Archived News
NEW!! - Access Grid Toolkit all in one Installer - click here for details.
EVO Version 2.8 now live - added Feb 2011
The latest version of EVO (V2.8) is now live. New features include:
- Updated ViEVO video client with better memory management
- New VIDEO transcoder: use of H.264 with many more different layouts
- H.323 client:
- Use of the H.264 codec that allows many video resolutions (up to full HD) with H.323 client
- Compatibility with H.239 protocol. It lets you send desktop (PC) presentation from your H.323 client to all the EVO participants.
- Gary Dear from the University of Surrey spoke about how they are using Access Grid Technologies across seven universities in the South East of England to conduct Physics lectures and seminars.
- Jos Costello from the NHS Mental Health Research Network spoke on how they have implemented IOCOM at sites across the UK for both meeting and training purposes, making vast savings both in terms of money, and time.
- HD video available
- New tools available such as Shared Paint and Shared OSG
- Configures automatically at first run, for some users
- Improved bridge lists
- Switches to unicast at startup, if no multicast available
- your desktop
- your conference room
- your wireless laptop
- your smartphone.
- Inbuilt echo cancelling
- Web Client
- Instant Messaging
- Instant Meeting
- File / desktop sharing
- Software echo cancellation option added for use on laptops
- Smoother Desktop Sharing to support frame-rates up to 30 fps, based on a system's screen resolution and capabilities
- Wide-screen video may be quickly resized by typing S (small), M (medium), L (large)
- Simpler firewalling option to connect via single port
- Windows 7 compatibility updates
- To enable students and academics to view and interact with research seminars and formal lectures.
- As a tool which the researchers can use to collaborate with each other.
- They are also planning to do a series of Seminars in the 2009-10 academic year where anybody is welcome to attend over the Access Grid.
- High Definition developments using AG
- Using AG in the arts
- AG in visualisation
AGSC promotes its green image - November 2010
The AGSC exhibited at the University of Manchester Sustainability event “What Would You Do?” on 17 November 2010. The main aim of the day was to get staff and students thinking about how they could start to reduce their carbon impact in a variety of situations. This included information on hybrid forms of transport, cycling initiatives and new recycling ideas. The AGSC were there to promote the use of videoconferencing services as a substitute for unnecessary travelling for meetings.
Access Grid nodes are already installed in many universities across the UK and so for little, or no initial cost, staff could use these systems to conduct meetings with distributed sites. Using video conferencing as an alternative to travel means that not only is the monetary cost of travelling reduced, so is the amount of time spent away from the office. A one hour meeting in London for a Manchester based member of staff can easily take a whole day; not with Access Grid! There are numerous initiatives that are already using Access Grid technologies in this way. The NHS Mental Health Research Network is one such example, using AG to conduct project meetings, training, and management meetings without any of the staff having to leave their office or institution. The savings are huge!
We were thrilled that the President and Vice-Chancellor for the University of Manchester, Dame Nancy Rothwell visited the Access Grid stand, as did Professor Maynard Case, Associate Vice President for Compliance, Risk and Sustainability. With such high profile members of the University attending events such as these, it bodes well for the future of promoting sustainable, green communication options such as Access Grid.
AGSC Training Workshop: 18 November 2010
The AGSC ran its biannual training workshop on 18 November. The workshop was attended by 16 people in total; 7 in person at the AGSC in Manchester, 2 from the University of Surrey and 7 from the Learning Gateway West at the University of Cumbria. The workshop gave participants an overview and update of all products supported by the AGSC, some tips on basic troubleshooting and setting up a successful session. The workshop was also an opportunity for participants to ask the AGSC any questions.
Two guest speakers also gave presentations using the IOCOM product:
Feedback received after the course was extremely positive, with one delegate saying that after attending the course remotely, they now feel more comfortable and confident in using their equipment.
The next AGSC Training Workshop will be held in April 2011.
Access Grid Toolkit Bundled Installer Released (3.2)
http://www.accessgrid.org/software
A new stable version (3.2) of the Access Grid toolkit has been released and is now available to download.
The AGSC has tested the Windows XP version and is now providing support for this. To maintain video interoperability between AGTk and IOCOM please continue to use the h.261 video codec.
Available to download are:
Microsoft
• Windows XP (toolkit only)
• Windows XP Bundled Installer (including applications such as AGVCR and TigerBoard)
We recommend that users install the Bundled version of the software.
