The HQVC project is being undertaken to support niche sectors of the JANET community that require high clarity audio and high definition video for videoconferencing: for example, user groups such as arts, music and science, and particularly the medical area. It is not anticipated that this technology will replace the current JVCS services, but where relevant, it will enhance existing usage scenarios or enable new applications of videoconferencing.
The JANET community uses the JANET IP Videoconferencing Service (JVCS-IP) and the JANET ISDN Videoconferencing Service (JVCS-ISDN). However, JVCS-IP, which has adopted the H.323 suite of protocols, is limited in the picture and sound quality it can provide. MPEG produces better quality video which is the equivalent of broadcast television quality.
The HQVC Project involves JANET(UK) undertaking a trial of higher resolution MPEG videoconferencing on the normal JANET IP network service. The trial will take two approaches: Point to Point and Multi-Point (where possible). JANET(UK) will work with a number of institutions which will be equipped with HQVC facilities. The institutions will be tasked with providing information on the performance of the videoconferencing equipment and the impact on their local networks. The institutions participating in the trial are required to have at least a 100Mbit/s connection to JANET to facilitate the 20Mbit/s bandwidth requirement of the trial.
However, investigation into the approaches will require research into the videoconferencing market for new developments in MCU and CODEC technology.
The peripherals to be used in the set-up will consist of:
The CODEC is manufactured by Star Valley Solutions. It is a simple standalone IP audio video node used for high resolution MPEG-2 video transmission over IP, and provides DVD video quality over the network. The set-up will look similar to this:
Trialling the high bandwidth CODECs on the JANET network will aid the understanding of any implications this has on the network and therefore supplement the understanding of how the technology can be best used.
For more information on the trial please contact:
Roger Bolam
Roger.Bolam@ja.net
