Information Services

AV Video Shorts

2011-05-05T15:42:00.003+01:00

I've been experimenting with making YouTube videos

Here's one on using the Turning Point software in G101:

And another on the new lectern in A004:

Let me know what you think. I know the quality isn't great, but I'm using my mobile phone to film these. If you want more, let me know and I might even invest in a proper camera!

Trash Talk

2011-04-05T09:02:00.002+01:00

We've had a few calls in the last couple of days from people who are suddenly and rather strangely unable to delete items from their GroupWise trash. This is all part of a new backup feature we are implementing which will allow you to recover deleted items. We'll be posting more information on this feature in due course.

In order to allow recovery of deleted items, the backup system has to have a chance to actually back up the deleted items. GroupWise will not allow you to remove any items that haven't yet been backed up. All that you need to do is wait until at least 24 hours after the time you received the email; you will then be able to empty them from your trash.

Videoconferencing - Shaky Start, but Eventual WIN

2011-03-17T13:50:00.003Z

Today we had what I think is the first occasion that we've had multiple simultaneous outbound videoconferencing calls on the bridge; with a total of five parties connecting. Although we got off to a shaky start with conflicting IP addresses (a valuable lesson learned), all seems to have gone well. More, please!

USB Flash Drives - Write Protected!

2011-03-15T15:54:00.002Z

ISD have applied an update to lectern PCs which will prevent the PC from writing to any USB flash drives ("USB pens" or "USB sticks") which are connected to them. This should help to reduce the prevalence of computer viruses transmitted through USB drives.

It will no longer be possible to write to USB drives from lectern PCs. While this will prevent the transference of viruses onto USB drives, it will also prevent content generated on the lectern PC from being copied back onto a USB drive.

There are numerous ways to copy this data off

All PCs have a DVD writer installed, so files can be copied onto a DVD or CD.
Files can also be uploaded to BREO...
...or emailed using Groupwise Webmail (http://webmail.beds.ac.uk).
You can also log onto the Novell servers (U: drive) using the red N icon on the system tray and save work directly onto your U: drive.

If you are having difficulty with any of these methods, please contact the ISD helpdesk on 3366 or (01582) 743366 from a mobile.

Further advice on virus prevention can be found on the ISD blog at http://bedsisd.blogspot.com/2011/03/virus-prevention.html

Virus Prevention

2011-03-10T09:51:00.003Z

There have been a number of viruses doing the rounds lately across the university.

The main symptoms are:

USB sticks changing from a "drive" icon to a "folder" and therefore becoming inaccessible.
File or folders that appear to exist, but are "empty" when opened.
Extra shortcut links appearing on your USB stick ("Pictures", "Passwords", etc.)
"Application error" dialog boxes on start-up.
Pop-ups telling you that you are infected and asking for credit card details. (F-Secure popups are OK!)

To keep yourself safe:

Upgrade your PC to the latest version of F-Secure - please ask the ISD helpdesk for details.
Don't use USB sticks in 'public' machines and lecterns unless you have to - use BREO where possible for presentations.
Scan your computer and USB sticks regularly, especially if you have used them in public machines.
If you must use a USB stick for public/lectern PCs, use a dedicated one
Keep a backup of essential data

To scan USB sticks with F-Secure:

Go to the blue triangular "F" icon in the system tray (near the clock).
Right-click and select "Virus and Spyware Protection" from the menu.
Choose to scan either the USB (or other) drive, or a full computer scan, as required.
When the scan is completed, select "decide by item" and then delete or quarantine items as required.
Contact the ISD helpdesk if you need further assistance.

We are continually working to eliminate viruses; you can help us by following these guidelines

2011-03-08T11:44:00.002Z

Please don't let this happen to you. This is the front panel from the lectern PC in G001 at Park Square. The USB port on the left has been loved and cared for. The USB port on the right has been brutally mashed into pieces. Sometimes, this sort of damage doesn't just mean the port is unusable but damages the controller on the motherboard too which means we have to replace the whole thing.

Result: increased frustration for lecturing staff, increased costs for ISD (this stuff ain't free!) damage to Mother Nature and lots of annoyed students.

Please be careful. Remember, we're all in this together!

Did You See...?

2011-02-04T14:51:00.002Z

Ever seen a listing in the Radio Times and thought "that would be great to show my students, but I don't have a spare DVD to record it?"

