Information Technology Council
Subcommittee for Video on Demand
Report of the
Working Group for Video/Audio
Architectures & Compression:
a New Media Ecosystem
2005-08-02
Download the PDF of the Full Report (3.1MB)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As a result of the Project Plans outlined in the University of UtahÕs Information Technology Council Strategic Planning Report (http://www.it.utah.edu/leadership/policies/IT_StrategicPlan.pdf), a campus-wide committee was formed to explore issues and develop guidelines for Video-On-Demand (VOD) for the University of Utah. As of Autumn 2004, several working groups were formed within that committee to examine networking demands, digital asset management systems, content acquisition, and best practice guidelines and standards for the digitization and distribution of video, audio and multimedia. This document is a summary report of the activities of the Working Group for Video/Audio Architectures & Compression.
TASKS: A specific group of Tasks was defined for the Working Group that included:
- conducting Environmental Scans (internal and external) of existing video/audio media architectures and codecs in use across the University campus,
- analyzing the applicability of the MPEG-4/H.264 digital media architecture as a University standard, and
- determining the desire for and scope of assistance and professional development options for VOD content contributors and end users.
FINDINGS-- INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN:
Emergence of a VOD New Media EcosystemÉ
The current state of affairs in the digital distribution of video and audio media may be conceptualized as a vibrant and evolving ecosystem of the preparation, distribution and maintenance of content that is delivered through broadcast transmissions, satellite, cable, fiber, the Internet, computer networks, wireless networks, game consoles, web conferencing and collaboration, cell phones and Personal Digital Assistants. Media is created once, but consumed through different types of devices.
Autonomy vs Resource EfficiencyÉ
Currently, the creation, storage, and distribution of digital video and audio assets on campus are primarily conducted (with some exceptions) by individual, autonomous departments. The redundancies in service may be considered a fiscal and resource management weakness. At the same time, with localized control, services are more quickly responsive to change and adjustments in requirements.
Too Many FormatsÉ
The variety of digital media architectures and file formats that are currently in distribution is a detriment, not only for the producers who are digitizing and compressing multiple files for multiple players and different bandwidth connectivity to the Internet, but also for the end-user who must install and maintain a variety of media players.
Centralized StorageÉ
As demand for digital assets increases, the need for greater capacity to store these assets (on-line, near-line, & off-line) likewise expands. Centralized storage is considered acceptable, but groups with high levels of expertise and resources prefer to manage their own assets.
Centralized Back-up & ArchivingÉ
The 365/24/7 support and maintenance offered by centralized services for file back-up and archiving is a mission critical consideration.
Centralized Distribution ServersÉ
Increasing demands for viewing and perusing digital assets puts a heavy load on networks and Internet connections. Load balancing, efficiencies, and guaranteed Quality of Service can be achieved through centralized distribution services, servers, and even the build out of parallel Content Distribution Networks to carry the load of digital media.
Localized Media CreationÉ Although most would embrace a standardized storage and distribution system across the University for digital media assets, there is a strong indication that individual departments and groups prefer to manage their own acquisition, authoring, and compression of media files.
University-wide StandardsÉ Given training and resources, many groups were positive about the establishment of University-wide guidelines and standards for digital media compression. If such standards were crafted and provided to the University community, individual, autonomously managed departments and groups would likely embrace the specifications.
Training and Help DesksÉ It could be considered a mandate for the University to provide professional development opportunities and training to content providers on campus. For end-users, it is a necessity to provide Help Desk assistance as they are asked to download and view digital media as part of their academic and research undertakings.
FINDINGS-- EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN:
MPEG-4 Digital Media ArchitectureÉ The UniversityÕs various departments each subscribe to different technologies, depending on their needs and their support and maintenance resources. Because we are witnessing the emergence and wide adoption of the MPEG-4 standardized, non-proprietary media architecture across multiple profiles and consumption points of the New Media Ecosystem, there is an opportunity for the University to promote common methods of content preparation and distribution. The tools and best practices for exploiting the MPEG-4 architecture are either already in place or emerging quickly.
