Using the Access Grid
toolkit's built in node services mechanism, it is possible
to incorporate large format (PAL, NTSC) video in JPEG format into an AG
node. Once the service is installed, the new video service is
configured in exactly the same way as the standard H.261 video streams.
Using this service does not necessarily replace the default (H.261)
video services. In fact, it is suggested that they be used together by
splitting the video source and transmitting both H.261 and JPEG video.
Since they automagically use different multicast addresses, they don't
interfere with each other. "Normal" remote session participants will
see your normal H.261 video and only those using the JPEG service
themselves will see your high quality video.
The quality and framerate which can be achieved will depend on the
capacity (CPU, IO) of the machine being used. Network bandwidth is also
considerably higher than H.261 streams.
Downloads
The download bundle (JPGVideoServices) consists of a set of three
services in a single
package:
Linux:
- depending on how your AG
toolkit is installed, you may need to be root user to perform the
installation
Unpack the download bundle with the shell command: tar zxvf
JPGVideoServices.tar.gz
Now enter the directory which the unpacking creates and run the install
script: cd
JPGVideoServices sh
install_JPGVideoServices
Done!
Alternatively, unpack the download bundle and (this is exactly what the
install script does) cd into each of the directories under the newly
created JPGVideoServices directory, then manually install the service
found there with the agpm.py command e.g. cd
JPGVideoServices cd
JPGVideoProducerService agpm.py -p
JPGVideoProducerService.zip
Windows:
Extract the three .zip service files from the downloaded package
Copy them to the directory c:\Program Files\AGTk-2.3\NodeServices (or
wherever else your AG installation is located)
Usage:
After installation, when you next Add a Service from the Node
Management widget (from
"Manage My Node" in the VenueClient's Preferences menu), you should be
able to select any of the three new JPG video services. These can then
be configured like a normal H.261 video stream.
Acknowledgements
Funding through UQVislab, QPSF, APAC Collaborative Services group
Any comments,
suggestions to Chris Willing <willing at itee.uq.edu.au>
