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Connection Services Available Through DEVO

Distance Education and Videoconference Operations deliver interactive videoconferencing and distance learning several ways. Contact us for more information on any of these services.

• High Performance IP Videoconferencing (H.323)
• Streaming Video
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
• WNY Fiber Optic Network
• Satellite Downlinks
• Videotape Production

With audio and video quality that approaches that
of 384K ISDN conferencing, high performance IP videoconferencing offers added flexibility. Within certain production limitations IP allows for conferencing in any room that has been upgraded to Internet 2.

See UB's I2 implementation schedule (scroll to: Local Subnet Access to I2)

Videoconferencing over the Internet is an emerging technology. It is not as stable or predictable as ISDN,
but UB has had consistent success when connecting to other Internet2 sites. No phone charges are incurred when connecting over the Internet, a significant advantage over ISDN.

Multipoint Conferencing
For videoconferences that require more than two sites, calls need to go through Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU, a.k.a. a video bridge). The MCU will automatically switch between participating sites so everyone in the conference sees who is speaking. There are additional costs involved when connecting through a bridge, please contact us for more information.

Streaming video is available both live and as video-on-demand. Many people can view a stream live from their home or office. Video-on-demand files are stored so people can view them anytime, any place.

The quality of the is stream is related to how much bandwidth the particpant has on his or her desktop. 56K modems offer the poorest quality while Internet 2 sites offer the best.

ISDN connections are made over digital telephone lines and have the advantage of global connectivity. A large number of sites can participate simultaneously. The connection speed can vary from 128K (more cost effective) to 384K (better picture quality).

Multipoint Conferencing
For videoconferences that require more than two sites, calls need to go through Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU, a.k.a. a video bridge). The MCU will automatically switch between participating sites so everyone in the conference sees who is speaking. There are additional costs involved when connecting through a bridge, please contact us for more information.

Fiber Optic Network
[Available in Baldy Hall, Educational Opportunity Center (EOC),
or linked through campus cable to Abbott or Bell Hall]

The proprietary fiber optic network in Western New York provides a highly reliable signal with the quality of cable television. In our Baldy Hall room we can connect to 100 sites throughout Western New York on this network. These sites include high schools, BOCES centers, cultural institutions, and other colleges and universities. Up to four sites can be connected for optimum interaction, or from five to 100 sites for broadcast-type events. For events with more than four sites participating questions can be faxed or e-mailed to the host site.

Satellite dishes are available to downlink programs, and are generally used for large-scale national or international events. Participants in our rooms are able to ask questions via telephone, fax machine or e-mail.

SVHS or VHS tape can be produced "live to tape" in Baldy, Bell or Abbott Hall. Editing facilities are very limited and arranged on an individual basis. The videotape option is generally used to capture lectures or presentations to tape for classroom or conference playback. Videotape can also be digitized and incorporated into online instruction, web pages, or CD-ROM delivery.

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* Bell Hall seminar room is available through special arrangement with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences via DEVO.