Apple
• OS X 10.5 (Intel, Python 2.5)
Please note that the Mac version runs on Mac OS X 10.5.
Linux
Several Linux clients are available. Please visit the Access Grid Software page
Some New features since 3.1 release
For full details on the new functionalities and improvements and to download the software, please visit http://www.accessgrid.org/software/releases/3.2
New EVO - Skype Gateway Now Available
EVO have developed a new Gateway that allows users to use Skype (audio only) to connect to an EVO meeting. This development compliments the existing Gateways Support Suite they currently provide.
As well as allowing meetings with users on Skype and EVO, this gateway can also facilitate meetings between EVO, Skype, Access Grid and Video Conferencing endpoints (H.323). At present, this is a voice-only bridge and video will be added as further developments take place.
For more information on the Gateway, please visit the EVO/Skype Gateway page on the EVO website.
The EVO - Skype Gateway is currently in a pilot phase and so all feedback is important. Feedback can either be submitted to the AGSC (support@agsc.ja.net) or direct to EVO (evosupport@vrvs.org)
EVO 2.0 Now Default Version
As of June 28th, 2010, EVO 2.0 is now the default version of EVO.
User Guides for EVO 2.0 are available on our User Guides page. We advise users to have a look at the as there have been some enhancements to the product. If you have any comments on EVO 2.0 or the documentation, please contact the AGSC.
IOCOM introduces Visimeet: Take part in a free trial
http://www.iocom.com/products/visimeet
Visimeet is IOCOM's revolutionary new approach to cross-platform visual conferencing and collaboration. It is very adaptable and can be used on:
As well as high quality video and audio, Visimeet provides the user with a full suite of collaboration tools and features including;
The IOCOM Visimeet service is currently in beta and you are invited to take part in a free trial and experience for yourself the exciting changes.
There are currently no dates for the roll out of Visimeet in the UK, but IOCOM welcomes all comments and feedback.
[Please note, as this is a beta product, Visimeet is not yet supported by the AGSC].
Upgrade your IOCOM Client to version 2.08 ! -- April 2010
A New IOCOM client is currently being tested by the AGSC and will be released on 06 April 2010
Enhancements have been made to the client. These will include:
Full IOCOM release notes are available on the AGSC software pages. A further announcement will be made before these changes go live.
JANET(UK) Videoconferencing Strategic Review - 17th August 2009
JANET(UK) is currently carrying out a strategic review of their Video Services; for more information on this review see the JANET Videoconferencing Strategic Review page which includes information about the three key project areas (SIP, Data and Application Sharing, Gatekeepers and Addressing) currently under review.
Collaborative Tools for Teaching Demonstrations
The Access Grid Support Centre aims to hold demonstrations of its services and supported tools at least once a month. These can either take place at the University of Manchester or can be arranged to take place at your institution if you prefer. for more information please visit Training and Events.
AGSC Workshop – 6th November 2008
Author: Paul Kuchar – November 21, 2008
The AGSC held its bi-annual training workshop at a new Access Grid node recently installed in Devonshire House at the University of Manchester. Workshop sessions were designed to introduce Access Grid to new users and help existing users get the best possible experience from their AG nodes.
Devonshire House – AGSC Access Grid node
Sessions were delivered both over the Access Grid to 10 remote sites via their own AG nodes and to 15 visitors who travelled to Manchester. Remote participants used a mix of room or desktop nodes, using either the AG Toolkit or the IOCOM client. Those who attended in person travelled from various educational institutions across the UK.
Members of the AGSC gave presentations on various aspects of Access Grid, of which the Multicast presentation was particularly well received. Details of all the sessions can be found here on the AGSC website together with the presentations.
A working lunch was spent at Christie’s Bistro with participants asking many interesting questions about Access Grid room types, layouts, audio equipment and collaborative tools such as whiteboards.
The new AGSC training facility at Devonshire House
The afternoon began with a presentation introducing the features of Access Grid audio. This was followed by a number of live demonstrations, including: how to solve common audio faults; the common and main functionality of AG tools e.g. the AG toolkit and IOCOM; sharing; and hands-on AG experience. In the audio troubleshooting demonstration, participants were “treated” to sound distortion, echo and their rectification.
Finally, a question and answer session was thrown open to the floor. The subjects ranged from room design to the basics of echo cancellation software.