Well, you don't have to scratch around for blank media...ISD can record the show for you. Even better, we can put the programme on a Video On Demand (VOD) server so that you can stick a link into BREO and tell the students to watch it in their own time!

To request a recording, simply log on to the ISD helpdesk (from the front page of in beds) and select "Off-Air recording" from the list underneath "Raise Service Request". Just tell us the time, date, channel, etc. and we'll record the programme for you and email you back with a link that you can drop into BREO. If you want to see all the programmes we've already recorded, simply go to the VOD server and have a browse.

It can't get any better than that, can it? Well, yes...you can copy content off by simply going to \\vod.beds.ac.uk\content from Windows Explorer and copying it to your PC (or USB, CD, etc.) You'll need a username and password to access this, the username and password are available from the information page.

For more information, including the legal stuff, please go to http://in.beds.ac.uk/isd/off-air

AV Upgrades 2011

2010-11-18T08:57:00.009Z

As promised, here is a list of the rooms in which ISD will be upgrading equipment this winter. We are aware that there are a large number of rooms needing work in addition to this list. We will be investigating the possibilities for further capital expenditure later in the year. Please direct any queries to the ISD helpdesk in the first instance.

Aylesbury
Room 9
We will be installing a a full AV system in this room. Consisting of lectern, visualiser, fixed PC, fixed frame screen and 3 LCD repeater screen stationed to mirror the main screen at the further reaches of the room.

Room 8 and 7
A full AV system consisting of Projector, fixed PC and visualiser.

Luton

C400's/A000's
We will be converting the lecterns in these areas non wireless; making the systems in these rooms more stable.

A004
This room will have a new lectern and touch panel, the system will be simplified

J2.11
Replace one of the fixed frame screens

J2.09
Remove existing system and replace with more reliable/usable system for teaching.

Moot Court
Reprogram system

Bedford

P2.04
Replace all existing equipment. Add visualiser and control system

A1.04
Add fixed PC in the corner of the room.

K0.01
Replace Cambridge board with Smartboard. Power/cabling tidy up

J0.01
Replace Cambridge board with Smartboard. Power/cabling tidy up

L0.04
Replace Cambridge board with Smartboard. Add large second screen.

P1.20,P1.17, P1.13, P2.36
Replace all existing equipment. Add visualiser and control system

Putteridge Bury

Replace damaged screens in PB107,PB111 and PB117

Audiovisual Update - 16 November 2010

2010-11-16T09:10:00.002Z

A004 - Projector Bulb Blown

One of the projector bulbs in A004 has blown. We have a replacement on order, but as it requires a scaffold to get up to the projectors to service them, it may be a while before the projector is back in action. In the meantime, we'd like to thank you for your patience. This further reinforces the need for all staff to be diligent about turning off equipment when it is not being used. Projector bulbs are very expensive and if we can extend their life, we can spend the money saved on other things.

G101 - Coded Locks

Coded locks have now been fitted to the Credenza and lecterns in G101. The code will be circulated on an all-staff email. Equipment lists will also be posted in the room. Please, when using equipment, make sure you replace it at the end of your session and scramble the lock codes. We are relying on you to keep the equipment neat, tidy and secure!

Audiovisual Update - 11 November 2010

2010-11-11T10:31:00.003Z

Help Us Save Money
ISD have noticed many projectors being left on overnight. Although we are working on a network control facility which will allow us to automatically and remotely turn off equipment when not in use, this is still some months off and in the meantime, it is important that all staff remember to turn equipment OFF at the end of their teaching. This not only saves lamp life (lamps cost between £200 and £1000 to replace!), but it reduces service intervals (filters require less frequent cleaning) and it saves energy and CO2 emissions too!

Audit & Minor Fixes
Two colleagues from Computer Services have been touring all AV rooms in Park Square to collect information about issues and to fix whatever they can. We now have a comprehensive list and will work through this as quickly as possible over the next few weeks to get all the rooms fully working.

New Lectern PC Image
We have been working solidly on producing an updated lectern image, which we hope will be more secure and more manageable than ever before. We will be able to remotely update software and provide remote support assistance via the helpdesk. We appreciate that staff sometimes have issues with lectern PCs being locked down, preventing the use of some applications. We will add applications to lecterns where appropriate, but would encourage staff using some of the less common applications to bring along their laptop to present from. Most AV-equipped rooms have provision for plugging in a laptop and presenting the laptop display through the projector or LCD screen.

