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Volume 2 Issue 2February 1998

Charles Mawson
Analyst, Telecommunications, CCCCO

As an ongoing effort to improve the use of video conferencing in education and administration, Pacific Bell and the Chancellor's Office sent out a video equipment needs survey in late January to determine future video conference equipment and training needs of the California Community Colleges.

The purpose of the survey was to see if the colleges could get the best price possible for additional equipment and training by showing vendors the volume for such services. (Note: the previous price for PictureTel units is no longer valid.) Colleges were also asked to supply alternative sources of equipment and training that were compatible with the current PictureTel Venue 2000 Model 50 systems purchased with 1996-97 funds.

Completing the survey did not obligate the college’s purchase of any equipment or training. Completed surveys should be sent to Charles Mawson at: cmawson@cc1.cccco.edu or 916-327-5902.

Current California Multiples Award Schedules (CMAS) price list for PictureTel peripherals
The following optional peripherals may be ordered as enhancements to your video conferencing systems. 1997-98 funding of $24,500 per college can be used to acquire additional systems, system peripherals, or training. (prices reflect State of California DGS contract)

• Canon RE-350 Document Camera - $2,800
  The Canon RE-350 document camera is the perfect option for presenting documents, charts, graphics, 3D objects, or film to your video conference audience with sharp, detailed, 450-line resolution. Features include: 12x power zoom, auto focus, auto light control, negative/positive image conversion, external synchronization port, large document accommodation without bending, built-in overhead and backlight lamps and automatic white balance. Includes camera cable.
• Scan-Do PC Scan Converter - $1,638
  The Scan-Do is a magnification feature that allows you to use a PC or Macintosh with your video conferencing system. Other features include: two-stage switchable anti-flicker filter for optimizing either flicker reduction or vertical resolution; switchable image freeze; switchable underscan/overscan modes; front panel controls, and four outputs for camera monitor, composite, S-video, and l5 KHz.
• Sony 4-Head VCR - $396
  This Sony 4-Head Videocassette Recorder is ideal for taping video conferences or for playing tapes to both local and remote audiences.
• Slide to Video Converter - $3,720
  The Elmo TRV-G Slide-to-Video Converter converts 35mm slide images to video signal and then record, transmit, or display images to remote sites. Features easy installation, manual focus, iris, zoom, and color correction controls, plus two connections for remote controls (remotes not included).
• Extra Power Mic - $800
  PictureTel's smart microphone actually "listens" to the person speaking and steers a highly directional electronic microphone beam in their direction for clear dialogue without background noise from other directions, covers a full 360 degrees and can be daisy-chained to a maximum of three PowerMic extensions.
• Extra Infrared Wireless Remote Control - $800
  Additional Infrared Wireless Keypads are now available from PictureTel to make your large group video conferencing even easier. Provides additional users with dial-up connection capability, near and far-end camera control, plus audio volume and muting; all with the freedom of wireless remote control.