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OS/2 Shareware BBS: 16 Announce
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1994-04-08
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DATE 940405
CATEGORY CM00, CM40, WS00, WS20
TITLE IBM ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER VERSION 1.0
ABSTRACT Ultimedia (R) VideoCharger is client/server software that
enables video playback for a large number of clients on existing
departmental or campus LANs (Token-Ring and Ethernet). Included with
Ultimedia VideoCharger are client, resource management and player
software, which allow audio and video programs stored in a digital
file server to be retrieved, decompressed, and played on a specific
channel at the workstation via either an existing LAN cabling system
or a site television cable (CATV) network.
The Ultimedia VideoCharger desktop client allows a user or
application to select a video and use VCR-like controls (START,
PAUSE, STOP, REWIND, MUTE) to control the playback of that video.
Upon receiving a request from the client, the Ultimedia VideoCharger
server allocates one of its digital video players, and lets the
client view the video at the desktop. The actual video signals
travel from the Ultimedia VideoCharger player to the client's desktop
via the LAN cabling system or a CATV distribution network. This same
CATV distribution network can be used concurrently for broadcasts and
video conferencing.
Ultimedia VideoCharger's method of using the LAN cabling
system or CATV networks to deliver video information to the client
does not impact the existing digital bandwidth for the LAN. Digital
video playback can be provided to many concurrent users without
impacting normal LAN traffic. Ultimedia VideoCharger also
facilitates the sharing of digital video playback equipment by any
number of clients. Shared environment eliminates the need to
purchase digital playback equipment for each desktop.
Ultimedia VideoCharger works in conjunction with many
different types of LAN servers where customers' digital video files
can reside. Ultimedia VideoCharger is compatible with IBM LAN
Server, IBM LAN Server Ultimedia, and IBM LAN File Services/ESA
(LFS/ESA).
IBM Ultimedia VideoCharger is supported on OS/2 (R) and
DOS/Windows (1) operating systems enabling a significant number of
existing workstations to utilize these products.
One-Time Charge: $2,950
Planned Availability Date: April 29, 1994
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation
(1) Trademark of Microsoft Corporation
IN BRIEF . . .
Features:
o Provides client/server video for workstations on LANs
o Runs on OS/2 and DOS/Windows operating systems
o Supports DVI and MPEG1 CODEC standards
o Compatible with IBM LAN Server, LAN Server Ultimedia, and LAN
File Services/ESA (LFS/ESA)
o Includes a basic client application with VCR-like functions
o Provides client/server application program interfaces
o Manages the distribution and playing of video data
o Provides queueing support for player usage
Benefits:
o Shares high-resolution video playback resources using a
client/server model
o Protects investment during rapid evolution of video playback
technologies
o Coexists with existing analog video devices and systems
o Provides video playback capabilities for many clients using
existing PCs and LAN cabling systems
o Provides video distribution without impacting normal LAN traffic
o Reduces the user cost of receiving video at the workstation and
expands and enhances video playing equipment
o Utilizes and benefits from a number of IBM multimedia (Ultimedia)
products and is positioned to evolve as a platform
PRODNO 5871-BBB
5871-BB4
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
IBM Ultimedia VideoCharger is LAN-oriented client/server
software that enables the playback of stored digital videos at the
desktop. Video's can be distributed on either the LAN cabling system
or a CATV network. Key functions supported are as follows:
o Allows workstations at a desktop to request video programs for
viewing
o Allocates/de-allocates a player for the workstation
o Selects a channel for video play and informs the workstation
o Manages the retrieval and distribution of the video program
o Provides VCR like controls (pause and rewind) to the workstation
o Provides scalability for players both in quantity and
coder/decoder (CODEC) type
o Utilizes and benefits from a number of IBM multimedia (Ultimedia)
products and is positioned to evolve as a platform
With Ultimedia VideoCharger, customers can play many kinds of
audio/video programs at user workstations from both a digital storage
server or even from standard CATV sources. Ultimedia VideoCharger
allows customers to implement low-cost TV features at their users'
workstations by providing a managed player and broadcast/distribution
system, which can be enhanced or expanded as required. Customers
have flexibility to integrate both CATV and digital video or even
video conferencing on a single broadcast network.
