What is Videocasting?
Videocasts allow people to view a presentation over the internet either live by watching the real-time streaming video, or on-demand as a pre-recorded video. Streaming files are not downloaded, but rather are broadcast in a manner similar to television broadcasts. While content is being viewed, the streaming server machine and software continues to "stream" data in such a manner that the viewer experiences no break in the content.
Videocasting Services Available to the NIH Community
CTIVS can broadcast your seminar, conference or meeting live to a world-wide audience over the internet. The event can be recorded and made available for viewers to watch at their convenience. Existing recordings can also be converted and published as videocasts or podcasts. In addition, captioning is available for Videocasts.
Introduction to Videocasting
The videos are processed by a compression program into a streaming format and delivered in a staggered fashion to minimize impact upon the network and maximize the experience of the content for the viewer. When users request a streaming file they will receive an initial burst of data after a short delay ("file latency").
Directory of NIH Videocasts
A complete schedule of current and future events, plus an archive of past events, is available at http://videocast.nih.gov.
Requirements to watch NIH Videocasts
To View World-Accessible NIH Videocasts:
Windows RealPlayer (available as a free download)
- RealPlayer for Windows - NIH Staff Only download
- RealPlayer for Windows - Public
- RealPlayer for Macintosh - Public
Internet connection with minimum of 350kbps. Dial-up is not supported.
Firewall Settings: Port 554 for RTSP unicasting must be allowed through your firewall
To View HHS-Only Videocasts:
- You must access the videocast from a computer logged into the HHS network which includes the following agencies: ACF, AoA, AHRQ, ATSDR, CDC, CMS, FDA, HHS, HRSA, IHS, NIH, PSC, and SAMHSA.
OR
- You will need an NIH Virtual Private Network (VPN) account and software to watch NIH-only or HHS-only VideoCasts from a private computer. VPN allows NIH employees to access the NIH network and Institute computing resources over a third-party Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as that from Verizon, AOL, or Comcast. You will need to contact your ISP to verify that the ISP allows VPN over their network.
To View NIH-Only Videocasts:
- You must access the videocast from a computer logged into the NIH network.
OR
- You will need an NIH Virtual Private Network (VPN) account and software to watch NIH-only or HHS-only VideoCasts from a private computer. VPN allows NIH employees to access the NIH network and Institute computing resources over a third-party Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as that from Verizon, AOL, or Comcast. You will need to contact your ISP to verify that the ISP allows VPN over their network.
