Convert Cable to IPTV

Analog TV’s are no longer manufactured so when units die they must be replaced with newer technology. For bigger impact and lower cost, many schools are installing projectors with large screens or smart boards and classroom PC’s to provide teachers with more flexibility.  The only problem with projectors and PC’s is there is no “built-in” tuner to change channels.

VideoCourier solves this problem at the headend by converting the analog cable signal to a digital multicast stream to deliver TV over the network to the classroom PC.  The PC converts the digital signal so it can be seen on the projector.  Channel conversion can be done for a single channel or in incremental groups of four channels.  Multicast reduces bandwidth and overhead on the network.

VideoCourier’s browser interface displays the channel line-up and descriptions to make it easy to change channels.

School districts like this because:

• It reduces the amount of complex equipment in the classroom.

• It reduces the support costs associated with TV tuner cards.

• It provides an extra level of control over the channel line-up because administration can limit the total number of channels in the system to just the relevant channels needed in a classroom. As an example, the cable company may provide 65+ channel but the appropriate number of channels for a school may only require 10 or 12. Under the VideoCourier solution the schools can eliminate unwanted channels and only provide the channels considered to be educational appropriate.

TV's and Public Areas

Many schools mount TV's in hallways and public areas to provide messaging and video. The VideoCourier solution includes Set Top Boxes that take the IP multicast signal and convert it into the appropriate signal for the TV which eliminates the need to maintain cable within the building.  The TV's can receive all authorized channels and include a customized interface and remote control.

Channel selection and management can be administered manually at each headend or automatically by incorporating VideoCourier’s device control to tune the channel before it is converted.  This can be done in software so control is only provided to authorized administrators.