BENEFITS OF THE ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER ENVIRONMENT
Ultimedia VideoCharger is a video server that supports the
distribution of video, on demand, over existing LANs or over an
analog system (CATV).
The key advantages of Ultimedia VideoCharger to the customer
are:
o SHARING OF VIDEO PLAYBACK RESOURCES USING A CLIENT/SERVER MODEL
With the onset of digital video technologies that permit
the storage of video in a compressed file format, networked video
playback systems have begun to emerge. Video files can now be
shared like any other type of file in a client/server
environment. Currently available digital video playback systems
presume that each client must have its own video decompression
capability, because files are delivered to clients in compressed
format.
Higher resolution video is created (compressed) and played
back (decompressed) using a CODEC adapter. Higher resolution
usually means that the CODEC itself is more expensive. Customers
may question whether their video needs currently warrant this
type of each investment for every client. Ultimedia VideoCharger
promotes upward scalability of multimedia investment because a
scalable number of CODECs can be shared by any number of clients.
A customer can start with a few shared CODECs, and add more as
the usage of video information increases. New clients can also
be added with minimal investment.
o INVESTMENT PROTECTION DURING RAPID EVOLUTION OF VIDEO PLAYBACK
TECHNOLOGIES
Rapid advances are being made in the technologies that
provide high-resolution motion video. This means that new types
of CODECs, necessary for the playback of high-resolution video
continue to appear on the market. If a customer places a CODEC
in each desktop PC to provide video playback, that PC is limited
to playing back videos coded in that format. To access a new
format the PC must be equipped with another CODEC that can play
the new format.
With Ultimedia VideoCharger different types of CODECs can
be located and shared in a server environment. All the PCs on
the LAN can access videos coded in any format. Videos coded in
old formats can continue to be used along with videos coded in
the latest format. All that is necessary is adding appropriate
CODECs to the server. Content migration is either unnecessary,
or can proceed at the customer's own pace. With an Ultimedia
VideoCharger system, the customer will not have to select the
type of CODEC to put in the desktop PCs, because there is no
CODEC in the client PC. Currently, Ultimedia VideoCharger
software supports two of the most popular CODECs used for
high-resolution motion video playback: DVI and MPEG1.
o COEXISTENCE WITH EXISTING VIDEO DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
In the Ultimedia VideoCharger environment, the
video-users' PC workplace can be equipped with a relatively
inexpensive video/audio device. The device can be a special card
with video/audio capability that resides in a PC, a relatively
small external PC attachment, or other TV-like device. Devices
like this are available from IBM (PS/2 (R) TV and M-Motion
adapter) and from other manufacturers.
These video devices, and the associated video distribution
system, may already be present in many customer
locations--particularly if the customer has site cable, external
cable TV, or video conferencing systems. Ultimedia VideoCharger
can become part of a single system that also provides video
conferencing, or site cable capabilities. Because Ultimedia
VideoCharger is intended to fit into existing environments, the
exact range of options available to the customer should be
evaluated against existing configurations.
o VIDEO ACCESS CAPABILITIES USING EXISTING PCS AND LANS
Ultimedia VideoCharger's flexible design lets it fit into
prevalent departmental/campus LAN configurations including
Token-Ring, Ethernet, and IBM LAN Server environments. With
Ultimedia VideoCharger, customers can turn any number of existing
PCs on a LAN into VCR-like video viewing stations by equipping
them with an analog audio/video display device. The Ultimedia
VideoCharger design exploits existing technologies, but it also
lets the customer exploit newer technologies such as LAN Server
Ultimedia, and LAN File Services/ESA. Other types of server
support and technologies could also be added in the future.