Need for Consistency & InteroperabilityÉ The threat to the University, if some consistency is not promoted throughout the delivery of digital media through networks and the Internet, will be a proliferation of files and formats which cannot be played, cannot be shared, and (where appropriate) cannot be re-purposed. None of these conditions are acceptable within an academic institution (except where information must be protected for financial, privacy, patent, copyright, unpublished research, security or other similar circumstances).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Based on the opinions and information gleaned from the internal and external environmental scans conducted by the Working Group for Digital Video/Audio Architectures & Compression, Ònext stepÓ recommendations can be offered. If implemented, each should be aggressively supported and maintained in order to provide long-term consistency and adherence to established guidelines and accessibility to centralized services.
- Create a website incorporating best practices into guidelines and parameters that the University recommends.
- Create a list of existing services on campus that could help or create VOD deliverables.
- Add FAQs about digital media delivery and playback to campus Help Desk's repertoire.
- Create and deliver training and professional development opportunities. Capitalize on the IT Managers Group, Webmaster Forums, and Marriott Library Media Streaming Services tutorial modules currently in development.
- Post these and other VOD committee findings, recommendations and training aids on the web, available from the OIT web site.
MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP
FOR VIDEO/AUDIO ARCHITECTURES
AND COMPRESSION
Working Group Facilitator
Paul E. Burrows, Media Solutions
Members
David Adams, TAC Center
Richard Glaser, Marriott Library
Nancy Lombardo, Eccles Health Sciences Library
Jimmy Miklavcic, Center for High Performance Computing
Dave Packham, Office of Information Technology
Tyler Smith, Instructional Media Services
SITUATION ANALYSIS
Background
As a result of the Project Plans outlined in the University of UtahÕs Information Technology Council Strategic Planning Report (http://www.it.utah.edu/leadership/policies/IT_StrategicPlan.pdf), a campus-wide committee was formed to explore issues and develop guidelines for Video-On-Demand (VOD) for the University of Utah. As of Autumn 2004, several working groups were formed within that committee to examine networking demands, digital asset management systems, content acquisition, and best practice guidelines and standards for the digitization and distribution of video, audio and multimedia.
This document is a summary report of the activities of the Working Group for Video/Audio Architectures & Compression. This Working Group was charged with conducting an environmental scan across the University to review the video/audio media architectures and codecs in use (both proprietary and standards-based). The goal was to identify preferred methods of preparing and distributing digital video and audio, especially in light of Video-On-Demand capabilities. These preferred methods would be folded into campus guidelines captured in a website and communicated through workshops and committee meetings. Circumscribing the conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group were the University of Utah Information Technology Council's strategy of building central coordination of initiatives with distributed local control of day-to-day operations.
Scope: the VOD Ecosystem
In the mid 1990s, the first iterations of QuickTime were able to deliver postage-stamp sized digital video from a computer's hard drive using a variety of proprietary compression algorithms and playback decoders. Most individuals judged the quality inferior and without merit or application. Visionaries saw the potentials of digital video and audio distribution and playback through devices other than television sets connected to broadcast or cable TV systems.
Over a decade later, we have witnessed a proliferation of digital content that is delivered through broadcast transmissions, satellite, cable, fiber, the Internet, computer networks, wireless networks, game consoles, web conferencing and collaboration, cell phones and Personal Digital Assistants. With the flood of content, the overwhelming mandate is to maximize the quality of the viewing experience (Quality of Experience, QoE) while minimizing the impact of delivery on bandwidth infrastructures (Quality of Service, QoS).
The current state of affairs may be conceptualized as a vibrant and evolving ecosystem for the preparation, distribution and maintenance of video and audio content. Ideally, within this ecosystem, participants are able to build on each otherÕs contributions. Shared experiences lead to improvements in implementation, QoE, and QoS, with resulting savings in development, storage, and distribution costs.
The distribution chains for content can be classified as:
- Classic
- Broadcast distribution via terrestrial, cable & satellite
- Packaged media such as CD and DVD via retail
- New Media
- Internet/IP based distributions
- Wireless/Mobile based distributions
Classic distribution chains are closely associated with the ÒpushÓ of selected content from centralized services to consumers. Consumers are welcome to drop into pre-determined schedules of playback or tightly controlled media release dates.
