FAQ
What is videostreaming/streaming media?
WebMedia/Streaming Media delivers live and on-demand Michigan Tech audio/
video programs streamed over the Internet as a service of Information
Technology. To stream video movies or audio broadcast, a server constantly
feeds video packets (or streams) to an end point (or client). This is different
than past video technologies where the user waited until the entire clip
downloaded to their machine before watching it. Streaming video gives the
expectation of just-in-time, real-time delivery.
As a result, an adequate streaming video service depends on the quality of
the video, bandwidth available, and target machine speed. The technology used
for video streaming is dynamic and constantly improving. Currently , we support
Both QuickTime and RealMedia, with continued research on MPEG2 to offer
higher-quality video over Internet2. If you have any questions or would like
to have a program streamed, please see "Using this Service", or contact
plins@mtu.edu.
What do I need on my computer to play streams?
Programs are available in QuickTime and RealNetworks formats, both of which
require a player (plug-in) for Netscape and Internet Explorer.
Players (Plug-Ins)
To download a player, click on the appropriate link below.
RealNetworks
All RealNetwork programs are "SureStreamed".
QuickTime
All Quicktime programs are encoded for a slow and fast speed, and other
higher encoding over 300K is available upon request.
What programs can be streamed?
We can encode and stream programs from IT's satellite system, videoconferencing
facilities, EERC TV Studio, videotape, and other locations on the MTU campus.
All programs must comply with copyright regulations. Programs can be made
available on the IT WebMedia Program Guide or other locations.
What is the charge for the service?
The cost is $30 per program. Rates include program encoding, file space on IT's
Real Media Server and streamed for one semester or equivilant. These rates do
not include any production costs incurred in capturing the event (video or
audio production). Referrals to resources for production of the event are
available on request. Charges will be applied after the streaming service
has been provided.
How is this service funded?
There are two parts to funding the service: Start up and on going. The start
up funding was part of a 1998-2001 REF grant IT received to study and deploy
new technologies. A user-based fee will support the on-going funding. Details
of the REF study are at http://www.it.mtu.edu/itmedia.
Members of the IT/REF team are David Chard, Jim Cross, Stan LaMuth, Patty Lins,
Mick McKellar, Mike Pionke, and Ann West.
WebMedia Facilities
The IT WebMedia facilities consist of 3 Real Media Encoders, 1 QuickTime Encoder
(Sorenson Broadcaster), and a Real Media Server located in EERC Network
Operations Center. We are currently capable of encoding/archiving and streaming
up to two live events and 100 concurrent users at a time. IT provides maintenance of the hardware (servers and
encoders) and software during weekday business hours, 8 to 5:00pm making
available archived/live files for streaming on a 24-hours/7days/365 days per year.
WedMedia Site Credits
Popup menus were adapted from code provided by
http://www.dhtmlab.com.
