In a videoconference, ISDN provides simultaneous voice, video, and text transmission between individual desktop videoconferencing systems and group (room) videoconferencing systems.
Lighting Temperature – is a measure (Kelvin) of the warmth (reds) or coolness (blues) of ambient light; in general, lower (warm) is better for video.
Lux – a measure of the intensity of light.
MPEG -4 - This is a collection of methods defining compression of audio and visual (AV) digital data. It was introduced in late 1998 and designated a standard for a group of audio and video coding formats and related technology agreed upon by the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) under the formal standard ISO/IEC 14496. Uses of MPEG-4 include compression of AV data for web (streaming media) and CD distribution, voice (telephone, videophone) and broadcast television applications.
Multi-point Control Unit – is a telecommunication device used to bridge (interconnect) videoconferencing sessions.
Peripherals - In computer hardware, a peripheral device is any device attached to a computer in order to expand its functionality (basically input and output devices together are known as peripherals). Some of the more common peripheral devices are printers, scanners, disk drives, tape drives, microphones, speakers, and cameras. Peripheral devices can also include other computers on a network system. A
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device can also refer to a non-physical item, such as a pseudo terminal, a RAM drive, or a network adapter.
Resource Reservation Protocol – is a Transport layer protocol used by routers reserve resources across a network for an integrated services Internet to deliver certain levels of quality or QoS.
Reverberate or Reverberation – is the accumulation of originating sound waves and corresponding echoes within a room or space arriving at different times to a listener’s ears.
RS-232 Interface – Recommended Standard 232 is a cable standard for transmitting serial data signals between a data terminal equipment and a data circuit terminating equipment such as commonly used for PC serial ports having a 9-pin D-shaped connector.
Scheduler – a (video) scheduler is a web-based application that allows users to easily schedule, cancel, control a videoconference.
Simple Network Management Protocol – is an Internet protocol used in network management systems to monitor attached devices and determine conditions that may require administrative intervention.
Standard Definition - refers to any video system having a video resolution that meets minimum standards of display video typically 704×480 (480p) or 720×576 (576i).
Telemedicine – A telecommunication application that transfers medical information using telephone, the Internet or network(s) for medical consultation, remote medical procedures or examinations.
Teleworker – a person that uses telecommunication to work remotely rather than working physically at the main office.
Type of Service – the value in a router that is assigned or learned for each route in a routing table for a destination packet.
UL – Underwriters Laboratory Inc. standards of safety.
Video – is that technology that converts living motion into electronic images that can be transmitted or stored for viewing at another location in real time or at a later time.
Videoconferencing – (or videoteleconference) is that collection of telecommunication technology that allows two-way, simultaneous, video and audio transmission between two or more locations.
Whiteboard – a virtual and/or inter-active marker board that allows the drawing to be shared remotely by telecommunication.
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PN: 561.06.2008.919
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