New Media distribution chains are most often based on the ÒpullÓ of personally relevant content by the consumer (students, faculty, staff, administration) from a large array of diverse and distributed content sources. Media-On-Demand, determined when consumers desire it, in the form that they prefer, is a necessary part of the VOD Ecosystem. A consumerÕs Point-of-Presence is reached through both Classic and New Media channels. Content is received on televisions, personal computers, set-top media devices (DVDs, CDs, game consoles), cell phones and PDAs, radio, and personal media devices (iPods, portable media players). The various reception devices can be referred to as Consumption Profiles.
In a report from the MPEG-4 Industry Forum entitled ÒMPEG-4: The Media StandardÓ (November 19, 2002), the New Media delivery and consumption profiles are visualized as an ecosystem that Òliberates multimedia for delivery across any network to any user of any device.Ó It is often referred to as ÒMedia Convergence.Ó The following illustration is drawn from the ForumÕs report and flows from the creation and production of content on the left, through encoding, storage, and distribution processes, with final delivery to various consumption profiles on the right.
VOD / NEW MEDIA ECOSYSTEM
Courtesy MPEG-4 Industry Forum
It is important for the Working Group to recognize the New Media Ecosystem as it builds recommendations for the encoding and transport of video, audio, and multimedia content within and outside of the University for the benefit of students, faculty, staff, and administration. The recommendations must be built on technologies and solutions that can satisfy the demands of the New Media Ecosystem while also supporting the Office of Information TechnologyÕs strategy to embrace centralized coordination with distributed control (that is affordable and feasible to implement for any and all departments and entities within the University).
Working GroupÕs Areas of Interest
Based on discussions within the larger VOD Committee, Areas of Interest were identified by the Working Group for deeper investigation and summarization:
- What are the uses and need for creating and distributing digital video and audio over the various pipelines, networks, and delivery mechanisms?
- Who are the audiences for digital video and audio?
- End-users play video and audio files with what type and quality of computers?
- What are the bandwidth connections between servers and end users' points of presence?
- Where are the available video and audio acquisition, production, and editing facilities and services on the University campus?
- Where are the available digitization/ingestion facilities and services on the University campus?
- Where are the available storage devices for large quantities of video and audio media?
- Where are the available distribution and delivery servers on the University campus, both locally controlled by individual departments and centrally operated by campus-wide IT infrastructures?
- Is Download or Streaming of digital media files a preferred end-user experience?
- Is Download or Streaming of digital media files a preferred method for delivering media?
- What is the anticipated production quality for source materials either created locally or obtained from third-party content providers?
- What are the preferred media architectures for server delivery (i.e., Windows Media, QuickTime, Real, MPEGs, etc.)?
- What are the preferred media architectures for user playback (i.e., Windows Media, QuickTime, Real, MPEGs, etc.)?
- What are the preferred compression codecs and associated parameters?
- What digital rights management options are needed and available?
- What is the best way to promote University media architecture and compression guidelines?
- What types of training and professional development should be offered to media developers and distributors from on-campus?
- What Help Desk options are available for end-users?
Working GroupÕs Specific Tasks
The Areas of Interest were subsequently distilled into a specific group of Tasks for the Working Group:
Environmental ScanÉ
- Gather and summarize Use Cases for current instances of digital media storage and distribution from selected University departments and entities.
- Conduct a campus-wide survey of web managers and IT personnel with regard to their use and delivery of digital video and audio content.
MPEG-4 ArchitectureÉ
- Review the ISO standards-based MPEG-4/H.264 architecture as an option for standardized digital video and audio delivery in a New Media Ecosystem, serving content to a variety of Consumption Profiles, including cell phones, PDAs, web browsers, Internet collaboration tools, Video over IP, and even High Definition digital broadcasting and the next generation DVD-Video discs.
- Test MPEG-4 file compatibility as related to encoders, servers, and players.
Guidelines & AssistanceÉ
- Prepare preferred guidelines for media compression parameters and playback across platforms, players, and bandwidths.
- Determine Referral Services for content production, compression, and delivery.
- Identify Help Desk Services to facilitate end-user/consumer assistance.
- Outline web-based and face-to-face training and familiarization workshops for those across the University community who require background information, advice, or professional development opportunities on "how to proceedÓ with rich media delivery across a New Media Ecosystem that accommodates VOD.
SWOT ANALYSIS
The Specific Tasks of the Working Group can be reported within the framework of a SWOT Analysis. An environmental scan of existing video, audio, and multimedia preparation and distribution methods across the University of Utah looks internally and externally, revealing Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats as we explore the VOD environment and a New Media Ecosystem.
