Peripherals

In addition to visually and verbally interacting with the other videoconference participants, there are many Peripheral Devices for sharing information across distances:
   
  Document camera

Used to show any opaque or transparent 2-dimensional (text, photo, transparency, drawing) or 3-dimensional work/object to connected locations, our document cameras can zoom, adjust iris, white balance, and translate positive and negative images. As a portable visual presentation unit, it is used like an overhead projector; however, it provides a video signal to a television monitor or video projector rather that project light on a wall. Our document camera has two built in lights to illuminate the objects being presented, and a base light that illuminates slides and transparencies from beneath. (Instructions)

   
  Computer-to-video converter

The heart of a videoconference system, the CODEC, transmits either a NTSC or a PA L video-signal. Because of differences in resolution (number of lines in a picture), refresh rates (speed with which a picture is recreated on the display), and lacing (television are "interlaced" - the odd and even lines are generated separately, whereas computers are "non-interlaced"), you need a computer-to-video converter to send a signal through a videoconference system or to display a PC image on any standard TV set. The Scan Do accepts graphical data from a PC (VGA) or MAC signal and converts them into video formats (composite video, S-VHS and analog RGB). (Instructions)
   
  Slide-to-video converter

Rather than project slides onto a screen which is then captured with a video camera for projection to participants at the "far-end" of a videoconference (a process that often leads to distortion), the slide-to-video converter enables the slide image to be seen directly on participants' monitor. In addition to remote control ability to advance and reverse slide movement, the ELMO slide-to-video converters we use have added functionality: color correction, zoom, image shift, etc. (Instructions)
   
  Videocassette recorder

A standard 1/2" VHS videocassette player/recorder is typically connected to the videoconference system. While VCRs used by the medical center come from a variety of manufacturers (Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Sony), they generally have the same functions: play, record, fast forward, fast reverse; some come with remote controls. Other videocassette player/recorder formats including 3/4"and beta are available upon request. (Instructions)
   
  SMARTboard

A SMART Board is a tool that combines the look and feel of a regular whiteboard with the power of a computer. The SMART Board lets you save and print notes, collaborate on documents, share information, and run multimedia materials. When combined with an LCD projector, the SMART Board becomes a large, touch-sensitive screen. BIDMC is does not currently own a SMARTboard, though one is available for rental from a local vendor. (More info on SMARTboards)
   
  Additional cameras

External cameras are available and can be connected directly to a videoconference system through its auxilaury inputs. Additionally, the Video Production team from Media Services is a full production facility that can assist more in more complicated conferences including but not limited to live, interactive tele-surgery and new device demonstrations..
   
  Scopes and other devices
Similarly, there are a wide variety of scopes and other devices that can be shared through the auxilary inputs during videoconferences.