About Satellite Videoconference Services

Satellite videoconferencing helps break down geographic barriers to reach a large audience and receive immediate reaction from participants. It is an economical alternative or addition to traditional classroom presentations.

A videoconference via satellite delivers one-way live television from an origination point, called an "uplink" to a satellite which sends the signal to receiving satellite dishes, or "downlinks."

Videoconferences may contain taped material, live presentations or a combination. Telephone connections are used to allow viewers to interact with presenters during the conference. Many videoconferences also include on-site programs giving participants the opportunity to take part in interactive sessions at the viewing facility before and after the videoconference.

Wisconsin Videoconference Locations

The University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative Extension operates a system of satellite downlink sites called WisSat. A WisSat viewing facility is located in every Extension office in Wisconsin. There are many other downlink sites available throughout the state at University of Wisconsin institutions, technical colleges and other public institutions.

See the list of WisSat sites.

See the list of UW campus sites.

Satellite Services Available Through ICS

Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) provides a variety of services to support the delivery and receipt of satellite videoconferences. ICS videoconference support services are available to any educational, non-profit, or governmental agencies in Wisconsin.

Downlink and Viewing Facilities

ICS can assist you in locating viewing facilities for your conference. Rooms are available through ICS in The Pyle Center for up to 55 attendees. The WisSat system has 72 downlinks (one in each county) that are available for public viewing for a fee. There are also many sites available at University of Wisconsin institutions, technical colleges and other locations throughout the state. All viewing facilities must be scheduled in advance. Please contact the satellite coordinator for room availability.

Viewing facility information

Troubleshooting

ICS can monitor programs for technical difficulties and make adjustments as necessary. In addition, a toll-free helpline number is available for viewing sites to phone in technical problems and questions. Fees are charged per minute per call received.

Interactive Audience Response - Question and Answer (Q&A)

Interactive sessions are an important part of live videoconferences. ICS can provide a tool-free number and operator assistance for interactive question and answer sessions during your conference. Fees are charged per minute per call received.

Taping Programs

Upon request, and when allowed by licensing agreements, ICS will tape videoconference for future use. There is a fee for videotaping.

Program Confirmation

You will receive confirmation by email of videoconference arrangements made by ICS.

Registration

Registration of attendees and downlink sites is an important component of videoconferences. Videoconference support staff can refer you to conference registration services.

Promotion

The Cooperative Extension Technology Services unit distributes a technical fact sheet for UWEX supported or produced videoconferences to all WisSat sites. The fact sheet includes the technical information necessary to downlink the program and gives a brief description of the conference along with date, time, and contact names.

More information about Cooperative Extension-supported satellite programs.