Internally, the Working Group gathered a handful of Use Cases while also conducting a University-wide survey that explores the GroupÕs designated Areas of Interest. The results of the internal analysis, in summarizing existing circumstances, will reveal possible strengths and weaknesses.
Externally, the Working Group observes the opportunities provided by the adoption of the standards-based MPEG-4 architecture to satisfy VOD demands and the anticipated Consumption Profiles associated with a New Media Ecosystem.
Environmental Scan: Internal
Use Cases
The Working Group for Video/Audio Architectures & Compression was composed of representatives from departments across campus active in media creation and distribution. Group members were asked to summarize their current use of digital video/audio and/or Media-On-Demand services to University students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Use Case #1:
Marriott Library Student Computer Labs/Multimedia Center
The Marriott Library is engaged in a multi-stage process of delivering digital video and audio to its patrons (http://data.scl.utah.edu). Initial implementation is targeted for the Multimedia Centers within the Library, followed by the Computer Labs that they support. Ultimately, they hope to support the campus as a whole, as well as accommodate off-campus requests for media delivery. For a full discussion of the history and development of the project, link to http://data.scl.utah.edu/fmi/xsl/stream/about.xsl .
User access is managed by a customized media asset database, restricting access to media playback on the basis of Access Control Lists, or ACLs. These ACLs are based on IP, IP range or subnet (visible or hidden) or the UniversityÕs Network Identification (the uNID) to authenticate individual users or defined groups. Future authentications of group-based affiliates will be implemented through Lightweight Directory Access Protocols (LDAP).
Some examples of restricted access to media assets, based on intellectual property rights restrictions and other use agreements, include:
- Limiting access to VHS and DVD playback (through QuickTime streaming) to users within the libraryÕs Multimedia Center Lab.
- Limiting access to television streams (such as UTV) to Student Computing Labs in the Marriott Library, Student Union, and the Peterson & Sage labs.
- Limiting media access to staff presentations to library staff computers.
An important security feature of their system is the random generation of the pathways to their video streams. These pathways are automatically regenerated on a daily basis, thus creating a constantly moving target for individuals who attempt to hack into their system.
The media asset database also gathers statistics on media utilizations. The system tracks the actual content that is viewed, as well as the time of viewing. IP addresses and domain names from the requesting computer are also logged.
The bandwidth connectivity to computers in their labs is 100 Megabits/second. The actual media servers are connected at 1Gigbit. Off-campus access to media files will require at least a Òbroadband levelÓ speed (DSL, Cable Modem, Satellite) at no less than half-a-Megabit/second. Two levels of files are envisioned, one for slower broadband, another for high speed Internet connectivity, depending on the source of the file and its intended audience (libraryÕs analog collection, computer managers meetings, short courses or live streaming, for example).
At the present time, the Library supports the MPEG-4 Part 2 media format, force played via the QuickTime architecture and player, within a unicast framework. Multicast capability is also enabled, and is currently being tested.
The Multimedia Center is in the process of converting its analog library holdings to digital and is working to improve its workflows, storage, and backup processes.
Posting media files for distribution is accomplished through a database front-end used by staff and consultants to dynamically generate QuickTime reference files and HTML embed tags/SMIL files (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language). The same database will be used in conjunction with the Marriott LibraryÕs online cataloging system and the ÒCONTENTdmÓ digital asset management system in order to allow public search and media access to the Multimedia CenterÕs assets.
Use Case #2:
Technology Assisted Curriculum Center, Marriott Library
The Technology Assisted Curriculum Center provides a number of media services to University instructors, including media streaming. They supply online media that is otherwise inconvenient or impractical to use in a traditional classroom experience. In most cases, these are media clips an instructor would normally show in class using a video cassette or DVD.
The media assets managed by the TAC Center have a number of uses and benefit both the fully online course format as well as the traditional classroom. Their Media-On-Demand philosophy is that of maximum accessibility through all connection speeds and client configurations.
Typically, media prepared at TACC will stream (RTSP) in QuickTime, Real and WindowsMedia, each at High, Medium and Low bit rates. Other special cases employ progressively downloadable media, usually of a larger size and quality, with one file format and a single, fixed bit rate to speed processing time or to accommodate a specific target audience.
