Overview

NOTE: IHETS has retired the a satellite-based system and implemented a Web-based service. Delivery of satellite courses will not be offered after June 30, 2006, at which time the satellite equipment will no longer be functional.

The new service, called IHETS Interactive, will offer a high-quality, one-way video and two-way audio combined with multiple tools for presentation and collaboration in a seamless interface.

Built using Adobe's Breeze Meeting, IHETS Interactive offers many advantages over the aging satellite service, including the fact that it is available to faculty, students, and staff from any home, office, campus, or other location that has broadband Internet access and a relatively up-to-date computer. Providing increased functionality in comparison to the satellite network, IHETS Interactive also includes variety of tools to conduct real-time or on-demand classes, virtual office hours, meetings, workshops, and more.

Why replace the satellite system?

One of the critical questions was whether or not to invest in a costly upgrade for satellite-based system. Several issues were considered in making the decision to no longer use the satellite delivery model.

• The satellite equipment deployed at IHETS originator and receive locations is obsolete and no longer manufactured. Components to repair and/or replace failed units are in short supply.
  
• Replacing existing originating, receiving, and network control equipment would require a $1.7 million capital investment. Without replacement, system reliability is seriously compromised.
  
• The recurring annual operating costs of the satellite system are $1.1 million dollars, including $758,400/year lease for four satellite channels. Operational costs for IHETS Interactive will be significantly lower than for the satellite system.
  
• Today, the satellite network supports just 7 percent of distance education courses offered and 6 percent of distance enrollments generated by member institutions, as compared to 1995-96 when it accounted for 37 percent of the enrollments. The reason for that shift is that online enrollments now comprise approximately 80 percent of Indiana's total distance enrollments.
  
• Video streaming technologies have improved dramatically and the industry has worked aggressively toward solving latency (delay) problems, which makes real-time audio interaction feasible.

History of satellite system to expire June 30, 2006

On behalf of its member institutions, IHETS operates multiple channels of satellite-based programming delivered to more than 400 receive sites. Programs include both credit courses and noncredit continuing education and training.

Programming originates from higher education institutions across the state and signals are transmitted from these locations to a GE-3 Americom satellite. Authorized receiving locations can view programming (unauthorized viewing violates IHETS policy and U.S. copyright law).

When receive site personnel learn of a program they want view, they obtain permission from an origination coordinator r in advance. Each receiving site’s signal-decoding device is programmed from IHETS Help Desk to receive the program.

Satellite receive sites are located in hospitals, libraries, K-12 schools, business and industry, as well as higher education institutions varying numbers of students. Sites control access, thus, a business may only allow it’s own employees to view programs. High schools may restrict use during school hours but allow the public to use their facilities in the evening. Libraries may or may not offer community members access. Thus, originating institutions have control over what programming is transmitted and receive sites have autonomy in approving access.

This page contains links to more information about the service. After June 30, 2006, please refer to IHETS Interactive.