Videos on Demand Project

A Subcommittee of the Technology Access Committee

Thursday, April 8, 2004

Vicky Leather Presiding

Members Present:  Vicky Leather, Tim Belcher, Rosy Milburn, Raymond Bertani, Andrea Sanders, Donna Appleget, Stuart Miller, Vicky Leather, Bruce Alston, Al Covington, Lisa Longacre.

Agenda Item I: 

Conference Call -

A conference call was made to Chris Deidrich of Films for Humanities and Sciences.  This company provided nine films for Andrea Sanders' to incorporate into her RODP class and one film for Shirley Clark's class.  Chris Deidrich explained that their company provided these films in different hard copy format (MPEG1, MPEG2, and DVD) so that we could determine which would work the best for Chattanooga State.  Once Chattanooga State determines which hard copy format they prefer, FHS can use that model for setting up digital licensing. 

Agenda Item II:

Issues -

In discussing the best way to provide these films for the students, Andrea suggested that since the students already use the library web site as a resource, she would like to load the films on the library catalog.  Vicky explained that a link would be set up for the film that would be accessible only by the students.

Bruce Alston pointed out that Media Services has equipment coming that will convert old VHS tapes to any digital format.  It would be good, however, to have an original DVD to keep as a back-up hardcopy.

Vicky Leather pointed out that the vision of this committee is that students and faculty be able to view any film, at any time, on any computer over the Internet with a password.  The discussion then when into the quality of the films over the Internet.  Some will require more visual detail.  Ray Bertani explained that this could be accomplished once we get to the point where we are creating the files that are put on the server.  

Stuart Miller had a question regarding a time-out function for downloadable files.  Once a film is downloaded, it would become unusable after a certain period of time.  The ability to download the film onto a computer desktop gets into copyright questions.  Ray Bertani and Bruce Alston pointed out that if a person downloads onto their desktop, they have the capability to start, stop, rewind, etc.  However, if streaming technology is used, that capability will be lost.  Vicky gave a demo on the library website using Digital Curriculum which is licensed by the library.  They pay an extra licensing fee to be able to download films, which are in turn segmented into key parts.  Bruce said that these segments are probably separate files, which would take up even more hard drive space.

An issue was discussed at length regarding the network usage and the use of cache servers.  If teachers want a smooth run of a film, it would still be best to set up a time beforehand.  This would cause a slight loss of spontaneity but would insure better quality. 

Agenda Item III:

Costs -

Vicky Leather did a quick overview of the proposal for expenditures.  Tim Belcher brought up another issue concerning hidden costs involving multicasting and license key fees.  The costs will depend on the quality and types of media per cache server.  He also pointed out that even more cache servers could easily be used.

Agenda Item IV:

Mission -

The Technology Access Committee asked that a working group be formed to see to the implementation of the Video on Demand Project.  This group has been charged to take the next step after Infrastructure Upgrades and look at possible ways to deliver videos to our students and to report what works and what doesn't.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Longacre