The PHTIN network connects public health institutions with videoconferencing
sites. The videoconferences are carried by differing technologies that
are identified by the following designations:
North Carolina Information Highway (H.320)
The North Carolina Information Highway (NCIH) uses a videoconferencing
standard that requires that the connection lines between participating
sites be scheduled prior to the videoconference. These lines carry the
data, audio, and video signals, and have a per-hour connect charge. These
lines are reserved by a scheduler, and manually connected by a technician
at the beginning of each conference session.
This system is normally used between larger fixed videoconferencing rooms
that have an operations and support staff. One site becomes the hub and
switches the signals from the other sites during the videoconference.
Seats approximately 20–50 people, depending on the specific site.
Internet Video Conferences (H.323)
Internet video is a computer-based standard that utilizes the Internet
to send data, audio, and video. The call does not need to be scheduled
in advance, and can be initiated directly from the computer. Users can
videoconference on the Internet with any other computer that has an H.323
videoconferencing system installed, and has adequate network capacity
to the remote site. Seats approximately 6–25 people and is generally
limited to use by local health department personnel only.
North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN)
This network is a multi-site, multi-channel interactive network connecting
over 19 universities, medical schools, and research organizations in North
Carolina. They utilize large fixed videoconferencing sites, maintain their
own equipment and staff, and do their own scheduling. Some locations within
NCREN charge a fee for their utilization; these locations are not part
of the PHTIN.
In order to connect these locations to a PHTIN broadcast our scheduler
must: 1) check to see if our connection to the site is open, 2) confirm
that the room is available, and 3) check to see that the time needed does
not conflict or overlap with another broadcast. Finally, the scheduler
needs to check to see if the location charges a fee, and if so, share
contact information with both parties so that payment arrangements may
be made.
Satellite programs are received at sites equipped with a commercial satellite
receiver and dish. Satellite receivers are capable of receiving either
analog or digital signals on either C-Bands or KU-Bands from twenty-four
orbiting satellites. In order to view a program, one needs specific information
such as: date, time, band, polarization, transponder, frequency, satellite
name, and coordinates. These are needed to tune the receiver. The coordinates
are normally obtained from the program’s originator.
Programs can originate from the Centers for Disease Control, the Food
and Drug Administration, the Medicare Learning Network, or from other
organizations located throughout the continental United States and the
world. Registration can be accomplished by visiting the organization’s
website, or contacting its sponsor by phone.