The feedback from the local participants was very positive with comments such as “great experience”, “plain English explanation” and “many thanks for a most informative day”. One attendee, Kenny Ryan from the Royal College of Surgeons, was very excited about potential uses of AG in the medical field.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the AGSC Workshop. Your contribution made it a great success. If you have any questions about the technology used then please contact us.
We intend to hold our next training workshop in approximately six months’ time and would welcome your feedback on any ideas or sessions that you would like to see incorporated.
AGSC at Graduate Research Conference September 17th, 2008
Author: Paul Kuchar – September 18, 2008
The Graduate Research Conference is an annual event which serves as a showcase for interdisciplinary research undertaken by postgraduate students and post-doctoral research assistants from across the Faculty of Engineering and Physics Sciences at the University of Manchester.
The AGSC had their own stand where they introduced the Access Grid to the graduate community and other potential and interested users, explaining the scalability and collaborative capabilities of Access Grid.
A link was established to the AGSC office with members of the AGSC team interacting with people at the conference. Due to space limitations only 2 of the 4 high quality cameras were used plus a High Definition webcam at each endpoint to demonstrate the HD capability of Access Grid. This generated much interest.
We would like to thank everyone who visited the AGSC stand. If you or anyone you know thinks that they could make use of the technology demonstrated by the AGSC, or have any further questions about the technology, then please contact us.
AGSC at the All Hands Meeting, September 8 - 11, 2008
Author: Ben Green – September 13, 2008
Between September the 8th and 11th 2008, the AGSC attended the annual 'All Hands Meeting' e-Science conference, held this year in Edinburgh.
The AGSC had their own booth where they demonstrated Access Grid technologies, publicised their services, and met current and potential AG users.
This was the AGSC's first demonstration of High Definition video across Access Grid which generated much interest due to the large improvement in video quality that HD transmission achieves, without a significant increase in network usage.
Also popular was the fact that at times the AGSC booth wasn't manned ! In other words, the booth was layed out such that conference delegates, once near the booth, were greeted by Manchester based members of the AGSC via the Access Grid. The delegate could then sit down, and have an Access Grid meeting with members of the AGSC via the 'small office' node that had been setup within the booth. The AGSC managed to squeeze into the booth 5 high quality video cameras that make up the portable node that is used for Access Grid demonstrations.
With the Manchester based colleagues helping out, this meant that AGSC members Mohammed Din and Ben Green were free to visit the main conference breakout areas, and booths, and meet many delegates in person.
One of the key reasons for meeting delegates was to get feedback, and this was mainly accomplished by distributing a questionnaire. The AGSC were very pleased to receive 75 completed questionnaires, which provides vast amounts of useful information. One lucky person who completed the questionnaire (Owain Kenway) won an 8Gb iPod nano for his efforts! He received his prize during the official AHM2008 evening meal.
Mohammed Din, Manager of the AGSC presents Owain Kenway with his prize
The AGSC would like to thank everyone who visited us in our booth, and who completed our questionnaire. If you or your institution are interested in an Access Grid demonstration, please contact us.
Great Western Research Promotes Distant Research & Learning using Access Grid for Collaboration
Author: Ian Dennell – August 1, 2008
The Great Western Research (GWR) initiative is a 5-year, £14m investment which aims to provide cutting-edge research collaboration and training in the South West of England.
GWR has invested in seven dedicated AG nodes - three at Bristol University, two at Bath University and two at Exeter University. Nodes are also planned at UWE and Plymouth. In addition, each academic institution in the South West has received a license for some desktop nodes- an extra 32 desktop nodes in 13 locations.
The project manager of GWR, Paul Hudson, said:
“The fundamental concept of GWR is to promote collaborations between high quality research groups in the South West.”
GWR are using the Access Grid:
For more information about GWR please see: http://www.greatwesternresearch.ac.uk/
An interactive view of one of the GWR Exeter nodes:
http://www.ex.ac.uk/virtualtours/streathambroadband/38.htm
AG Check
Author: Ian Dennell – July 25, 2008
The AGSC has launched a new online tool for video and audio assessment - AG Check.
AG Check provides a quick and easy way of self testing your node. It takes approx 10 minutes to run.
The service can be accessed on http://agcheck.ag.manchester.ac.uk. (Note: you will need to authenticate yourselves using your booking service username/password combination.)
If you're an Access Grid toolkit user then you need the latest version (4.4.01) of RAT installed which can be found here http://mediatools.cs.ucl.ac.uk/nets/mmedia/wiki/RatDownload.
