AccessGrid

Video collaboration service

QCIF operates a large-format video collaboration system based on Access Grid which enables communication among dispersed groups and allows group-to-group and multi-group two-way video and sound. Meetings can be between two locations – or can have more than a dozen different sites attending. It can be used on a personal basis but is particularly well-suited to larger installations requiring more advanced audio/video capabilities that are needed for large groups.

System benefits include:

Audio control includes a mixer for balancing sound levels amongst meeting participants
Video and audio services are highly configurable, allowing rapid switching between optimal configurations for different usage requirements
Network traffic can make use of multicast capability (or unicast)
Connection to EVO-based facilities is available via a communications bridge
Desktop Streaming allows sharing of presentations, documents, web pages and computer program displays for enhanced collaboration
Shared files for easy data transmission during a meeting
Shared control via virtual network computing
Text chat within a meeting for instant written communication
Configurable for low-bandwidth use
Remote maintenance of operations

Requirements:

Most modern hardware should perform adequately for a modest Access Grid node, such as a single or few-user installation, where a single high-grade machine may prove sufficient. As with many applications which involve video acquisition and display, the more RAM and the higher grade the machine's video card/s, the better. For larger room sizes – which may require multiple cameras and microphones, as well as three (or more) displays – it is recommended to use multiple machines to take care of the displays and audio and video capture services.
There are more than 30 Access Grid nodes in Australia and more than 200 around the world. Queensland universities with dedicated AccessGrid rooms and technical support include UQ, QUT, CQU, and JCU.

UQ AccessGrid room booking and support
QUT AccessGrid room booking and support
CQU AccessGrid room booking and support
JCU AccessGrid room booking and support

Looking for AccessGrid node info outside of Queensland? There are over 300 nodes around the world. Read more

Events & Media

Project case studies

Download pdf versions of some of our highlighted projects

Watch presentations from eResearch Australasia 2012

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News

Moose training workshop

iVEC and CSIRO invite you to attend training on MOOSE – Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment in Perth from June 11-15. Read more...

Call for Papers: eResearch Australaia 2013

Participate in eRA 2013. The call for papers closes on June 9. Read more...

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Australian data centre spending to hit $2 billion in 2013: analyst

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QCIF Projects

Live traffic congestion mapping

Providing travellers with real-time information on traffic conditions and congestion in the South East Queensland area.

Visualisation of methane gas on Little Nerang Dam

The interactive 3D visualisation shows how the greenhouse gas is generated in the dam's sedement zone. It allows non-technical stakeholders to make better informed decisions about methane management.

Improving the Automated force field Topology Builder (ATB) and repository

Helping the UQ Molecular Dynamics group to improve the capacity of their software to handle at least 100 molecules at a time, up from 20, QCIF has enabled the group to continue its disease research at the cutting edge.

Tropical Data Hub

The Tropical Data Hub (TDH) is a JCU developed centralised data store making it easier for researchers to manage data related to the tropics. An open portal, it facilitates a multi-disciplinary approach to issues around climate change and conservation.