AV/IT Support in Business School
An order has been placed for a temporary AV/IT support officer for Vicarage Street. He is now working within the Business School and will be available for Business School staff to assist in AV and IT support issues in teaching rooms in Vicarage Street and at Putteridge Bury. He has just finished a very similar contract with City University and has a good level of experience. ISD would like to thank the Business School for their financial support for this.

AV Maintenance Contract
An order is also awaiting approval for a maintenance contract with our AV supplier, Reflex. When this is in place, it will cover equipment failures in most AV-equipped teaching rooms across the University (those not covered will be under other arrangements, such as in a warranty period). We hope that this will get the many small, but annoying problems fixed much more rapidly than has historically been the case. We do need staff to help us by reporting problems promptly to the ISD helpdesk via the website or on x3366.

AV Refresh
We have compiled a list of works to improve AV facilities across the University. Reflex have toured the rooms with us and have provided initial quotes. It is a very long list and we may not be able to do everything we'd like to this year, but we will get as much done as possible. We are currently working through the quote prioritising what can and cannot be done this year.

We will investigate the potential for providing telephones in teaching rooms. It is likely that these will be of the "batphone" style, with a small quantity of pre-programmed numbers as the only possible numbers to dial, such as the ISD helpdesk, Facilities, Security, etc.

New Campus Centre
Coded locks have arrived for G101. These will be fitted shortly. This will allow academics access to the cabinets without the need to call ISD for a key. The cabinets have in them 250 Turning Point Keepads for audience response (yes - 250!) as well as two handheld and two lapel wireless microphones and charging cradles for the gyroscopic mice. The new lecture theatre is also equipped with a BluRay/DVD player and a Smart Podium touch-screen. Please ensure that equipment is returned to the cabinet after use and the lock code is scrambled. ISD will be regularly changing the codes and issuing these to academic staff.

The Think Tank will also have a coded lock, and will be supplied with a wireless keyboard and mouse and a further 30 Keepads. 6 floorboxes in the room have VGA connector plates to allow laptops to be plugged in for display on the room's projector.

The group study rooms all have 42" LCD screens; these can simply be plugged in to a laptop using the supplied cable. The group study rooms on the mezzanine floor have their VGA plates located in the floorboxes.

Familiarisation sessions will be announced shortly for G101 and other teaching rooms in the Campus Centre.

Telephones and Rubber Bands

2010-09-14T15:15:00.002+01:00

In the UK, when telephones were made up of real pieces of wire which went from you all the way to the party at the far end, signalling was done by loop disconnect dialling. You used to be able to dial a number simply by tap-tap-tapping the handset hook with the right rhythm and with appropriate breaks. So to dial a "3", you would quickly tap the hook three times, then pause and tap quickly five times to dial a "5", and so on. Grandma would be especially pleased that you called. You'd be especially pleased that you could tap her number out.

The new IP phones we're rolling out have eliminated this geeky delight; their hook is optical, not mechanical, but they don't signal anything until you've dialled a number with the keypad - the hook is merely to indicate whether the handset is lifted or not.

What they do have is far more geek-delighting and it should delight everyone else too - desktop integration. You can set up a hot-key on your PC and whenever you highlight a number, you can hit the hot-key to have your phone dial the number for you. So no more copying numbers from an email and slowly dialling each number. simply drag-select to highlight the number and hit your hot-key!

(For those of you with Spotify, the title of this post refers to this song.)

myphone Rollout Starts!

2010-09-02T08:41:00.002+01:00

Its been a bit quiet on this blog for the last couple of months, and for good reason. We in ISD have been beavering away over the summer while the rest of you have been lolling on beaches to bring you a brand new, VoIP-based telephone system.

Benefits of the new system include:

Presence indication - users can specify their present status. For example, you can select ‘available’, ‘unavailable’, ‘in a meeting’ or ‘busy’
Incoming call preference – forward incoming calls to another phone, including another extension, a mobile handset or an external phone number (e.g. a home phone number)
Contacts - a personal phone book that is available through the web interface
Conference calls – multi-point conference calls can be set up easily
Hot desking – logon to any phone on the myphone system as if it were your own extension.

The first rollout has now been completed. We are working with "Champions" in each area to help us roll the phones out to your desk. Full training will be available and e-learning packages are already available on-line.

All the phones will be rolled out by the end of the calendar year and we will be adding new features in due course. For more information, see the myphone page.

