Hardware+Used


 * ESTABLISHMENT FOR SCHOOLS**

The following details the installation options for schools receiving new equipment in the Grampians projects. Some schools opted to wall mount their LCD screens. The cost of wall mounting is comparable to trolley supply according to the supplier in the Grampians projects.

The Video Conferencing endpoints utilise a combination of hardware and software components. The **People and Content** software for the option described below is a free download for Polycom users. When purchasing the endpoints, the software cost is included in the option pricing. The **People on Content** is unlikely to be used to any great extent except in those areas with high quality production facilities because it would require green screen facilities. **People On Content** is the ability for the presenter to actually appear in front of the shared image, this is like the weather presenter on the television working in front of the weather map.


 * [[image:LCDRoom.jpg width="318" height="207" align="center"]] || [[image:LCD.jpg width="255" height="234" align="center"]] ||
 * [[image:IMG_1193.jpg width="288" height="216" align="center" caption="Maths Revision at Murtoa"]] || [[image:IMG_1192.jpg width="288" height="216" align="center" caption="Remote Student At Hopetoun"]] ||
 * [[image:Vid_Conf_nicko.jpg width="540" height="406" align="center" caption="Chemsitry at Dimboola to Beaufort"]] ||
 * [[image:birchip.jpg width="535" height="249" align="center" caption="Maths at Birchip to Goroke"]] ||

Polycom HDX 8002 XL with DUAL 46 inch LCD display



**HARDWARE / SOFTWARE ITEMS per ENDPOINT** · HD codec – system unit, · Eagle Eye High Definition camera, · HDX microphone array, · People and Content – capability of sharing data and live video, · People on Content – live video over data presentation much like the weather report type effect, · Remote control – for codec to control calling and camera controls. · Cables: VGA video (DVI-to-VGA), audio (RCA-to-RCA), LAN, RJ11, power. · HDX Expanded I/O software option. //Enables the second HD camera video input and the second HD monitor output (This is important for school using two monitors or want the option to expand to two monitors or use a projector output)// · Eagle Eye Camera wall/panel/shelf mounting bracket · Sharp display - 46" D83X 100Hz LCD True High Definition (1920 x 1080 pixel resolution) · Deluxe Cart –SINGLE or DUAL screen as required  · Installation Services  · Partner Premier, 1st Year Upgrade guarantee for software components.


 * Guidelines for Video Conferencing Facilities **



**MAINTENANCE** The purchase price of the equipment includes twelve months upgrade guarantee for software upgrades. The **option** listed below includes free call help desk and onsite support if required. Based on experience so far the Help Desk services are important during the initial setup and testing phases and while local school staff becomes accustomed to the operation of the equipment and other features of the equipment. The Onsite maintenance is more likely to be required after extended periods of use. Local technical support is more likely to be the first call for maintenance services where simple network configuration changes or meddling with equipment occurs. The price charged for these services by the vendor appear excessive however, probably reflect the travelling required covering onsite maintenance.

Help Desk- 1800 Number and Onsite Maintenance Services

**TECHNICAL SUPPORT NEEDS**

During the initial setup phase effective liaison is important. This includes briefing local technicians and key staff to:
==· Complete a site survey of the schools local area network (LAN) to ensure that it is robust and that switching infrastructure is satisfactory for video conferencing. == ==· Ensure network configuration information is communicated between the school and installation team supplied by the vendor. == ==· Ensure access within the school is available as well as live network points and power at the point of installation. == ==· Determine the best location for the endpoint equipment within the school taking Teaching and Learning considerations into account. ==

Following installation training of key endpoint users must occur.  See Professional Development Undertaken page.

**CENTRALLY HOSTED INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED**

**VIDEO BRIDGING and MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS**

All new systems in the Grampians project have been configured as point to point units. They cannot include multiple sites in video conference calls. While multi-point capability can be added as an extra cost item for each unit, the multipoint option on endpoints is usually limited to 4 remote sites and will place excessive demands on bandwidth at the host site. A better alternative is to install a central video bridge **or Multpoint Conferencing Unit (MCU)**. This unit allows endpoints to call in to multipoint conferences. Only the bridge installation requires increased bandwidth capacity. A **Multipoint Control Unit**(Bridge) which will allow up to 20 high definition simultaneous calls, a greater number of standard definiton calls will be possible has been installed within the VICSMART network. Contact ITD or Gary Schultz to facilitate the registration of the end point with the Gatekeeper. In addition to the Video Bridge a software management platform is required to allow scheduling of video conferences across the organization through the bridge. The Polycom Converged Management Application (CMA) can manage video conferences as well as provide desktop video conferencing integration. Using this platform any PC with the software and web cam installed can participate as a video conferencing endpoint. The CMA allows all types on Polycom video conferencing technologies to be integrated. Registration with the 'Gatekeeper' is required in order to use this functionality. There are several schools engaged in a trial of this software, students are accessing classes via the use of a PC. The client can be installed on Windows or Mac.


 * [[image:jeparit_CMA.jpg width="356" height="287" caption="CMA client installed at Jeparit PS - utilising an LCD screen, HD web cam and powered speakers"]] ||

**FIREWALL TRAVERSAL**

Schools with video conferencing facilities have the ability to make video conference calls beyond the VicSmart network. There are a number of established organisations offering direct learning experiences using video conferencing across the world. In addition many teachers would like to setup high quality video links with sister schools in other countries as well as engage in classroom projects. To achieve these aims a firewall traversal unit is required. This unit integrates with the DEECD Management platform and allows school based video endpoint to call outside video conferencing units.

**RECORDING AND STREAMING** The ability to record video conference sessions is desirable to implement anytime, anywhere learning. Where key lesson are recorded students can revisit the lesson for review purposes or where students are absent due to sickness etc, they have the option ‘catch up’. In the same manner, key professional development sessions could be made available to teachers at remote sites at convenient times.

For more accurate pricing as a Victorian School, refer to the 'panel' contracts, if not a Victorian School, please contact [|POLYCOM]