[188] in Resnet-Forum
ResNet Video at Penn
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Chris Cook)
Wed Mar 9 15:47:17 1994
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 1994 15:20:10 +0300
To: resnet-forum@MIT.EDU
From: cook@pobox.upenn.edu (Chris Cook)
Hello, I'm Chris Cook, coordinator of the ResNet Video Program here at the
University of Pennsylvania.
I was forwarded the following and am happy to respond --
> Query to Dan Updegrove at Penn: Could you please tell us more about your
> Resnet TV service? Is it a "free" service or are students charged for it?
> What programming is Penn providing, in addition to the movie channel?
> Regarding the movie channel (fascinating idea), who runs it and how is it
> managed? What kinds of film are you showing and who picks the films?
> Where do the films come from and how expensive a service has it been (I
> assume you have to purchase public performance rights to what you show?)?
The ResNet Video Program currently serves approximately 1,500
students on campus, in four dormitory sites, two of which have a
predominantly first-year population, and two predominantly upperclass.
Students do not pay for it on a fee-for-service basis, although their rent
is slightly higher to reflect their building's "wired" benefits. Current
offerings include more than 50 channels of programming (off air,
informational, entertainment, international, local origination).
Phase II of the program, set for completion in fall '94, will expand
the base by about 1,000 individuals, located in the remaining two high-rise
residence halls. (The rest of the campus will follow in the remaining few
years).
The ResNet Movie Channel runs 25 films per month, 24-hours per day,
leased from Films Inc. out of Chicago. Input for title selection comes
from the students informally and through a somewhat more formal student
advisory committee. Availability of titles, too, has a big impact on
selection. The channel runs out of my office using a 16-VCR controller
made by Adtec. I have a student "manager" of the channel who works out
schedules, etc.
We also ResNet Bulletin Board Channel which runs character-generated
information pages in constant rotation, promoting upcoming events and
providing information of all types. The audio for this channel is provided
by the student-run radio station, which was previously an AM
carrier-current signal.
Additional local origination programming is in the works, but exactly
what form it will end up in, I'm not sure. We do have access to quite an
extensive library of programming -- local stuff and pre-produced for which
rights have been purchased. I'd also like for taped student arts
productions to factor in significantly in this channel. Eventually, this
channel is intended to branch into a few, as local programming becomes
diversified. Frankly, though, this being the first year of the project,
we've had enough to take care of running what we've got, that not too much
energy has been left over to give to this idea yet. Soon ...
I think that covers most everything in a pretty general way ... I'd
be glad to answer any other questions you might have.
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Christopher Cook, coordinator
ResNet Video Program, Department of Residential Living
Academic Video Network, Data Communications and Computing Services
University of Pennsylvania
3650 Chestnut Street, Suite 111
Philadelphia, PA 19104
VOICE: 215-573-4286
cook@pobox.upenn.edu
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