Live Web Pages in Powerpoint

2010-06-10T15:55:00.002+01:00

Deena asked me how to create a 'live' research poster, displaying both a webpage and static text simultaneously. Going by my mantra, "Google is your friend", I unearthed the LiveWeb Powerpoint plugin. This fantastic little plugin does just what it says on the tin - allowing you to embed live web pages in PowerPoint slideshows.

Have a play. I think you'll like it. Not a lot, but you'll like it!

SCHOMS Conference 2010

2010-05-17T17:00:00.004+01:00

Just returned from a great three days at the SCHOMS Conference. It was the first year I've had the opportunity to attend. Apart from the guided tour of the campus and a swift walk up the hill to the Royal Observatory to stand on the meridian line (picture), this was three whirlwind days of talks, discussion and networking.

One of the exhibitors in the exhibition hall was showing the only three examples in the country of a new IP-based video switching system for AV which promises to revolutionise the way teaching spaces are set up. I also discussed touch screens, and had a chance to look at TeamMate's new interactive touch-screen table.

We also got a look at how large-scale AV is done, with a fascinating talk from Sean Taylor, Panasonic UK, on the 2012 Olympic Games. Truly mind-boggling AV - and it promises to leave a great legacy of large-scale screens in cities across the UK.

Other sessions included advice on upcoming radio mic changes and how to embed Learning Technologists into departments to help drive the delivery of "Mode 3" teaching methods, as well as a session with lots of useful information to help argue the case for improved funding for teaching spaces!

Election Fever

2010-05-06T15:18:00.003+01:00

It's Election Day here in the UK (as if you hadn't guessed). I had a frantic e-mail from Deena just before lunch saying that she was running an election night special with her students and they couldn't get a TV in the newsroom (in A110). I wandered down to have a look. The kit was something that looked like it was installed during the Media Arts relocation back in...ooh...2004, I think. Anyway, they couldn't get it to work and Paul (who knows all about it) had the temerity to take a day off! (That's the last time I sign his holiday form!)

Well...RF feeds from the roof and Freeview boxes are sooo 'noughties'...these days we have an IPTV system and the wonderful videoconferencing system which we put in place back at the turn of this year.

With a couple of HDMI-equipped laptops, a swift pair of network connections (thanks to Arran in Systems & Networks) and the Park Square videoconferencing system, I quickly lashed up the system pictured. We have Sky News on the left, BBC News on the right and just out of shot a printer rigged up so that they can print out copy to take upstairs to RadioLAB. (Thanks, Martin!)

The only hitch we had was having to install VLC Media Player on the laptops, and having to trot out to a local hardware components supplier (you know, the one opposite the big department store with a name that starts with "M") twice - because apparently there are two types of HDMI connector. Given a choice and a 50:50 chance of getting it right, you know you'll pick the wrong option 100% of the time. Anyway, it is up and working and Deena is reportedly quite happy.

Now all we need is for some Returning Officers to start declaring results...

A Stick in the Sand

2010-05-06T15:03:00.003+01:00

I spent yesterday at the Digital Signage Strategies Forum - as a speaker! (see that handsome chap in the picture.)

I wasn't alone; my colleague Kris Collins (from our Communications and Marketing Department) led the session, where we described the University's recently-installed digital signage infrastructure.

We chose OneLan system for our digital signage; originally 15 players controller by a central distribution box. Currently, we're at 22 players, and growing - an additional 6 screens are planned for the new Campus Centre (and possibly more than that, fingers crossed).

Kris has invested in a OneLan DSM (another central server) to control and report on the status of screens around the University. A worthwhile investment as we project the signage estate to grow to around 30 screens by the end of the year. This will allow us to improve monitoring and control of the system. It's currently sat under my desk and we will be installing it on Wednesday, fingers crossed.

Whilst at the show, we spent some time touring the stands and have come back with a raft of ideas which we'd like to take further. One of the most shiny-magpie moments was a laser/infrared projector touchscreen. It's still in development, but I'd love to use it for information points around the university; I know Kris is keen on interactive maps and the like. Integration is the key here - linking information about students with the timetable, with geographical information and workflow systems.

We also looked at a system to link with mobile phones; the use that the stand jockey promulgated was a "whack-a-mole" game used at football matches (not being a footie fan, I had to take him at his word). I think there's potential there for recording student attendance at lectures (and maybe getting the students to play games if the lecture gets too boring). I'll duck to avoid the brickbats there!

