Streaming Media

SCOPE OF SERVICES
EdComm uses streaming media to disseminate health, science and education throughout the OHSU community. Streaming media allows 24/7 access to videos over the Web in labs, classrooms or anywhere with a network connection and computer with appropriate software.

Streaming media enables the distribution of audio, video and multimedia in real time or on demand over the Internet. Live streaming media is the broadcast of an event while it is occurring. Archived streaming media is stored on a server, allowing viewers to watch streams at their convenience. Both options are available on the OHSU network (Intranet) and on the Internet.

EdComm has standardized on Real Media for its streaming video platform. One needs a Real Player to view the stream; a free player is available on the Real Player Web site. EdComm’s other stream formats includes Flash and Windows Media, which can be made available under special circumstances.

STREAM STANDARDS
The standard stream attributes are:

• 56 Kbps and 150 Kbps stream rate
• 320 x 240 pixel image
• Real Media files

LIVE STREAMING PRIORITIES
Because all viewers are viewing at the same time in live streaming, it is necessary to establish priorities for stream files, based on OHSU business needs: These priorities follow the same general guidelines that EdComm applies for all its services. For streaming, the priorities are:

• Breaking news of high importance from the Office of the President or News and Publications
• Regularly scheduled or recurring events for educational and other purposes
• Requests for increased size of the stream, increasing bandwidth which decreases viewers
• We strive not to unnecessarily limit the number of potential viewers
  

Customer Responsibilities
The following is what the customer is expected to provide for streaming media:

• Submit a streaming request form and email to edcomm1@ohsu.edu
• EdComm requests five (5) business days’ notice for processing requests
  • EdComm requests ten (10) business days’ notice of live events
• Provide content on videotape, DVD, or CD-ROM
• Compliance with pertinent broadcasting policies (see departmental SLA.)

EdComm Responsibilities
The following is what EdComm will provide to the customer for streaming media:

• Assign streaming expert to process your request
• Record video content to streaming format
• Content from live events via camera or videoconference
• Convert video content to streaming format
• Content via camera or videoconference or from videotape, DVD, or CD-ROM
• Upload streaming file(s) to server(s)
• Email notification of completion, including URL
• Process completed within three (3) to five (5) working days, most cases

STORAGE AND ARCHIVAL GUIDELINES

• A department/unit/user may have up to 5 GB of archive files on the streaming server
• EdComm will notify the customer when this limit has been exceeded and discuss plans for removal and/or archive to DVD
• Archival to media may be fee-based
• Archive stream files will be deleted after three months of no activity (hits) or after one year, unless specific approval is granted
  • EdComm will notify the customer when these timeframes have occurred and, unless other plans are discussed, remove the files within ten (10) business days of customer notification