What is an MPEG Video Server?
A Video server is a specialized Network Server that is now being installed into many Digital Language Systems. The process allows language teachers to first ENCODE (digitize) the Foreign Language Departments videotapes, laser discs, satellite video broadcasts as MPEG1 Digital Video Files. This is done in a specially designed workstation where the video program is played into the encoder computer. Once the program is encoded it is then copied to the Video Server. Now all students in the lab can independently view, control, play, pause, rewind, fast forward, search the video all at their own pace. Video servers can store hundreds of hours of video programs and allow all students to independently watch the same video at different points or any of the different videos simultaneously. This powerful tool is installed at Weston Middle School and Deerfield Academy. Hingham High School and Middlesex School in Concord will install Video Servers in labs in the beginning of 2001.