Posting, delivering, tracking and assisting the end user are handled by a digital asset management system developed by TACC. This system includes several interfaces:
- for instructors or TA's (who insert media assets into courses by providing clip URLs and by following online helps for their use)
- for students (where the system provides the media assetÕs basic information, icon links to available formats, and simple, adaptive online help)
- for administrators and facilitators (who add media to the database)
This system, though designed around the evolving needs of TACC, is efficient, flexible and easily extensible to accommodate any conceivable format or delivery method. It is designed with open technologies and is available for use by others.
Use Case #3:
Eccles Health Sciences Library
The Eccles Health Sciences Library provides a variety of video assets to two major types of end-users. The first type of user accesses library content from various points of presence with widely varying Internet connection speeds, both on-campus and off. For this group, the Library supplies RTSP video streaming files in both Real SureStream and WindowsMedia High/Medium/Low data rates.
The second type of user accesses content from higher speed Internet connections, usually from within the Library or via University networks. In addition to the RTSP video streams made available to the first type of user, the second group is able to access higher quality, larger data rate, larger screen size QuickTime and WindowsMedia files that can be downloaded and played.
The Eccles Library reports that the greater percentage of their users prefer to download the available video assets and fold them into lectures and presentations for later viewing in classes, seminars, or other group settings.
The variety of video assets provided include:
- On-demand playback of previous, live webcast events
- Course lectures composed of a speaker and PowerPoint presentations or other computer-based visualizations
- Special one-off presentations or guest speakers
- Patient cases, which are typically streamed and made available for download
- Clips excerpted from existing media and converted for digital dissemination
- Original works that include edited media, skits, patient simulations and various promotional materials.
Use Case #4:
Instructional Media Services
Instructional Media Services captures extensive numbers of lectures and presentations from numerous academic departments and courses across campus. Many are streamed live as well as recorded to digital videotape for later digitization and redistribution over the Internet for both on-campus and off-campus users (usually within 12-24 hours).
In some instances lectures are acquired and converted to MPEG-2 file formats for DVD-Video disc re-distribution.
Use of live RTSP streams to accommodate attendee overflows for lectures and presentations from an origination auditorium to other rooms is regularly scheduled, although no off-campus redistribution is provided.
Off line, many excerpts from programs or original source materials are converted to digital video files for incorporation into PowerPoint presentations or other multimedia modes. Cross-platform compatibility is of vital importance because these video assets are likely viewed on a variety of computers.
Use Case #5:
Media Solutions
Media Solutions accommodates a variety of clients as they seek to acquire, edit, convert and distribute video and audio materials via multiple Consumption Profiles, including broadcast, DVD-Video disc, CD-ROMs, websites and Internet streaming and downloading, as well as individual files optimized for inclusion in presentation packages and multimedia authoring tools. Their clients may ask for digitization services alone, or require more fully packaged solutions (media fulfillment and replication) and consultations on digital media storage and deployment over intranets and the Internet. Media Solutions specializes in careful needs assessment in order to match client requirements or expectations with final deliverables.
Use Case #6:
Utah Education Network
As part of its obligations and service to support K-12 education and educators, the Utah Education Network recently installed and is operating a digital asset management system, known as the eMedia service. It delivers full-length and segmented video acquisitions to UtahÕs schools (http://www.uen.org/emedia). Other media types, including text articles and images, are slated for posting by early 2006, harvested from the original Utah Collections Multimedia Encyclopedia (UCME) project.
Currently, QuickTime (as MPEG-4) and WindowsMedia files for High/Medium/Low data rates and Internet connectivity are supplied for downloading and re-purposing video assets.
Utah State Core Curriculum standards and objectives are associated with appropriate media assets and are searchable based on these criteria. A comprehensive metadata scheme is in use to categorize the descriptive (subjective), technical (objective instantiations), and rights restrictions associated with individual assets or collections. Developed by Media Solutions, the metadata schema is known as UMAP, the Utah Metadata Application Profile, and conforms to the IMS Global Learning Consortium Learning Resource Meta-data
Best Practice and Implementation Guide for the IEEE 1484.12.1-2002, Learning Object Metadata Standard: LOMV1.0 Base Schema plus Utah Localized Extensions (http://www.imsglobal.org/metadata/mdv1p3pd/imsmd_bestv1p3pd.html) .
