GENERAL |
Do I have to download the content to watch the webcast? |
There is no need to download any content. Our application is based on streaming media, that is audio & video sent in compressed form over the internet and displayed by the viewer as they arrive. With streaming media, the user does not have to wait to download a large file before seeing the video or hearing the sound. Instead, the media is sent in a continuous stream and is played as it arrives. |
Do I have to install special software to watch a webcast? |
The user needs a player, which is a widespread standard program that decompresses and sends video data to the display and audio data to the speakers. A player, Windows Media or Real Player, can be either an integral part of a browser or downloaded from the software maker’s website. Apart from a browser and Windows Media or Real Player, there is no additional software to be downloaded. Our delivery platform is based on open web technology. The content generated by it does not require further proprietary plugins or software downloads to watch the webcast. |
How does this application help me to reach a larger audience than other communication tools? |
The end-user interface consists of an embedded media player (Windows Media Player and Real Player), and web based frames for displaying slides, graphics and interactive elements such as feedback form and Q&A.; This means online audiences can watch and interact without requiring specialised hardware/software, thus greatly extending the potential reach and impact of the presentation. |
DELIVERY PLATFORM |
What is the Virtue Delivery Platform? |
The delivery platform is a software application designed to deliver audio and video to large audiences via the Internet or Intranet. This can be done live and/or on demand and synchronised with rich media such as slides, text and interactive features. The Virtue platform enables corporations to set up, manage, archive and reuse webcasts through a user-friendly interface. This is a highly automated solution that gives our customers control over the management of webcasts and drives down the cost of streaming events. Both our internal and external communication solutions are based on this ultimate streaming application. The delivery platform is an enterprise software application based on an XML/Java hosted application solution (ASP). |
What can be synchronised with the streaming media content? |
The following elements can be synchronised:
-Slides
-Text
-Links
-Pictures
-Tables
|
Can the Virtue Platform replace meetings? |
No, Virtue’s application is purely for one-to-many communication. That means the end-users are not able to directly interact in real time with each other. Interaction is restricted to feedback forms, voting mechanisms, questionnaires and interaction with the end user interface itself (download slides, select quality, indexing etc.). Our application presents a virtual online platform for lectures, presentations, announcements, training sessions, conference archives (video/audio/print), and written or taped information. |
Can viewers ask questions during live events? |
Yes. The questions are sent by e-mail and can be directly forwarded to the speaker. The speaker can then select the questions to answer during the live session. |
How can I collect feedback and in what format do I receive the feedback? |
A feedback form can either be integrated in the webcast window or a pop-up window can be displayed once the viewer closes the webcast window. The feedback is either sent via email or available in a database |
Can I generate qualified leads? In what form do I receive the participants’ details? |
Registration allows you to gather name, company and address of everyone who signs on to the webcast. It allows you to learn more about your webcast audience and generate qualified leads. The list of participants is delivered to you in Excel format. |
How can I increase the audience for my webcast? |
You can increase participation numbers by sending out reminder e-mails before the event. |
What data does Virtue collect about the webcast audience? |
Virtue can create webcast reports, which help you to gain a better understanding of your audience. The following statistics are available:
-Total users
-Current users
-Average viewing time
-Streaming media technology selection (Real, Win Media)
-Bandwidth selection (Narrow / Broadband)
-Domain analysis
-Country analysis
|
PRODUCING A WEBCAST |
Audio or audio/video content? |
Video
To create a strong impact, a video presentation is preferable to an audio message.
Audio
An audio only webcast is a natural extension, or alternative, to a normal conference call. The cost per user is less and the benefits of webcasting make this an interesting option (archived versions available, synchronised presentation slides etc).
|
Live or on demand? |
Live
A live webcast is the best solution when you are addressing a large audience. This way there is no restriction on the number of people who can attend your presentation. The online audience can also give feedback to the presenter, as well as ask questions through the interactive modules. The live webcast is also the choice if it is time-critical information. This could be the choice of the company itself, or may be required for legislative reasons.
On demand
The on demand webcast is a good way to avoid having to repeat a message to several different audiences, for example if the viewers are in different time zones. Once the first presentation is done, anyone can access it over the web.
