The Penn State Video Bridge
What is the Penn State Video Bridge and when do I need to use it?
A videoconference involving more than two sites (Multi-Point Videoconference) requires a "video bridge."
The Penn State Video Bridge is managed by Information Technology Services (ITS), Telecommunications and Networking Services (TNS).
The Penn State Video Bridge:
- Allows three or more sites to participate in a videoconference.
- Supports simultaneous conferences.
- Has multiple conference modes available.
- Has two Dial Direction options available (dial-in or dial-out).
- Supports ISDN or IP-based end points.
- Supports analog phone voice connections.
- Has two scheduling options either ITS Scheduled or On-Demand
Who can schedule the Penn State Video Bridge?
The Penn State Video Bridge is available for Penn State related purposes only. At least one participant in the videoconference must be a Penn State faculty or staff member or a student. The Bridge is not for use by non-Penn State groups renting a Penn State videoconference room for non-Penn State related purposes. In these cases, the non-Penn State group will need to reserve an external bridge.
Technical Requirements
The standard algorithm for video-over-IP videoconferencing is H.323 and H.320 when using ISDN. Penn State has standardized on a transmission rate of 768 Kbps at 30 fps (frames per second) for H.323 and up to 384 Kbps for ISDN video bridge conferences.
Systems planning to use the Penn State Video Bridge ITS Scheduled Service must go through the Videoconference System Registration and testing process before they can use the Bridge. In order to insure a high quality video bridge service, TNS retains the right to deny the use of the Bridge to any videoconference system that does not meet our technical requirements determined during the testing process. See Technical Coordination and Videoconference System Registration.
Note: Effective July 1, 2009, Penn State's Video Bridge will no longer support ISDN connections. Only IP connections to the Video Bridge will be supported after that date.
Conference Mode Options
The Penn State Video Bridge supports seven conference mode layout options. Voice activated full screen switching is the most commonly used conference mode layout. Continuous Presence is the category name for five conference mode layouts that allow for the simultaneous display of multiple participants during a video bridge conference. Continuous Presence enhances the experience of videoconferencing by providing a live feeling and constant interaction with multiple sites. The conference mode must be selected when the bridge conference is scheduled.
 Full Screen |
 Side by Side |
 4 cells |
 5 + 1 cell |
 9 cells |
| Full Screen | One cell occupies the entire screen. The site shown is based on who is talking. This option provides the most detail to viewers, for example this option can provide a better view of facial expressions. | |||
| Side By Side | Two cells are displayed side by side on the screen. | |||
| 4 cell | Four cells are displayed on the screen. Each cell occupies one quarter of the screen. | |||
| 5 + 1 Cell | Larger cell displays host site. Smaller cells show other sites in conference. | |||
| 9 cell | Nine cells of equal size are displayed on the screen. There are three rows each containing three cells. | |||
| Dynamic Continuous Presence | The Video Bridge automatically selects the conference mode layout based on the number of participants in the conference. | |||
| Lecture Mode | The host site sees the Continuous Presence display while participating sites see a full screen of the host site. The Continuous Presence display can be side by side, 4 cell, 9 cell, or auto. This option provides the most detail to viewers of the presenting site. | |||
Dial Direction Options
The standard dial direction is to have all end points dial-in to the bridge. The Penn State Video Bridge can be set for dial-in or dial-out on a per-site basis.
Penn State Video Bridge clients using ISDN requiring the dial-out option will be charged for per-site line usage. An hourly rate of $16/per channel line usage (billed in hr increments, with a minimum hour usage) is charged for calls made from University Park. These charges are billed to the budget/fund number specified on the
Telecommunications Service Requisition (TSR)
Form.
For price on ISDN Dial Out Usage Rates please see Video Bridge Pricing
Penn State Video Bridge Charges
The Penn State Video Bridging service is offered as an alternative to commercial video bridging services. and is considered a "Common Good" service that is centrally funded.