Use Case #7:
Marriott Library Digital Technologies Division
The Digital Technologies Division leads the Marriott Library's digitization efforts by creating high-resolution digital facsimiles of selected collections, establishing standards and best practices, and serving the needs of the University of Utah's faculty, students, and other patrons (http://www.lib.utah.edu/digital/index.html). They also accept contract work from institutions and individuals outside the University.
Their current collections are clustered into several categories, including:
- Art and Architecture
- Geography and Maps
- Historic Photographs
- Journals and Archives
- Memoirs and Manuscripts
Of note are three premier collections the Division has either spearheaded or collaborated with other institutions:
- Mountain West Digital Library
http://www.lib.utah.edu/digital/mwdl/ - Western Waters Digital Library
http://westernwaters.org/ - Utah Digital Newspapers
http://www.lib.utah.edu/digital/unews/index.html
ITC Campus Survey: Digital Video & Audio Distribution
Survey Overview
In order to arrive at a broader understanding of how departments and colleges across the campus are providing digital video and audio materials to their constituents, or have future plans to accommodate the need, the Working Group built and posted a web-based survey.
An invitation was extended to 531 individuals from the University of Utah; their eligibility was based on participation in these campus groups:
- Web Managers
- IT Managers
- PC Managers
- Mac Managers
- LINUX Managers
- UNIX Managers
The survey was open for responses from May 10-20, 2005. It was entitled ITC SURVEY #1: DIGITAL VIDEO & AUDIO DISTRIBUTION. A separate companion survey was built for another Working Group of the Video-On-Demand Committee (DAM) and was entitled ITC SURVEY #2: DIGITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT; results of Survey #2 are included in the report from that Working Group.
The Invitation to Participate in SURVEY #1 is included in the appendices of this report. In that invitation, respondents were acquainted with the purpose of the survey as follows:
SURVEY #1 specifically explores the encoding and distribution of video and audio content across the University...from low-resolution, web-ready files to full-quality digital video, using either network or Internet-based delivery.
Because of your direct involvement in content delivery over networks and the Internet for the University, we want you to participate in this questionnaire. Help us discover if digital video and audio files are being distributed, in what formats, and through what servers within the University. Your participation in this "environmental scan" is critical to ascertaining the breadth and depth of services that are currently deployed and that have an impact on the administration and sharing of digital audio and video throughout the many divisions and departments that constitute the University of Utah.
The Survey Questions were divided into six sections:
SECTION 1: WHO YOU AREÉ
Information about respondent locations, responsibilities, and the constituents served.
SECTION 2: THE NEED FOR DIGITAL VIDEO & AUDIOÉ
Queries about respondentsÕ involvement in distributing digital video and audio media, and for what purposes.
SECTION 3: ISSUES RELATED TO DIGITAL VIDEO & AUDIOÉ
A lightning round asking Likert Scale-based opinions on key issues related to digital video and audio collections delivered over networks and via web servers within the University of Utah.
SECTION 4: CURRENT ACTIVITIES & TOOLSÉ
Questions related to the acquisition, preparation, and delivery methods for digital video and audio media.
SECTION 5: WHAT IFÉ
Ratings on how beneficial certain projects or plans may be relative to the acquisition, preparation, and delivery of digital video and audio media.
SECTION 6: CONCLUSIONSÉ
Additional thoughts and comments about the creation, encoding, and distribution of digital video and audio content across the University.
The six sections and questions for SURVEY #1 are included in the appendices of this report.
Survey Results Summary
Information about respondent locations,
responsibilities, and the constituents served
Within the 10-day period of time that Survey #1 was posted, the Working Group received a 6% return from respondents supplying answers to our questions. We can surmise that the timing of the survey at the end of Spring Semester may have accounted for fewer responses. Unfortunately, the timing for the creation of the survey, its posting, and subsequent data summarization was difficult to alter for the survey creators.
