ITMS :: University of Waterloo

Webcasting at UW

A webcast is a media file distributed over the internet using streaming media technology. As a broadcast may either be live or recorded, similarly, a webcast may either be distributed live or recorded. Essentially, webcasting is "broadcasting" over the Internet. The generally accepted use of the term webcast is the "transmission of linear audio or video content over the internet". A webcast uses streaming media technology to take a single content source and distribute it to many simultaneous listeners/viewers. (from Wikipedia)

There are two webcasting technologies currently available at UW:

V-Brick is a commercial grade hardware and software package and has seen use in several high profile events such as the Bill Gates talk at the Humanities Theatre in 2007. For more information about V-Brick technology and how it may be of benefit to your lecture or special event, contact Dianne Naughton at x38319.

ePresence is a more experimental technology that has nontheless seen popular use at Waterloo. It was initially developed as a research project out of the University of Toronto. It's use here has seen, for example, a series of lectures in Optometry. For more information on ePresence and how it may benefit your lecture or presentation, contact Koorus Bookan at x36749.

Webcasting your Event

The First Steps:

Read these steps and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of what information is required
Ensure that people who will be viewing the webcast have computers with up-to-date versions of Internet Explorer and/or Quicktime (Some computers have firewall issues that may prevent webcast reception. You could discover and solve these problems by testing your computer early)

Next, contact ITMS (ext. 38319 or ext. 36784) with the following information:

Date and time of event
Event location
When the room is available for testing the equipment
The number of people you expect to view the webcast
The specifics of your event:
- Number of people presenting/speaking?
- Will the presenters be using powerpoint, chalk board, slides?
- When are the breaks, lunch?
- Will there be a panel discussion (e.g. multiple microphones)?
- Questions from the audience; are these to be captured?

Then...

ITMS will test the equipment at least one week before the event. At this time, your viewers will be asked to check their computers again to ensure they can receive the webcast.
You will provide ITMS with a schedule of the days events.

The Day Before Your Event

ITMS will set-up
You will provide ITMS with a final schedule

The Day of Your Event

You will need a person to answer questions by phone and email
You will need to Keep ITMS personel informed of any changes

Cost

The materials. VHS Tapes, MiniDV Tapes, DVDs, CDs.
The camera people
If your webcast is on the weekend other charges may apply.