Video Conference Resources


Getting Started

Many new web-based tools have been added to provide step-by-step instructions for planning, scheduling and execution of a video session.

Unified Network Services is responsible for operating Ohio's statewide video communications network and for providing video services to state agencies, universities and private institutions.

Service Requirements

To apply for Service Delivery Division Video Services, new customers are required to have:

   Telecommunications Service Request (TSR) for wide area network service (WAN) and video service.

WAN service is T-1 or higher connectivity from the customer's site to a host provider site. (Click here for information about getting a TSR account.)

Unified Network Services must be ordered on the TSR system.

   Video Conference Equipment

Systems may consist of large or small group systems, set-top systems, PC-based systems, or any system that is H.320 (Video Conferencing over ISDN), or H.323 (Video Conferencing over IP) standards compliant.

Once you have a TSR order for video and wide area network service and Video Conferencing equipment, getting setup for Video Services is "as easy as 1-2-3."

   IP Address (if applicable)

Assigned by Network Administrator

 

Step 1 - Site Registration

As new Video Conference sites are added as members to Ohio's statewide video communications network, certain information is essential for maintaining up-to-date data on video resources within the TCReliance Web reservation system databases.

Register your video endpoints with Unified Network Services using a simple on-line form. Once the form is complete, Service Delivery Division Video Services will use it to establish a site profile for each endpoint. Information required on the form includes:

  • Video Conference site information like name, address, telephone number.
  • Video Network information like TSR order numbers, IP Address and line speeds to be certified.
  • Video Room features like the type of Video Conference equipment, seating capacity, and optional equipment.
  • Primary and Secondary Site Contact information like name, address, phone number and email address.

Step 2 - Site Certification

Upon completing and submitting your Site Registration and contact information form, Unified Network Services will contact the Primary Site Contact to schedule and complete a series of test calls between your registered endpoint and Service Delivery Division Video Service's bridge. Same day testing may be available.

Test calls will consist of Dial-In and Dial-Out and will include any speeds that are planned for use in future videoconference calls (i.e., 128K, 384K). This is to ensure compatibility between the endpoint equipment and Service Delivery Division Video Service. Proper testing up front increases the success rates of future calls.

Upon review and approval of the Site Registration form, Site Contact form, and Site Test Call by Unified Network Services, a Site Validation form will be E-mailed to the Primary Site Contact. This validation will include Valid Site Name, Validation date, and Primary Site Contact User ID and Password to access TCReliance Web reservation system.


Step 3 - TCReliance Web reservation system

Service Delivery Division has introduced TCReliance reservation system in order to automate the scheduling process. TCReliance Web reservation system uses the Internet for remote video bridge scheduling and resource management in real-time. Users can instantly determine availability and schedule video bridge resources with a click of the mouse. Meetings are scheduled by choosing rooms from a directory. An on-line calendar allows users to quickly view and modify meeting details.

Before using TCReliance Web reservation system, you need to contact the administrator of each site you want to connect with and obtain approval for use of the "physical" site itself.

After confirming a sites "physical" availability, use TCReliance Web reservation system to reserve video bridging resources to connect the sites on the date and time you need the Video Conference to occur.

Q: When should I use TCReliance Web reservation system?

  1. After receiving confirmation that the "physical" site is available: After confirming a sites "physical" availability with the Site Coordinator(s), use TCReliance Web reservation system to reserve video bridging resources to connect the sites on the date and time you need the Video Conference to occur.
  2. To reserve a video bridge for a multipoint conference: Reserve a video bridge when three or more sites need to be connected at the same time.

Q: What conference mode options do I have using TCReliance Web reservation system?

  1. Voice-Activated Switching: This default option allows you to view the site speaking in a large, single- site image. This option is recommended for use in interactive meetings or when most of the participants are expected to share information.
  2. Continuous Presence: This option allows multiple sites to be viewed simultaneously on the same screen. The screen is split into quadrants, therefore, allowing multiple locations to be viewed at one time. This option must be requested at the time of reservation.

Click here to Logon to TCRelance Web reservation system.

Click here to see the Guidelines for Video Service

OIT Video Site Naming Convention

  • 3 character Organization code
  • dash
  • site name

    Examples:

    DAS-Rhodes SOT 7th Flr

Organization Codes

AGO - Attorney General
DAS - Administrative Services
DMH - Mental Health
DRC - Rehabilitation and Corrections
JFS - Job and Family Services
MSC - Miscellaneous state agencies
OET - Ohio Educational Television
OPL - Ohio Public Library
PRV - Zoos, Parks, Museums, and other content providers
UNV - Universities