Media Distribution Systems Overview
The Media Distribution Systems Group focuses its research and support efforts on the storage, delivery, and distribution of digital media assets.
System Support and Research
MDS investigates and recommends enterprise level implementations of emerging learning technologies in support of faculty teaching and research initiatives. These systems must be effective as well as expandable and dynamic-enabling future implementations of digital media as they develop, while ensuring compatibility and interoperability with legacy systems and formats. In addition, MDS provides infrastructure support for research efforts, sponsored projects, and community outreach activities originating within the Applied Learning Technologies Institute.
Streaming Media Farm
The University Technology Office provides a centralized, multi-format media storage, and distribution architecture to facilitate the delivery of multimedia content in support of ASU’s online learning environment. More...
Asset Management
MDS is actively involved in University efforts to design and construct a digital asset management system to capture, archive, index, and redistribute ASU's instructional, research, and public service output. Utilizing the latest data search and retrieval mechanisms, the system will allow both academic and metropolitan communities to derive maximum benefit from knowledge generated by ASU.
Video Conferencing
Media Distribution Systems provides centrally supported video conferencing services to the ASU campus community. MDS maintains an Accord MGC-100 multipoint control unit (MCU) which functions as a multimedia processor and an h.3xx gateway capable of supporting both H.323 (IP) and H.320 (ISDN) based conferencing. The MCU facilitates multipoint video conferencing as well as allows sites with different frame rates, connection speeds, audio algorithms, resolutions and network protocols, to transparently connect with one another. MDS staff also provides technical consulting services to the Provost's offices at East and West campuses, as well as Executive Provost's administrative staff on Main campus to assist in maintaining their conferencing equipment. More...