Satellite Teleconferences

A satellite teleconference is a live event delivered via satellite technology to a broad audience located at sites across the nation and internationally. It is a viable resource for professional and faculty development, allowing administrators, faculty and staff to participate in lively discussions on the latest trends and issues in their fields of study without having to travel. 

Many agencies and organizations provide training and information programs throughout the year via satellite teleconferences. These programs are typically produced and advertised for specific audiences through professional organizations and associations.  Registration to receive the programming is usually required and may include additional costs.

Using our rooftop satellite dishes, Learning Support Services can downlink these programs for you.  We can feed programs from our dishes to one of several viewing locations on the Clarion main campus for live viewing or we can videotape programs to VHS videotape for later viewing.  For availability and scheduling of equipped rooms, contact the Campus Events and Scheduling Office.

To fill out our online satellite teleconference downlink request form, click here -  making sure all information needed is completed before submitting.

How to Request a Satellite Program Downlink

1. Contact Learning Support Services (x1644 or e-mail Learning Support) with general information (dates, times) to verify availability of satellite receiver.
2. Request a room with a campus satellite connection or contact the Campus Events and Scheduling Office for availability and information (rooms equipped for satellite reception are Gemmell 246, 248, 250, 252, the Gemmell multi-purpose room, and G-41/Studio B in Becker Hall).
3. Register for the downlink (via the program provider).
4. Near the date of the broadcast, the provider should supply the necessary satellite technical information.
5. Secure copyright permission to record program on videotape if desired. For more than one copy, please secure additional permission from provider.
6. Fill out the Learning Support Services Satellite Request form and fax, mail or bring it to Learning Support Services in Becker G-60/61. Include a copy of license agreement and written copyright permission.
7. Please make arrangements and submit the form no later than 72 hours in advance of scheduled downlink. Weekends and holidays are not included in the 72 hour notice deadline.

Please do not submit the form in step 6 until you have completed steps 1 – 5 and all information needed by the form is available.

Helpful Scheduling Tips

When scheduling a satellite teleconference for your department, please be aware that the following information is critical in determining whether or not we can accommodate your request.

Time Zone

• Please be sure to find out the exact time the conference will occur in Pennsylvania. For example, if the conference is scheduled for 9:00 AM, make sure it is Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Also be aware of Daylight Savings Time (DST) when the time difference changes by one hour in most parts of the country. Daylight Savings time begins the first Sunday of April, and ends on the last Saturday of October. Some areas do not observe DST. For example, DST is NOT observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and by most of Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona).
• For more information on time zones and to find out current times please click here.

Satellite Technical Information

Learning Support Services will need the following information ahead of time to determine whether it is possible to receive the satellite teleconference broadcast.

·         the name of the satellite (for example TelStar5)

·         the satellite band (Ku or C)

·         if the transmission is analog or digital (currently we can only accommodate analog transmissions)

·         transponder (vertical or horizontal polarity)

·         channel

  ·         frequency (for example 4060 MHz

Satellite Viewing or Videotaping

We will need to know whether you would like to reserve a classroom for viewing, whether you would like to record the teleconference for later viewing, or both options.

        Videotaping of Satellite Program:

·         If you would like to videotape the satellite teleconference, please be sure you obtain TAPING PERMISSION or TAPING RIGHTS from the organization producing the satellite teleconference.

         Viewing Room for Satellite Program:

·        When reserving a viewing room, please be sure to indicate the estimated attendance so that Events and Scheduling can book the appropriate facilities.

·         Satellite teleconferences are usually live and often  interactive. You may want to also check if there is a landline phone in the room so you can call in your questions to the panelists during the teleconference.

Cost

When scheduling a satellite teleconference for your department, please be aware that it is the requesting department’s responsibility to handle all charges related to the teleconference. There are two types of costs related to teleconference programs that the requesting department should keep in mind when planning to participate in a satellite teleconference.

• Teleconference Registration Cost. Most satellite teleconferences require the payment of a registration fee to participate in the conference.
• University Cost. While at this time, there are no charges for the use of our satellite dishes and services, there may be charges passed on to the requesting department for materials needed to record the conference. Please contact Learning Support Services for rates.