The Penn State Video Bridge is a no-fee service. However, ISDN dial out charges (if required) are considered "Individual Good" and will be charged to the customer. If ISDN dial out from the bridge is required the department (or individual) reserving the Penn State Video Bridge must obtain and complete a
Telecommunications Service Requisition (TSR) Form.
Some reasons for ISDN dial out from the Penn State Video Bridge are:
- Back up for IP for systems that have both IP and ISDN.
- The far end system does not have IP capability and may not be able to dial into to the Penn State Video Bridge using ISDN due to dial out restrictions.
During the scheduling process we will ask; do we have permission to dial out from the video bridge using ISDN? If the answer is NO, we will not require a TSR to schedule the video bridge.
A TSR requires a valid Penn State budget and appropriate authorizing signature. There is no processing fee associated with submitting a TSR for videoconferencing. The TSR is good for the fiscal year, as long as there are no budget changes within that fiscal year. No TSR is required when using the On-Demand Video Bridge Service.
Penn State Video Bridge customers using ISDN requiring the dial-out option will be charged for per-site line usage. An hourly rate of $16/per channel line usage (billed in hr increments, with a minimum hour usage) is charged for calls made from University Park and will be charged to the budget/fund number specified on the
Telecommunications Service Requisition (TSR) Form.
Use of External Video Bridge Vendors
Commercial video bridging services are also accessible for those choosing or needing to use them.
TNS can arrange a video bridge through external vendors to accommodate a bridge requirement. All costs involved in use of an external bridge will be the responsibility of the client.
Technical Coordination and Videoconference System Registration
Technical coordination involves a review and follow-up of each Video Bridge conference by the TNS Technical Coordinator. Videoconference System Registration is required for sites that have not connected with the Penn State Video Bridge for over one (1) year. The registration process requires the site to complete a Videoconference System Registration Form and make a test call(s) into the Penn State Video Bridge. The site registration process facilitates accurate site compatibility and database information. TNS will maintain a database of sites that have been qualified.
Reservation Lead Times are required to allow technical coordination and site testing.
Video Bridge Etiquette
Using a Video Bridge requires special etiquette to assure that your meeting starts on time and continues with fewer interruptions.
We suggest that a Video Bridge meeting facilitator be assigned for each conference at the host videoconference room. This person could be one of the meeting attendees.
The Video Bridge meeting facilitator should:
- Know how to use the videoconference system, know how to call into the video bridge, and know how to get local room technical assistance.
- Connect to the bridge 15 minutes in advance of the meeting start time. This allows time for resolving troubles. For very large conferences, (10 or more sites) we suggest that you request 30 minutes of pre-conference test time.
- Welcome attendees as they connect to the bridge while taking roll call. This greets attendees as they enter the meeting and verifies that their system is working properly. It also lets the attendees know who is connected.
- Report any problems at the host room to that rooms technical contact ASAP. The technical contact may call the TNS Video Operations Center at (814) 865-1036 with technical difficulties or questions about video bridge operation.
- Start the meeting by alerting all sites to mute their microphones while they are not talking.
What do I do if I experience trouble during a Bridged Conference?
Telecommunications and Networking Services provides troubleshooting and technical support to assigned Videoconferencing Room Technical Contacts only. If technical problems occur during an interactive videoconference, the conferees should request assistance from the assigned Videoconferencing Room Technical Contact (Room Videoconferencing contact information is posted in each videoconferencing facility). The Technical Contact may call the TNS Video Operations Center at (814) 865-1036 for assistance during the bridge conference. For assistance before or after the conference, the Technical Contact can call the TNS Network Operations Center (NOC) at 814 865-4NOC [4662].
Video Bridge Maintenance Period
Maintenance of the Penn State Video Bridge is scheduled based on the TNS System Shut-Downs, Tests, and Maintenance Guidelines.
Video Bridge Evaluation Form
If you have recently used the Penn State Video Bridge for a videoconference, we would like you to share your thoughts on the experience by completing the Video Bridge Usage Evaluation Form.
