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Sheffield City Council and
Techex Introduce Virtual Classroom Network Based on HaiVision's
H.264 Encoding Technology
Other Topics: IPTV
STB Security
HaiVision
September 29, 2009
HaiVision
Network Video today announced that its hai1000 series network video
systems are key to a specially integrated TelePresence system
recently introduced by Sheffield City Council, Red Tape Central, and
Music and Information Technology Training Centre in South Yorkshire.
The sophisticated system, integrated and supplied by Techex Limited,
is part of a virtual classroom network connecting a central site
with four remote city learning centers (CLCs). A first for secondary
education in England, the project supports live two-way video,
enabling students at the primary hub and at remote sites to engage
with high-value speakers from across different industries. |
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"The goal of our CLCs is to
provide Sheffield-area students with state-of-the art,
technology-based learning opportunities, and this system, based on
HaiVision technology, supports this objective by delivering live
two-way video that brings immediacy to remote learning and reflects
the enthusiasm of participating speakers and students," said Andy
Wynne, e-Learning development adviser, Children and Young People's
Directorate, Sheffield City Council. "The simplicity of the solution
has proven to be a key benefit as well. Our technology partner,
Techex, installed the HaiVision systems so that our staff can simply
walk into the room, hit a wall switch, and get started."
The hub of the council's virtual classroom network is located at Red
Tape Central. The studio features a stage for the guest presenter,
seating for students, a screen displaying the live broadcast, and
four additional screens providing live feeds from each CLC. The
project gives students across Sheffield the opportunity to interact
with teachers and mentors in a less formal learning environment.
HaiVision's hai1000 series
network video systems ensure a high level of performance for
interactive media communication. Incorporating the latest H.264 /
MPEG-4 AVC compression technology, it delivers a true-to-life video
communication experience at a remarkably low bandwidth. The
company's hai1060 multistream TelePresence codec system is installed
at Red Tape Central, and its single-stream hai1020 codec is
installed at each remote site. The hai1060 achieves end-to-end
latencies below 150 milliseconds, supporting smooth bidirectional
communications during guest presentations and Q&A sessions held over
Sheffield's virtual classroom network. Wall-mounted control panels
akin to light switches provide easy system management, with just
four buttons controlling streaming/reception, on/off functions for
the projector, and mute functions for the speakers and microphones.
Interactive voting handsets allow students at the hub and remote
sites to vote collaboratively.
The HaiVision installation in Sheffield is supported by 14-19
Diploma Capital funding from the Department for Children, Families,
and Schools. The 14-19 Diploma initiative represents the
government's intention to offer a strong vocational dimension to the
qualifications reform process at age 16+. Sheffield City Council
purchased the system with the support of Techex Limited
(www.techex.co.uk), Europe's largest distributor of video
transmission technology.
Complete information on HaiVision products, including recent case
studies and application notes, is available at
www.haivision.com/account/downloads.
About Techex
Having specialized in graphics and video for some thirty years,
Techex occupies a unique position in the digital video market
representing cutting edge technology companies. Techex specializes
in value-added distribution, system integration, project management,
and consultancy through its worldwide network of partners. Few if
any other company can offer both suppliers and clients the broad
range of products and services that Techex has done successfully for
over 35 years. http://www.techex.co.uk.
HaiVision Network Video
Based in Montreal and Chicago, HaiVision Network Video is a private
company and a world leader in delivering the most advanced video
networking technology and IPTV solutions. HaiVision's products are
deployed worldwide within the foremost Fortune 100 companies, in the
most rigorous military and defense applications, in healthcare
facilities for video collaboration and training, for education and
remote learning, in interactive broadcast applications, in IPTV
applications, and within the world's leading TelePresence suites.
HaiVision distributes its products through value-added resellers,
system integrators, distributors, and OEMs worldwide.
All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are
the property of their respective owners. |
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