Ultimedia VideoCharger video playback can occur over
analog technologies using F-couplers (frequency coupling),
coaxial cable, or other distribution technologies. For example,
a video distribution system can use IBM's F-Coupler technology to
carry a video signal over existing Token-Ring and IBM's Cabling
System STP wiring.
o VIDEO PLAYBACK CAPABILITIES FOR MANY CLIENTS ON LIMITED BANDWIDTH
With video server software that requires a CODEC in every
PC, customers may find that the existing departmental or campus
LAN can only support a small number of users concurrently
accessing different video streams. The video distribution system
exploited by Ultimedia VideoCharger distributes video as an
analog signal, so many concurrent users can be supported without
impacting normal LAN data traffic.
o APPLICATION PROGRAM INTERFACES (API)
The Ultimedia VideoCharger APIs can help a customer
integrate video playback capabilities into new or existing
line-of-business applications for LAN environments. The client
application packaged with Ultimedia VideoCharger provides simple
VCR-like controls to an end user, but more sophisticated
applications have been developed at pilot sites. One such site
is the IBM International Education Center (IEC) in La Hulpe,
Belgium. The open learning environment created by the IEC is
aimed at providing an open platform for delivering digital videos
and other types of courseware or source materials to users.
Through exploitation of the Ultimedia VideoCharger API and other
technologies that use CATV infrastructure, this open learning
environment provides a menu driven window system that lets users
navigate through the following education and training functions:
- Access to a catalog of courses with descriptions, objectives
and glossaries, with hypertext function
- Access to digital videos with simple VCR-like controls
- Access to the existing TV channels and to remote VCRs
- Message exchange capabilities for students and instructors
- Skills assessment tools and quizzes (post-instruction)
- Access to other (digitized) courseware (CBT, CD-ROMs)
- System maintenance facilities and measurement tools for use
by instructors
PRODUCT POSITIONING
IBM introduces to the marketplace a new video server, Ultimedia
VideoCharger, aimed at commercial, government, and education markets.
This new video server joins IBM's current family of LAN server
products (LAN Server and LAN Server Ultimedia) that can be used to
satisfy video serving needs for departmental and campus LANs.
Ultimedia VideoCharger is compatible with LAN Server, LAN Server
Ultimedia, and LAN File Services/ESA.
Ultimedia VideoCharger differs from other LAN-oriented video
servers by shattering prevailing restrictions on the number of users
who can concurrently playback digital videos in existing departmental
and campus LAN environments. CATV-quality video is now concurrently
available to many clients on existing Token Ring and Ethernet LAN
cabling systems. Customers can use Ultimedia VideoCharger to
simultaneously provide many users with interactive control of
different videos, to broadcast videos to multiple clients, or to
achieve a desirable mix of those two environments. Ultimedia
VideoCharger is used in conjunction with PCs that can display
composite video to the VGA screen, or with other TV devices used to
display composite video. The CATV-like infrastructure utilized by
Ultimedia VideoCharger permits it to coexist with site cable and some
video conferencing systems.
Ultimedia VideoCharger works in conjunction with different
file servers on which the customers' digital video files may reside.
The choice of digital video file server should be appropriate to the
specific customer's environment and needs. Ultimedia VideoCharger
works with IBM LAN Server, and can also be used with LAN Server
Ultimedia when an industrial strength OS/2 LAN video server is
desired. Because LAN File Services/ESA can be used to extend the
reach of an IBM LAN Server to the ES/9000 (TM), Ultimedia
VideoCharger can be used in conjunction with an ES/9000 video file
server.
(TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation
STATEMENT OF GENERAL DIRECTION
IBM intends to provide video serving capabilities to Novell**
NetWare** environments. The announcement and availability of NetWare
capabilities in future versions of Ultimedia VideoCharger will be
based on IBM's business and technical judgment.
** Product or company name is a trademark or registered trademark of
its respective holder.
CUSTINFO PUBLICATIONS
The ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER PRODUCT GUIDE (SC31-6529) is
shipped as documentation for Ultimedia VideoCharger. To order
additional copies, contact your IBM representative.