Please see http://www.ja.net/services/video/agsc/services/agcheckpage.html for more information.
A help file is also available at http://agcheck.ag.manchester.ac.uk/help/
Access Grid (AG) Retreat 2008
By Ian Dennell - July 15, 2008
The 2008 Access Grid (AG) Retreat was held from May 28th to 30th in the IRMACS Centre at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada. Pierre Boulanger, Director of the Advanced Man-Machine Interface Laboratory at the University of Alberta, gave the keynote address. This Retreat is an annual event attended by users, developers, and researchers who use Access Grid software and its collaborative tools.
The Program includes presentations suitable for people at all levels of AG technical expertise, from first time AG users to developers in collaborative technology and streaming media. Ian Dennell from the Access Grid Support Centre attended and gave a talk on AG Check, the AGSC’s new automated audio/video quality checking tool.
There was a variety of topics including talks on:
Some topics which may be of particular interest include:
AG Check – automatic testing for AG
Portal Access Grid - the portal AG which runs off a Java enabled browser and doesn’t need firewall settings changed
The AVATS and SUMOVER projects: The media tools continue - which are an improved VIC and RAT so the Access Grid Toolkit could use H.264 CODECs which can be viewed with IOCOM.
A copy of the Retreat program is available here: http://www.accessgrid.org/retreat/2008/Program_080527.pdf
Abstracts and slides from the speakers are available here: http://www.accessgrid.org/retreat/2008/program
Once the talks were finished there were a couple of AG Hands on sessions, one for users and one for developers, which covered a range of topics related to Access Grid developments. These sessions gave users and developers a chance to learn from each other and share ideas.
Ian found the retreat an invaluable experience and would recommend anyone using Access Grid should try to attend future retreats.
Winner of the AGSC Survey 2008
By Paul Kuchar - July 1, 2008
At the beginning of 2008, the AGSC conducted a survey of Access Grid users which focused on the usability and manageability of Access Grid. In this survey, we also tried to explore user concept of session quality and their opinion of AGSC initiatives.
As part of our survey, we entered the names of those who participated into a prize draw for £100 that would be decided by randomly drawing a name.
Out of 49 participants, the winner of the random draw is Prof. Roy Kalawsky of Loughborough University.
Professor Kalawsky says “I have been using Access Grid technology for over five years now and when the AGSC asked the community to complete their survey I jumped at the chance. They have helped me greatly in the past and I wanted to do my bit to contribute to their service improvement; I never really expected to win anything – I’m obviously delighted.”
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the survey.”
Access Grid for an eOutreach Schools Project
By Lara van de Langeryt - April 11, 2008
In December 2007, Robert Cullis at Bedford School contacted the AGSC regarding the possibilityof utilising Access Grid for their eOutreach project. This project, which is funded by the Sutton Trust,aims to provide an accessible online virtual interface between schools and universities with the specific objective of widening participation in Higher Education.
Collaborating with Sheffield University and later with Bristol, the project was established in December 2004 using videoconferencing technology and so far has delivered 38 lectures involving ten UK schools. In a quest to widen accessibility to schools without videoconferencing equipment, the project began using licensed web-based software. The platform, however, was non-standards compliant and some of the sessions suffered from poor audio quality and technical support. The lectures were typically run from desktops, unable to take advantage of the well organised AV studios at both universities.
With this in mind, Robert decided a more suitableand reliable platform for the project, whose ethos was more in keepingthan that of thecurrent web-basedprovider, should be sought. By finding and using a standards compliant piece of software, lecturers can return to their existing videoconferencing or Access Grid studios, use the high quality facilities already in place and vastly improve the lecture experience provided to the students. At the same time total accessibility is achievable using a school’s existing pc and internet facilities.
The focus is now on getting a selection of schools from the eOutreach project set up on the free version of Access Grid, AG Toolkit 3, with the vision to use this in the future for their communication needs between schools and the universities. The first online lecture is planned for the end of April with Sheffield University. In the meantime, students at Bedford School are currently designing a website to manage the project as more schools and universities get involved. Robert has complimented the AGSC team saying they have been extremely helpful in participating to get this trial up and running.
Robert is the eOutreach Project Manager and can be contacted at rcullis@bedfordschool.org.uk if there are any questions about his AG trial experiences to date or interest from schools or universities who would like to be involved.