Streaming digital media
Streaming media technology enables on demand distribution of multimedia content (such as video, audio, music, and slideshows with embedded audio and video) through LearnJCU.
Some of the key advantages of streaming media compared to other delivery technologies include:
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Media is received in a continuous real-time stream rather than having to be downloaded
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Larger and longer media files can be delivered relatively smoothly over a low bandwidth connection
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Intelligent and efficient broadcasting of content – regardless of the type and speed of connection.
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Generally, streaming produces transmissions of higher quality and speed.
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The presentation will begin to play before all the data is received.
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Minimal waiting time and pauses for the user.
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Users have more control over the presentation and can navigate within it.
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Typically more reliable and responsive for users.
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Web servers (including LearnJCU and Reserve Online) are freed up to perform their function, and general network congestion is reduced.
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Multimedia files can be protected from download by making them available as an encrypted stream
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Assists JCU to manage copyright compliance and to capture metadata required for copyright audits
How to use the streaming digital media service
1. Create a digital media file
Creating a digital audio or video file is relatively easy with the right equipment.
Audio
The easiest way to make an audio recording of your lecture is to record the session with an mp3 recorder such as a Creative Zen or Apple iPod. Such recorders can be plugged into your computer via a USB cable and can be accessed like a USB memory stick. Recordings can be transferred to your computer by dragging and dropping the audio file and edited if necessary with a freeware audio editor such as Audacity Software such as Audacity can also be used to record your voice directly if you want to prepare a lecture ahead of time. Some useful tutorials on using Audacity are available here.
Video
If you wish to record a video of your lecture without bringing your own equipment, you will need to be in a room that contains videoconferencing equipment. A request can be made to AV services to have your lecture recorded on the Tandberg Content Server. Recordings made on the TCS can be downloaded and submitted to the digital media dropbox for hosting as a streamed video.
You can also choose to create your own video if you have a web cam. Most web cams come with software that will allow you to record a video of yourself. Alternatively, you can use the free software Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder (Windows only) to produce a suitable file.
JCU does not currently provide a video editing service so you will need to ensure that any videos submitted to the digital media dropbox are in the final form you want to provide to students. Basic ‘topping and tailing’ can be provided if a start and end time for the required segment are specified when you complete the Reserve Online Request form
Existing media
Another source of digital media may be educational DVDs or CD-ROMs. Provided you have not infringed copyright and if needed have the necessary copyright permissions, whole DVDs or even individual chapters, tracks or segments may be made available online.
There are also a huge variety of digital media currently available online (eg. YouTube, iTunesU). JCU’s copyright policy is to link to these media as an External Link in LearnJCU rather than download a local copy.
2. Fill in the appropriate Reserve Online request form
The publication and metadata information for media to be hosted on the streaming media server must be recorded in Reserve Online. You can provide this information by filling in the appropriate Reserve Online request form . (eg. Moving Images or Off Air Broadcasts or Music). In this form you can also request a segment of the original media to be made available.
The Australian Copyright Act and our license agreements specify what staff can and cannot do in making copyright works available online in LearnJCU and Reserve Online for teaching purposes.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your media file does not contain infringing third party copyright material. In such a case it is expected that your will either remove the infringing copyright material by editing the applicable segment, or provide evidence of permission to use the material by uploading the permission documentation. Reserve Online and the JCU Copyright Officer can provide assistance when dealing with copyright issues.
3. Drop your media file into the digital media dropbox
There are two ways of submitting your media file:
Internet ready
If you have the media file as a stand alone internet ready video file (eg. Avi, wmv, mov, mp4, flv) or audio file (eg. Mp3, wav, wma, aac, flac) you can simply create a link to the digital media dropbox and drag and drop your file into it.
Check out the animated tutorial or the text FastGuide for instructions.
DVD, CD or USB memory stick
If you have your file on physical media such as a DVD, you can either mail it internally to Digmedia c/o Teaching Learning & Development JCU Townsville or drop it in the physical Digital media dropbox at the front of the TLD office in Townsville.
4. Publish your media file in LearnJCU
Usually 24 hours after you have submitted the Reserve Online request form and dropped your file into the digital media dropbox, the link to your file will be available in Reserve Online which can then be made available in your LearnJCU subject site in a few easy steps.
Check out the animated tutorial or FastGuide for instructions.
To remove a media file from your LearnJCU simply delete the item. This will not remove the item’s publication data from Reserve Online, nor will it delete the actual file from the streaming media server, so it will be possible to re-use the media simply by re-linking it from Reserve Online whenever needed.
Resources
Animated guides
Fast Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What format does JCU use to stream its media?
A. We have a Flash Streaming Media Server that streams video in FLV (Flash Video) format and audio in mp3 format. It is also possible to stream High Definition (HD) video in mp4 (H.264) format.
Q. Why use Reserve Online to publish media to LearnJCU?
A. Reserve Online functions as your personal digital repository and makes it easy to store, find and link your rmedia files. It also keeps all the associated publication and copyright information in one place.
Q. Do my students need special software to view streamed media in LearnJCU?
A. No. Flash video requires only the Flash Player browser plugin which is already installed on every lab machine. If a student does not have Flash installed on their home machine it can be downloaded at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Q. My students only have a dial-up connection at home. Can they access streamed media?
A. Yes. The streaming media server provides data streams that maximise the balance of quality and speed for the user making smooth, uninterrupted playback possible on low bandwidth connections.
Q. I have a Macintosh computer. Can I still upload my own video and play streaming digital media in LearnJCU?
A. Yes. We accept all digital video formats. You may need to seek assistance from InfoHelp if you don’t know how to map to a network drive on OS X. Flash player is available for the mac which means you’ll be able to enjoy streamed media no matter what platform you are using.
Q. Where do I stand with copyright when making streamed media available?
A. Most of your copyright obligations with regard to communicating content apply to streamed media as they would with any other type of media content. You should familiarize yourself with the applicable copyright information here, or contact the JCU Copyright Officer at copyright@jcu.edu.au