It was a great day and I hope they'll be putting on another event next year; there are a lot of great technologies coming out in the area of digital signage at the moment and it will be interesting to see what can be done as people keep gluing these sorts of systems together.

Upgraded Seminar Rooms at Putteridge Bury Campus

2010-04-08T11:43:00.005+01:00

I took a quick tour of the Putteridge Bury campus this morning to take stock of the AV upgrades that have been happening over Easter. Give a big hand to the installers who were hard at work over the break while we were all stuffing ourselves with chocolate. I hope you'll agree it has been worth the wait.

PB LT1, 2 and 3 have each been fitted with either an interactive whiteboard or a touchscreen, complete with the usual AV accoutrements - PC, projector.

In PB LT1, due to the width of the room and the low ceiling height, we've added some repeater screens so that students can see the content.

In PB LT2 and 3, we've added confidence repeater screens for the presenter to be able to talk without having to constantly turn to the board for a reminder of the point under discussion.

We're in the final stages of commissioning right now; the rooms should all be fit for use by the start of w/c 19th April (when teaching resumes in these rooms)

Video Killed the Radio Star

2010-02-19T16:11:00.003Z

I'm not talking about the Buggles track, but about videoconferencing.

ISD have now implemented a videoconferencing system for staff to use. We're also hoping to find ways to allow students to access the technology too; so any ideas you might have, send them in!

You can find full details on the system on the videoconferencing section of the main website and information for staff on in.beds. We've also implemented a rather nice view onto the booking system, using the Timeline javascript widget.

If anyone wants a demonstration of the technology, or just a chat about the possibilities, feel free to give Gary Nye or myself a call or drop us an email.

WiRanging

2009-12-10T15:34:00.003Z

Having gone a bit out on a limb when designing the lecterns for the A000 suite and C400 corridor at Park Square this summer, I was a bit disappointed to see that the W-USB hubs that we used to allow freedom from the fixed PC in the corner were not as robust in operation as they had appeared in testing.

The design specification called for the keyboard and mouse to be "wireless", but since the issuing of traditional wireless keyboards and mice would not have been practical, I came up with the idea of housing a W-USB hub and UPS in a wheeled lectern (based on a standard Unicol-style trolley). This should allow us to power the keyboard, mouse and hub without being tethered to the mains or needing to trail long USB cables (and repeaters, where necessary). The presenter can then move the lectern to a position most comfortable for their individual teaching style.

The alternatives being to dig up the floor and lay cables or running cables around the room, both of which impractical, costly and compromising the design, I searched around for alternative products which might be more robust.

Eureka!

I found the WiRanger; a USB extender operating over 802.11g. Claiming distances up to 30m, despite the hefty price tag I decided to give one a go. I ordered a unit from Amplicon and set it up in A003.

It worked flawlessly...I could even take the lectern into the foyer next to the lift and still receive a signal. So; I've left the unit in place and am waiting to see whether there is any negative feedback. Watch this space for updates.

Icebergs & Reindeer

2009-12-01T16:27:00.000Z

Well, this blog has to start somewhere, so where better to start with than an observation.

I was in London last night (which is where I took this picture of the topiary Christmas reindeer outside Covent Garden market) for a BCS Service Management Group event on "IT Service Management Trends and Challenges" (sounds dry, but it keeps me up to date on current thinking on best practice in the industry).

One of the most abiding images that I came away from the event with was the idea that most IT is "hidden" from the user; much like 90% of an iceberg is below the surface. When you send an e-mail or surf to your favourite website, there are a tremendous number of things going on in the background to make things happen.

Sending an email sounds simple. Click the "New mail" button, write something interesting (and hopefully witty and entertaining), address it to some people who are hopefully going to respond to what you say, add a pithy subject line and hit "Send".

Of course, in the background, your computer sends the email to a server (going through several switches en-route). This email is then stored, forwarded on, possibly through a "gateway", going through various checks (for spam, viruses and the like), and on to its destination; possibly through a number of relay email systems, networks and all sorts of technological wizardry. Finally, it will end up at the destination server, from where the recipient will collect it and hopefully read it before deleting it.

So next time you send an email (or write a blog entry), remember; it's not magic like Santa's reindeer - it's a lot of complex systems working in harmony, unseen beneath the waterline. If just one of them goes wrong, it could be "ICEBERG, RIGHT AHEAD!"...