BCNETwork News

September 2007

High Definition Videoconferencing in Action Coming Soon to a Location Near You

One of the key objectives of BCNET is to foster next generation collaboration environments utilizing high definition videoconferencing. This objective envisions the establishment of high-definition videoconferencing systems throughout BC and utilizes BCNET’s Optical Regional Advanced Network.

The use of high-definition videoconferencing for next generation collaboration will significantly enhance the future of research and higher education efforts for BCNET's members and affiliates, and will keep BC at the forefront of innovation in the global scene.

The advancement of high definition videoconferencing technology produces a "just like being there" in person experience and results in more interactive and productive meetings. The technology creates a more enriched experience for online learning and collaboration, and potentially frees up guest speakers and meeting members from travel cost restrictions.

This year the Collaborative Learning and Technologies Working Group (CLTWG) is leading a HD Videoconferencing Pilot Project to research this latest technology. As part of BCNET’s initiative to foster next generation collaboration environments, a Request for Proposal was released this summer with the objective of establishing high-definition (HD) videoconferencing systems throughout BC for BCNET’s member community. Proposals have been submitted and are currently under evaluation.

With the support of the University Presidents’ Council, BCNET will implement high-definition videoconferencing systems in SFU’s Harbour Centre and at additional university sites throughout BC.
This BCNET project also will install HD videoconferencing systems at BC’s provincial chamber offices in Victoria and Vancouver as part of its Phase I plans.

The HD Videoconferencing system will provide BCNET’s member community with an effective collaboration tool that will improve the interactivity of meetings, while saving travel costs associated with distant meetings.