|
What if I want to produce my webcast at very short notice? |
Virtue is able to deliver at very short notice. Our webcast solutions rely on a highly automated application, which allows us to set-up, produce and deliver a webcast within hours. |
What kind of IT Infrastructure do I need on site to produce a webcast? |
Audio Webcast
Technical requirements for Audio Signal Acquisition:
- Audio content can be recorded over the phone or by microphone
Technical requirements for webcast administration:
- Min. 128 Kb/s ISDN line or leased line
Audio and video content live
Technical requirements for Audio/Video Signal Acquisition:
- 6 x 128 Kb/s ISDN lines, 2 videoconferencing systems (preferred is Tandberg 500 and higher) OR
- Stable 1 Mbit IP connection 2 videoconferencing systems (preferred is Tandberg 500 and higher) OR
- Satellite uplink/downlink
Technical requirements for broadcast administration:
- Min. 128 Kb/s ISDN line or leased line
Audio and video content on demand
Technical requirements for Audio/Video Signal Acquisition:
- 3 x 128Kb/s ISDN lines, 1 videoconferencing (preferred is Tandberg 500 and higher) OR
- Stable 1 Mbit IP connection, 1 videoconferencing system (preferred is Tandberg 500 and higher)
Technical requirements for broadcast administration:
Min. 128 Kb/s ISDN line or leased line |
IN-HOUSE WEBCAST PRODUCTION |
Can I manage the webcasts in-house and have full control over my webcast activities |
Virtue’s application allows you to setup, produce and deliver the broadcast in-house. |
How do I produce on demand only webcasts? |
There are several ways to produce an on demand webcast:
-Content is captured live, slides are pushed simultaneously, but only an on demand version of webcast is published
-Customer sends Virtue Audio/video content
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How do I synchronise on demand webcasts and/or correct the synchronisation of live webcasts? |
By one of the following methods:
-Watch the webcast / video capture and push the slides and texts simultaneously with the easy to use administration interface
-Send Virtue a transcript with remarks, where the slides have to be changed
-Send Virtue a list indicating exact timing of slide changes
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Does the Virtue delivery platform need to be installed locally? |
Virtue is an application service provider (ASP) and offers companies access to the application over the Internet. The application does not have to be located in enterprise computers. |
What do I need to be able to use Virtue’s solutions? |
Virtue solutions are delivered via a hosted service, eliminating the need for investment in server hardware, server software installation and maintenance. |
Can I have a Virtue customer account and use my own infrastructure for encoding and distribution? |
Virtue’s platform enables companies to set up, manage, archive and re-use webcasts through a user-friendly interface. The applications allow any Communications Department to run streaming media more cost-effectively and improve quality by radically reducing man-hours through automated processes. |
ON DEMAND WEBCAST |
Can I use existing audio or audio/video material to produce a webcast? |
The on demand webcast is an ideal opportunity to give life to old material that is no longer accessible, everything from speeches to conferences can extend their shelf-life through an on demand webcast. |
Which formats of existing content does Virtue support? |
Existing content can be delivered as hardcopy or in digital form.
Supported formats:
-BETA (BetacamSP)
-DV(DV / DVCAM / DVCPro / MiniDV)
-VHS (S-VHS, VHS, PAL/NTSC)
-DVD, VCD, CD (Mpeg-2 / Mpeg-1 / Quicktime/ Avi)
|
Can I expand the on demand availability of a webcast? |
Virtue will advise you 2 weeks prior to the termination of the hosting period in order to allow you time to extend your hosting duration. The extension is done on a monthly basis. |
END-USER REQUIREMENTS |
Hardware and software requirements |
Please, see below to ensure that your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirement:
PC
Pentium II
16MB RAM
20MB hard drive
16bit soundcard with speakers/headphone
Netscape Communicator 4.5 and higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 and higher
RealPlayer or the Windows Media player
Macintosh
PowerPC
16MB RAM
20MB hard drive (soundcard and speakers are built-in)
Netscape Communicator 4.5 and higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 and higher
RealPlayer or the Windows Media player
Connection
56k modem or leased line |
If the player does not launch: what do I need to do? |
Make sure that you have the correct browser version and that your browser is configured properly. We recommend:
-Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 and higher
-Netscape Communicator 4.5 and higher
|
Real Player Installation |
Instructions for installing RealPlayer for a PC
http://www.realnetworks.com/products/media_players.html
Instructions for installing the RealPlayer for a Macintosh
http://www.realnetworks.com/products/media_players.html
|
Windows Media Player Installation |
Instructions for installing Windows Media Player for a PC
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/
download/
Instructions for installing the Windows Media Player for a Macintosh
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/
download/
|
Minimum Requirements for Real Player |
Please check out the minimum requirements below:
http://www.real.com/player/sysreqs.html?lang=en&src;=020415rpchoiceintl_2_de_de |
Minimum Requirements for Windows Media Player |
Please check out the minimum requirements below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/
software/v7/sysreq.asp
|
CONTENT CAPTURING |
How is the content captured? |
It can be captured by one of the following methods:
-Videoconferencing system (secure Point-to-point ISDN connection)
-Satellite connection
-Point-to-point IP connection
|
When is which channel most appropriate? |
Videoconferencing system:
-Stable and secure connection
-Best option for short distance signal transmission up to some hours
Satellite connection:
-Stable
-Best option for long lasting long distance signal transmission.
IP connection:
-Economic alternative for recurring long distance transmission
-Testing required
|
What, if there are additional languages? |
For every additional language there is an additional VC system/Telephone hybrid required. |
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION |
How is the content distributed? What is load balancing? |
To distribute the streams to our customers Virtue uses Interoute as its broadcast network provider. Interoute's i-21 network is the largest in Europe today, offering unparalleled homogeneity, reach and capacity. Interroute's fibre-optic network, i-21, consists of eight rings connecting 48 cities in nine countries across 18,000 route kilometres (11,250 cable miles) and has the capacity to carry a petabit (a billion megabits per second) of traffic. Together with the load balancing system installed on all the servers Virtue can guarantees that the stream is delivered to the viewer from the nearest possible server. In addition the load balancing system provides fault tolerance. If one server isn't able anymore to deliver the stream another one takes over automatically. |
DELIVERING THE WEBCAST TO THE INTRANET |
Does Virtue provide support in delivering the webcast to internal networks? |
To allow your employees to view webcasts from their work place, your network requires reliable, flexible and practical solutions for simplifying streaming and rich media delivery - in essence, a high level of network intelligence. Virtue can provide you with a solution that optimises your network intelligence. Our consulting services include the review and assessment of hardware and software requirements for streaming media within the company intranet and the delivery of a proven streaming solution. |
SECURITY |
Is the content of the webcast protected against unauthorised access? |
The content (except for the stream itself) is not accessible without first going through “broadcast authorization”. Authorization includes single user-use passwords, multiple user use passwords, and IP subnet authentication. Authorization is session/broadcast-specific. |