The guide will be available on the IBM Online Omnibus Edition:
OS/2 Collection, starting in June 1994. Customers can order via
PUBORDER on IBMLink (TM).
EDUCATION SUPPORT
An education curriculum will be provided for the products
included in this announcement.
Details of the education support will be provided by product
availability through separate Education announcements.
Descriptions of all classroom and self-study courses are
contained in the SKILL DYNAMICS (TM) CATALOG OF IBM EDUCATION
(G320-1244).
Call Skill Dynamics, An IBM Company, at 800-IBM-TEACH
(426-8322) for schedules and enrollments.
TECHINFO TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER RESOURCE MANAGER: Any personal computer with
Intel** (or 100% compatible) 80386 and above microprocessor (80x86
processors) capable of running OS/2 Version 2.0, or later, with the
following:
o 0.5MB hard disk space
o A 3.5-inch diskette drive
o A Token-Ring or Ethernet LAN Adapter
ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER PLAYER: Any personal computer with Intel (or
100% compatible) 80386, and above, microprocessor (80x86 processors)
capable of running OS/2 2.0, or later, or any personal computer with
Intel (or 100% compatible) 80386, and above, microprocessor (80x86
processors) capable of running DOS/Windows Version 3.1 with the
following:
o 0.5MB hard disk space
o A 3.5-inch diskette drive
o A Token-Ring or Ethernet LAN Adapter
o An ActionMedia II card for DVI CODEC
or
o An Optibase PCMotion card for MPEG1 CODEC
NOTE: One player can be combined with the Server on a single
workstation. When this is done, the hard disk requirements must also
be combined (1.0MB hard disk space).
ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER CLIENTS: Any personal computer with Intel (or
100% compatible) 80386 and above microprocessor (80x86 processors)
capable of running OS/2 2.0, or later, or any personal computer with
Intel (or 100% compatible) 80286 and above microprocessor (80x86
processors) capable of running DOS/Windows Version 3.1 with the
following:
o 0.5MB hard disk space
o A 3.5-inch diskette drive
o A Token-Ring or Ethernet LAN Adapter
o The Client will need a method for displaying the analog signal.
This could be a TV, PS/2 TV, M-Motion adapter card, or a similar
device.
VIDEO FILE SERVER: The file server can be any suitable PC or
equivalent. A LAN adapter is required. The approximate amount of
disk storage space required can be calculated by multiplying the
number of minutes of video that are to be stored on the file server
by 10MB. An alternative to large hard disks at the file server can
be an LFS/ESA connection from the file server to a 3090 (TM) system.
Ultimedia VideoCharger runs with OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0, or
higher, with LAN Requester Versions 2.0 and 3.0, and with LAN Server
Ultimedia.
ANALOG DISTRIBUTION NETWORK: The analog distribution network
connects the output of the CODEC cards in the players to the
receiving clients. This is essentially a small private cable system.
For details on the analog distribution network and on the
other Ultimedia VideoCharger components, refer to the Product Guide
or ask an IBM representative to assist in providing a Systems Design
Guide and Configuration Tool or a listing of Pre-approved Systems
Integrators and Consultants available from IBM.
CARD COMPATIBILITY INFORMATION: Device drivers for the LAN Adapter,
ActionMedia II, and Optibase PCMotion cards are required and are
provided with the respective cards, purchased separately.
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
ULTIMEDIA VIDEOCHARGER SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENT: The Ultimedia
VideoCharger system consists of a server, which communicates with
many clients and video players. An operational Ultimedia
VideoCharger client/server and player complex can be established with
the Ultimedia VideoCharger Systems Kit program diskettes. The server
software allows up to 10 active video players which can be either all
DVI or MPEG1 coding standards based or a mix of these up to 10. For
additional players, the Additional Player Kit is required which
allows 10 additional active players. Also included in the System
Kit, are OS/2 and DOS/Windows master software diskettes. These are
distributed features and must be ordered for each client used.
The following table shows prerequisite operating systems and
protocols by Ultimedia VideoCharger component.
