Kan-ed Member Guide to wbr Videoconferencing

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							                   Kan-ed: Member Guide to
                           Videoconferencing




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.
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 
  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.

     “Video
  conferencing          As a connected member of Kan-ed, we provide “scheduled” video services at no cost
 reduces your           to our members. This service allows your video rooms to be connected to a scheduler
carbon footprint”       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: tfletcher@bmiav.com
           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




                                                                                    -1-
        E-Mail: billj@cytekmedia.com
        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: brian.french@skccom.com
        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: Jim.allman@att.com
        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:




                                                                                    -3-
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              Enables a contributor not at a primary site to contribute and experience the
remote contributor         benefits of teamwork collaboration.

Executive/ Power            For heavy individual users of video. This would avoid their monopolizing a
User                        conference room and allow them to have the meeting from the comfort of their
                            office.
#                                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           •   Applications where the full feature functionality of a Room System is
Small Office                      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.




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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.




                                                                                     -5-
Equipment Examples:
Typical units that are used with these applications are:

      •   Polycom HDX 8000 System
      •   LifeSize Room
      •   Tandberg 6000MXP


 Applications                                                Features
Large Public         Supports videoconference broadcasts from auditoriums, public chambers, courtrooms,
Rooms                etc.
Specialized          Applications in which general videoconferencing will not suffice because of a business
applications         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




                                                                               -7-
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                         Avoid hard flooring surfaces such as hardwood or tile. These hard surfaces will
          Audio             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.




-8-
 #      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.
21   Video         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.




                                                                            -9-
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




- 10 -
  #            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                     Viewing
   Size                      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!




                                                                                 -11-
Below is the contact information for the Kan-ed staff, including their respective expertise areas:




BRAD WILLIAMS                   JERRY HUFF
Executive Director, CIO         Director of Operations
Board of Regents
Responsible for the overall     Operational issues, including
leadership of the Kan-ed        services, network operation
program and technology          center services, vendor
implementations.                contracts, billing, state
                                contracts.
E-mail: bwilliams@ksbor.org     E-mail: jhuff@ksbor.org
Phone: 785-296-0843             Phone: 785-296-7034


CHARMINE CHAMBERS               CHRISY MADDEN
Network Access Manager          Membership Services
Connecting members to the       Coordinator
Kan-ed network, video room      Member information,
questions, telecom and ISP      applications, web
provider questions, NOC         development, conferences,
management.                     presentations, Kan-ed
                                Empowered Desktop,
E-mail: cchambers@ksbor.org     databases, newsletter.
Phone: 785-296-7027             E-mail: cmadden@ksbor.org
                                Phone: 785-296-2238

RANDY STOUT                     LEANNE HOUSER
Grant And Development           Accountant
Coordinator
Enhancing Technology Grant      Grant and subsidy payments,
Program, grant programs and     accounts payable and
applications, RUS, Rural        accounts receivable.
Health FCC pilot.
E-mail: rstout@ksbor.org        E-mail: lhouser@ksbor.org
Phone: 785-296-7033             Phone: 785-296-3213


JANELL HOLT
Executive Assistant

Front office, meeting
coordination, video meetings,
logistics, special projects.

E-mail: jholt@ksbor.org
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




                                                                                   -13-
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




- 14 -
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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                                      NOTES

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                                                     PN: 561.06.2008.919
Kan-ed
                                    PRESORTED STANDARD
Kansas Board of Regents
                                        US POSTAGE
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 520
                                            PAID
Topeka, KS 66612
561-06                                   TOPEKA, KS
                                       PERMIT NO. 157

						
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