The respondents served a variety of departments across the campus, including:
Cardiovascular Genetics |
CHPC: Center for High Performance Computing |
College of Humanities |
College of Mines and Earth Sciences |
CPCSS/Dean's Office/College of Pharmacy |
Department of Educational Psychology |
Development Office |
Drug Information-Pharmacy Services-UHosp |
Environmental Health and Safety |
Health Sciences Center |
Health Sciences Development |
Instructional Media Services |
KUED |
Marriott Library |
Media Solutions - OIT |
Middle East Center |
Neuroscience Program, Ph.D. |
Office of IT |
Plant Operations |
School of Computing |
School of Computing / Flux / Emulab |
Student Affairs |
Technology Assisted Curriculum Center, Marriott Library |
Undergraduate Studies |
University of Utah Medical Group |
Uonline (TAC Center, Marriott Library) |
Utah Education Network |
Utah Museum of Natural History |
Women's Resource Center |
Of the University offices responding, 18.8% served Academic Affairs, 15.6% served Health Sciences, and 15.6% served Instructional Technology & Outreach. Interestingly, another 18.8 % did not know to which overall University office they reported.
SECTION 2: THE NEED FOR DIGITAL VIDEO & AUDIOÉ
Queries about respondentsÕ involvement in
distributing digital video and audio media,
and for what purposes
Currently 56.3% of respondents are already distributing digital video and audio media over networks and Internet connections. Approximately 43.8% do not, at the present time.
According to open-ended responses, the primary purpose for posting digital media is in support of education or staff training, with some research activities.
The media were specifically targeted for these audiences:
- 40.6% Faculty
- 37.5% Graduate Students
- 37.5% Undergraduate Students
- 28.1% Public
- 25.0% Educators: K-12
Of the 43.8% who do not currently distribute digital video & audio media, 71.4% have received requests to do so, for the primary purpose of staff training or media archiving. Half of these requests were targeted for staff, and the other requests were equally divided between Educators: K-12 and Undergraduate Students.
In terms of the respondents' own determination of worthwhile uses of digital video & audio, most of the open-ended responses emphasized the ability of digital video and audio media to support education and courses (on-campus access, off-campus access, distance education). Also of importance was the ability to support and provide public and high profile lectures and addresses, in addition to video conferencing.
Virtually the same uses and abilities were identified in comments supplied to the respondents from their colleagues, staff, clients, administrators, or students.
SECTION 3: ISSUES RELATED TO DIGITAL VIDEO & AUDIOÉ
A lightning round asking Likert Scale-based opinions on key issues related to digital video and audio collections delivered over networks and via web servers within the University of Utah.
Respondents were asked to rate from ÒNo ImportanceÓ to ÒVery ImportantÓ the nature of various issues, variables, or conditions related to the distribution of digital video and audio media. The following chart reports the actual percentages, with top ranking ratings highlighted:
No |
Low |
Neutral |
Impor- |
Very |
||
1 |
Quality of the user's experience |
0.0% |
0.0% |
9.4% |
31.3% |
59.4% |
2 |
User's ease of use for media interfaces |
0.0% |
3.1% |
0.0% |
37.5% |
59.4% |
3 |
User's method of connecting to the digital video & audio delivery service |
3.2% |
6.5% |
9.7% |
61.3% |
19.4% |
4 |
User's bandwidth connection (pipeline) to the delivery service |
0.0% |
9.4% |
25.0% |
28.1% |
37.5% |
5 |
Quality of the user's computer |
0.0% |
21.9% |
25.0% |
28.1% |
25.0% |
6 |
Speed of the user's computer |
0.0% |
15.6% |
28.1% |
21.9% |
34.4% |
7 |
Age of the user's computer |
3.1% |
15.6% |
28.1% |
37.5% |
15.6% |
8 |
User's familiarity with viewing media files |
0.0% |
15.6% |
46.9% |
34.4% |
3.1% |
9 |
Quality of the original video or audio source material |
0.0% |
0.0% |
21.9% |
50.0% |
28.1% |
10 |
Media architecture in use (e.g., Windows Media, Real, QuickTime, Flash, MPEG-4, etc.) |