OS/2 AND DOS/WINDOWS
COMPONENT PROTOCOL AND PROTOCOL
Server Yes and use No
NetBIOS or TCP
Player Yes and use Yes and use
NetBIOS or TCP NetBIOS or TCP
Client Yes and use Yes and use
NetBIOS or TCP NetBIOS or TCP
The Ultimedia VideoCharger Server provides resource management
and can perform as a player. It requires OS/2 2.0, or later.
Players can also be installed on DOS/Windows (with DOS Version 4.01,
or later).
TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 or 2.0 is required with OS/2, and TCP/IP
Version 2.0, or later, is required with DOS/Windows when using TCP/IP
for client/server communications. When using NetBIOS, Version 4.0 is
required.
Device drivers for the LAN Adapter, ActionMedia II, and
Optibase PCMotion cards are required and are provided with the
respective cards.
Ultimedia VideoCharger runs with OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0,
or higher, with LAN Requester Versions 2.0 and 3.0, and with LAN
Server Ultimedia.
For NetBIOS, NTS/2 Version 1.0 and LAN Support Program 1.13 is
required.
Ultimedia VideoCharger Clients require either OS/2 2.0 or
DOS 4.01 and Microsoft Windows 3.1.
COMPATIBILITY: Ultimedia VideoCharger provides compatibility for
applications written to utilize the Ultimedia VideoCharger client and
server API as long as the underlying operating systems and
communications applications are installed. Refer to the SOFTWARE
REQUIREMENTS section.
PLANNING INFORMATION
Sources of information to assist customers with planning for
Ultimedia VideoCharger are listed below. Customers should ask their
IBM representative to assist in obtaining this information and with
planning for video in their workplace.
For detailed planning information refer to the ULTIMEDIA
VIDEOCHARGER PRODUCT GUIDE (SC31-6529). For systems design
information, refer to the Ultimedia VideoCharger Systems Design and
Configuration Guide in MKTTOOLS.
For systems design assistance, IBM recommends a systems
integrator or consultant be utilized.
For a list, contact your IBM representative, who can obtain a
Pre-approved Systems Integrators and Consultants listing.
Refer to the Hardware and Software Requirements sections.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: Customers may be able to significantly
reduce the expense of bringing video to the workplace by planning
current and future video needs.
Consider these factors:
o Integration of video into office applications
o Use of video conferencing
o Use of CATV networks
o Utilization of LANs for distribution of video
o Use of VCRs or laser disk equipment
Ultimedia VideoCharger has been designed with all of these
considerations in mind and provides graceful extensions and growth
capability for future business needs.
Customers should contact their IBM representative for
recommendations for systems integrator assistance to assure the most
cost effective system solution is implemented.
When implementing an Ultimedia VideoCharger system
installation, customers must provide the minimum hardware and
software environments in which Ultimedia VideoCharger will operate,
including the analog distribution network.
INSTALLABILITY: The Ultimedia VideoCharger system consists of a
server, which communicates with clients and video players. An
operational Ultimedia VideoCharger client/server and player complex
can be established with the Ultimedia VideoCharger System Kit program
diskettes. The server program allows up to 10 active players, which
can be either all DVI or MPEG1 coding standards based or a mix of
these up to a total of 10. For additional players, the Additional
Player Kit is required, which enables an additional 10 active
players. Also included in the System Kit are OS/2 and DOS/Windows
client master program diskettes. These are distributed features and
must be ordered for each client used.
PACKAGING: System Kit (95G0939, #7611)
o OS/2 Resource Manager diskette (supports a maximum of 10
Concurrent Players.)
o OS/2 Player diskette
o Windows Player diskette
o OS/2 Client diskette (offered as a distributed feature)
o Windows Client diskette (offered as a distributed feature)
o Product Guide (SC31-6529)
o OS/2 Client Installation Guide
o Windows Client Installation Guide
o License Information
o Proof of License
OS/2 Client Distributed Feature (03H3843, #7612) (Proof of
license produced by IBM in Charlotte)
DOS/Windows Client Distributed Feature (03H3844, #7613) (Proof
of license produced by Charlotte)
Additional Player Kit (95G0940, #7614)
o Modified RM code diskette
o Additional Player Kit Installation Guide
o License information
o Proof of License
SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL
Ultimedia VideoCharger uses the security and audibility
features of the IBM DOS and OS/2 operating systems.
