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Universal IP at Last
10/29/2004
Streaming video and/or audio is another IP application and already common in higher education. One such application is in evidence at Washburn University (KS), where courses are streamed “on demand” to on-campus network users. A student who misses a class can view that session (with “pause” and “rewind” capabilities) from any networked computer, whenever convenient.
Video conferencing is another angle for video over IP. Desktop video conferencing is designed for one-on-one use, but there are systems for multiple users as well, often referred to as “room-based” video conferencing. Many of the traditional voice/telephone companies now play in this market.
IP-connected projectors. Still another IP application is that of projectors that have built-in Ethernet/IP connections. Some of these devices can even tell you how many hours of lamp life have been used, and notify the administrator/technician when it’s time for routine maintenance. Certain projectors also offer optional wireless LAN cards. The next big thing is delivering content to the projector over the LAN, rather than using analog or direct digital graphics cabling. In 2003, UC San Diego installed Sony (www.sony.com) SuperSmart projectors in a new engineering building, with this in mind. Each projector has an IP address and industry-standard CAT-5 interface for direct LAN connection, allowing presentations to be sent via Ethernet. These projectors also ease maintenance and upkeep by communicating with service and support technicians via Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) messaging. Manufacturers include Barco (www.barco.com), Sanyo (www.sanyo.com), Epson (www.epson.com), NEC (www.nec.com), and Sony. Interested in this feature? You’ll need to note that, currently, only a few projector models are IP-enabled, so check before ordering, and remember to add that Ethernet outlet in the right spot.
Security cameras. Security is another hot topic, with new security cameras that utilize IP to deliver video images back to a switcher and/or DVR. Then too, security control panels and other security devices are also becoming IP-compatible. Security personnel can now control pan-tilt-zoom cameras and recall stored video from any convenient desktop. Some manufacturers with IP-enabled cameras: Sony, Sanyo, Toshiba (www.toshiba.com), and JVC (pro.jvc.com).
Control help. Another useful option for remote management of any serial device is Ethernet/IP boxes that have a serial interface (e.g., RS-232) for sending commands from a control system to a device that d'es not already have an Ethernet/IP connection. Crestron (www.crestron.com) and Extron (www.extron.com) are two manufacturers with products in this arena. Columbia University (NY), University of Wisconsin, UC-Davis, (CA) and Sheridan College (WY) are just a few examples of schools using Crestron IP-based control systems.
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