Performing broadcast setup automatically for live broadcasts and scheduled replays is the task of the Broadcast Management System. The Director's Console is a software tool that provides a single coherent user interface for managing the production of a particular Internet broadcast. It is modeled after a traditional broadcast television studio production switcher, which uses special purpose custom designed hardware. The first prototype implementation of the VPS uses a single processor to generate each effect. Current research is concerned with developing algorithms to distribute video effects processing automatically across large numbers of processors for efficient parallel computation.
Current tools assume a videoconference model with a small number of participants.
In larger seminar settings there is little remote participation due to the absence of good floor control mechanisms. QB addresses this problem by providing a mechanism for the speaker or moderator to select audience members who have questions to ask, and allowing participants to enter questions asynchronously using text or audio. Finally, BMRC has developed web pages to advertise BIBS programs on the Berkeley campus. This program guide lists programs being broadcast on different channels, which users can join. During Fall 1998 we have experimented with broadcasting six classes in addition to the Berkeley MIG Seminar.