User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and
implementation of security features, administrative procedures and
appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
ORDERING ORDERING INFORMATION
Orders for new licenses will be accepted now. Shipments will
begin on April 29, 1994.
Orders may be placed through a local IBM office or by calling
the IBM Catalog Solution Center at 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255).
To order the programs in this announcement for order type,
specify the order type number, feature number, part number, program
name, media and quantity.
Order
Type Feature Part
Number Number Number Program Name Media
5871-BBB 7611 95G0939 System Kit 3.5-inch
5877-BBB 7612 03H3843 OS/2 Client
Distributed
Feature Proof
of License
Certificate
5877-BB4 7612 03H3843 OS/2 Client
Distributed
Feature Proof
of License
Certificate
5877-BBB 7613 03H3844 Windows Client
Distributed
Feature Proof
of License
Certificate
5877-BB4 7613 03H3844 Windows Client
Distributed
Feature Proof
of License
Certificate
5871-BBB 7614 95G0940 Additional
Player Kit 3.5-inch
o Program Package -- program diskette with documentation.
o Distributed Feature Copies -- authorization for the customer who
has a program package to make a single copy of the portion of the
program identified as the Distributed Feature and the printed
documentation. To receive authorization to copy, the customer
must order a Proof of License for Distributed Feature Certificate
in which case the IBM Customer Agreement (ICA) is not required.
When the Volume Discount Exhibit, Volume Additional License Usage
(VALU) applies, authorization to make additional license copies
begins on the start date specified in the addendum for volume
discount.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
LICENSING: The programs in this announcement are licensed under the
terms and conditions of the IBM Program License Agreement. A copy of
the agreement is included in the program package.
NOTE: The server program consists of two components -- the resource
manager and the player. The resource manager runs on a single
processor. IBM authorizes you to copy the player code onto as many
processors as you need. However, you may only use 10 player
components concurrently with the resource manager component.
DISTRIBUTED FEATURES: Proof of license for distributed features
certificate must be acquired.
LIMITED WARRANTY:
o Program: Yes. Media: Three months.
o Distributed Features: Yes. Media: Not applicable.
PROGRAM SERVICES: Central Service, including the IBM Support Center,
will be available until June 30, 1995. The statement of service
included in the program package describes this service.
VOLUME ORDERS: For information regarding volume orders, contact your
IBM representative.
The distributed features included in this announcement are
eligible for volume discounting under the Exhibit for Volume
Additional License Usage. These programs are included in Category D
under order type number 5877-BB4.
For Information regarding other volume orders, contact your
IBM representative.
TESTING PERIOD: Two months for program packages. The ICA must be in
effect.
NATIONAL EDUCATION LICENSE FEE: A National Education License Fee
(NELF) is available under the terms and conditions of the Education
Allowance Attachment . The NELF, which represents a 35% discount off
the single unit price, is not subject to any further discount or
allowance.
CHARGES
PROGRAM
NAME/ ORDER ONE-TIME
NUMBER DESCRIPTION TYPE CHARGE
95G0939 System Kit 5871-BBB $2,950
38H3843 OS/2 Client
Distributed Feature 5877-BBB
Proof of License
Certificate 5877-BB4 25
38H3844 Windows Client
Distributed Feature 5877-BBB,
Proof of License
Certificate 5877-BB4 25
95G0940 Additional Player Kit 5871-BBB 1,950
DISTRIBUTED FEATURE CHARGE: Customers who pay a one-time charge for
distributed features may copy machine-readable program materials and
printed documentation identified as a Distributed Feature in a
previously acquired program package. One copy may be made for each
distributed feature ordered. The charges are unchanged by this
announcement.
- - - E N D O F P R I N T O U T - - -