Streaming Media Service no longer available after June 1, 2012

To: Streaming Media Account Holders
Subjects: Streaming Media Service no longer available after June 1, 2012

Colleagues,Over the past several years, improved alternatives to the streaming media service have been made available. Many previous users of the streaming media service are already using these newer alternatives. Due to these improved alternatives and decreased usage of the streaming media service, the Streaming Media Service (http://streaming.uga.edu) will no longer be available after June 1, 2012.

If you currently utilize the streaming media service, you should begin making preparations to download and move your media files to other alternatives before June 1, 2012.

EITS is available to help answer any questions you might have and provide assistance you might need regarding moving your media files to other alternatives.

Several alternatives are available to support your needs for streaming media.

Alternatives:

EITS and CTL jointly support alternatives to streaming media. These alternatives include:

Podcasting: The University System of Georgia Podcasting Service offers most of the same functionality as the Streaming Service, and is much easier to use and more flexible. Podcasting allows the dissemination of audio, video, and PDF files. These files can be downloaded via a subscription service, or embedded in a webpage to be viewed online. The USG Podcasting Service includes embedding code to allow videos to be places inside an eLearning Commons course and viewed only by students in that course. The same code can be used to embed vides onto other HTML pages as well. The USG Podcasting Server will accept a number of file types, such as .mp3, mp4, .m4v, and .pdf files.To request an account on the USG Podcasting Server, go to http://podcasting.uga.edu and go to Request Podcasting Channel.

Wimba Classroom: Wimba Classroom is an online classroom program available through eLearning Commons. It features two-way audio, video, chat, and PowerPoint, as well as application sharing features. Sessions held in Wimba Classroom can be recorded using the built-in archiving feature. The audio, video, PowerPoint, and application sharing will all be recorded for the archive. These archives can be accessed through eLearning Commons, or guest access may be enabled to allow participants outside of eLearning Commons to access. The files may also be downloaded as .mp3 audio-only or .mp4 video files, that may then be uploaded to the USG Podcasting Service.For more information on Wimba Classroom, go to http://wimba.uga.edu/liveclass.html

Wimba Voice Tools: Wimba Voice Tools are a suite of voice recording, voice discussion, and voice podcasting tools integrated into eLearning Commons. These tools allow for the creation of audio content from within eLearning Commons without the need for specialized software.For more information on Wimba Voice Tools, go to http://wimba.uga.edu/voice_tools.html

The EITS Helpdesk is ready to assist you if you have any questions regarding the Streaming Media Service alternatives.

Questions related to the Streaming Media Service alternatives may be directed to helpdesk@uga.edu or 706-542-3106.