Extending Access to High-quality Streaming Video
In 2004, the Digital Video over Internet Protocol (DVIP) project further developed and promoted the Digital Video Transport System (DVTS) to enable high-quality Internet video production for a broad range of organizations that would not otherwise have the necessary money or expertise. Because it is based on the most common video output format for easy-to-operate video cameras, DVTS provides an inexpensive way to send high-quality video using Internet technology. DVIP is a project of the Internet2/ResearchChannel Working Group, which explores high-quality on-demand and streaming video applications.
A typical DVTS video stream requires 30 megabits per second, or nearly 30 times the bandwidth of an average home broadband connection. This means that while DVTS does not work well on the commercial Internet, the Internet2 network environment is well suited to its development and use. DVTS technology is also multicast-capable, which means that many endpoints can simultaneously view the same video stream while efficiently using network resources.
Experimental and production uses of DVTS have grown steadily since its debut at the DancingQ event in September 2003. At this event DVTS was used both to bring together distributed artists in Seoul and Busan, Korea, for a joint performance, and to send broadcast-quality video of the event around the world. The dance department at Internet2 member Florida State University uses DVTS for "performance conferencing.” The New World Symphony, also an Internet2 member, uses DVTS for distance learning programs for musicians, such as remote master classes.
The DVTS software is maintained by the WIDE project, an Internet2 international partner in Japan. The DVIP project brought the WIDE software together with hardware created by Internet2 corporate member Fujitsu Laboratories of America to make the technology more accessible to the research and education community. In addition to extending the DVTS technology, the Internet2/ResearchChannel Working Group held two successful hands-on workshops and provided technical support at several major events during 2004.