Rice TV to broadcast video classrooms, college plays

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by Brooke Wooten

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The primary purpose of the cable channels is to promote distance learning. The system will be equipped to bring video signals from around campus and the Medical Center. It will eventually have the capacity to link with the University of Texas network.

Via satellite data links, the broadcasting channels will have the potential for connections with various medical schools. Within the university, the channels will air five television classrooms, including taped instruction.

Though its intended purpose is for informational and educational purposes, the channels may also air campus productions, such as college plays and musicals. It can also be utilized for meetings and teleconferences.

There will be a total of five channels for Rice University use. One channel will consist solely of campus announcements and schedules; it will use KTRU as background music. The five channels will air on current cable stations, including channels 2, 5, 8, 11 and 13.

Rice programming will alternate with regular programming on these cable stations. The stations to be periodically replaced are currently municipal television, video billboard, NASA select, Houston public access and the preview channel.

Daugherty will run the system, centered in the Mudd Building, and will schedule programming according to demand. Faculty, staff, colleges and student groups will be able to use the cable channels for their needs. In theory, anyone who desires to air programs on the network will be able to by contacting Daugherty.

"Initially, all who want to get on the system will be able to," Daugherty said.

He expects that it will be one to two years before demand to use the system will create scheduling conflicts.

Daugherty expects the network to be ready in approximately one month. It will be initially used to broadcast Colin Powell's discussion at the Baker Institute in November.

The network is being funded by $100,000 in university funds.

In addition, the funds will make video broadcasting available for use and viewing by the entire Rice community.

"This video system is a beginning toward distance learning from Rice, whether those distances might be short, i.e. between buildings on campus or, long, say between Rice University, Stanford or somebody's home," Daugherty said.

"The electrical engineering department has had a single channel for five years. This system is a further development of that idea, but to include the entire campus."

This item appeared in the News section of the October 6, 1995 issue.

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