3.1% |
6.3% |
15.6% |
56.3% |
18.8% |
11 |
Compression settings, codecs, and setups used to digitize and deliver video and audio |
3.1% |
0.0% |
40.6% |
37.5% |
18.8% |
12 |
Compression "wizards" that assist you in codec selections and setups |
0.0% |
6.3% |
40.6% |
46.9% |
6.3% |
13 |
Accommodating multiple bit-rate versions of movies |
0.0% |
16.1% |
32.3% |
32.3% |
19.4% |
14 |
Accommodating multiple delivery profiles (cell phones to PDAs to Internet to set-top devices to HDTV) |
3.2% |
22.6% |
32.3% |
25.8% |
16.1% |
15 |
Reliability in quality of service |
0.0% |
0.0% |
3.2% |
41.9% |
54.8% |
16 |
Efficiency in quality of service |
0.0% |
0.0% |
9.7% |
58.1% |
32.3% |
17 |
Performance in quality of service |
3.1% |
0.0% |
3.1% |
59.4% |
34.4% |
18 |
Edge serving or Content Delivery Networks that isolate digital video and audio traffic |
6.5% |
9.7% |
45.2% |
29.0% |
9.7% |
19 |
Closing firewall data ports for RSTP/UDP or RTP/UDP streaming |
9.7% |
9.7% |
54.8% |
16.1% |
9.7% |
20 |
Opening firewall data ports for RSTP/UDP or RTP/UDP streaming |
0.0% |
6.5% |
51.6% |
19.4% |
22.6% |
21 |
Security issues |
0.0% |
3.1% |
21.9% |
25.0% |
50.0% |
22 |
Physical resources to acquire and edit video and audio source material |
3.1% |
0.0% |
25.0% |
50.0% |
21.9% |
23 |
Physical resources to convert source video and audio to digital formats |
3.1% |
6.3% |
18.8% |
43.8% |
28.1% |
24 |
Physical resources to store digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
0.0% |
19.4% |
48.4% |
32.3% |
25 |
Physical resources to post and deliver digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
0.0% |
21.9% |
43.8% |
34.4% |
26 |
Personnel resources to acquire and edit video and audio source materials |
0.0% |
6.3% |
25.0% |
50.0% |
18.8% |
27 |
Personnel resources to convert source video and audio to digital formats |
0.0% |
6.3% |
31.3% |
43.8% |
18.8% |
28 |
Personnel resources to manage the storage of digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
3.1% |
28.1% |
50.0% |
18.8% |
29 |
Personnel resources to manage the posting and delivery of digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
6.3% |
28.1% |
46.9% |
18.8% |
30 |
Training/professional development for the acquisition and editing of video and audio source materials |
0.0% |
12.5% |
34.4% |
43.8% |
9.4% |
31 |
Training/professional development for converting source video and audio into digital formats |
0.0% |
15.6% |
18.8% |
53.1% |
12.5% |
32 |
Training/professional development for the posting and delivery of digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
15.6% |
18.8% |
56.3% |
9.4% |
33 |
Technical support for the acquisition and editing of source video and audio |
0.0% |
3.1% |
34.4% |
43.8% |
18.8% |
34 |
Technical support for converting source video and audio into digital formats |
0.0% |
3.1% |
31.3% |
43.8% |
21.9% |
35 |
Technical support for the posting and delivery of digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
3.1% |
34.4% |
46.9% |
15.6% |
36 |
Technical support to assist end-users in successfully viewing and retrieving digital video and audio files |
0.0% |
0.0% |
21.9% |
40.6% |
37.5% |
37 |
Referrals to third-party services for the acquisition and editing of video and audio source materials |
15.6% |
9.4% |
53.1% |
9.4% |
12.5% |
38 |
Referrals to third-party services for converting source video and audio into digital formats |
16.1% |
16.1% |
45.2% |
16.1% |
6.5% |
39 |
Referrals to third-party services for the posting and delivery of digital video and audio files |
15.6% |
15.6% |
46.9% |
15.6% |
6.3% |
40 |
Establishing University-wide guidelines for compressing digital video and audio |
6.3% |
6.3% |
21.9% |
34.4% |
31.3% |
41 |
Establishing centralized on-line storage for digital video and audio media |
3.1% |
12.5% |
34.4% |
31.3% |
18.8% |
42 |
Establishing centralized near-line storage for digital video and audio media |
6.3% |
12.5% |
37.5% |
28.1% |
15.6% |
43 |
Establishing centralized off-line storage for digital video and audio media |
12.1% |
15.6% |
37.5% |
21.9% |
15.6% |
44 |
Consistent backup and archiving of digital video and audio collections |
3.4% |
3.4% |