December Cable TV Meeting 12/28/05

Present: Marc Vadeboncoeur, Kevin Woods, Jim Holmes, Christie Eppig, Joe Lucafo, Bruce Flowers, Ron Edgar.

Kevin opened the meeting with a discussion of the budget. There is a negative in the 2005 budget but we are awaiting reimbursements from the Trustees from the capital reserve fund. Grace Collette feels there is about $4,000 there that will roll over into the ‘06 budget. She hopes we will be on the new system at the beginning of the year. We should have about $35,000 in Capital reserve to spend down this year. There will be no capital reserve request this year. All revenue will be placed in the account. Kevin has e-mailed Grace for the amount and dates of 2005 Comcast checks.

Marc Vadeboncoeur reported on items ordered. Computers are in, New BB computer and Non linear editor are installed. New DVD player is installed. Console 2 camera controller is in but not installed. Cable troughs and carrying cart have not been ordered. There was a problem with Musicians friend on microphone order. Marc to check on these items. Kevin requested Kathy Cramer order chairs today.

Marc to develop draft of procedures for new editing console, in regards to files size, file management, etc.

Connectors, cable, etc are in for console 3 re-wiring. Hope to begin soon, realize it will be needed for election time productions

Joe Lucafo working with others to develop process documents on using consoles.

Console 2 functionality issues being looked into by Ron. Audio channels repaired, still need to install Scala and network computer. On air lights need wiring.

Motion by Bruce, 2nded by Christie to hire electrician to install the two on air lights with switches in the consoles. Motion passed

Kevin opened a discussion about improving production quality of meetings. Close ups, using graphics, varying camera shots can do a lot. Wide angle should only be used to cover while moving a camera. Graphics are available on console 1 now and on 2 soon. If operators need help with learning how to use them, please contact Marc or Kevin.

In discussion about boards taking recesses or non public sessions, Marc asked that operators stop digital recording and create new one with an appended letter on end. This eliminates long delays of on air nothingness. Jim expressed concerns that boards just come out and start. Kevin requested operators increase communication with Board chairs so this does not happen. Kevin to e-mail Board chairs

Streaming Video- Discussion revolved around a systems proposed by HB Communications. Kevin has requested a user of this equipment to contact and visit. Key is how many streams we can support. Max upload is 768kbps. Cost is about $13k but includes installation & training. Kevin noted for that amount, he would go out to bid.

Ron discussed digital camera upgrades. We need to determine what functions we want them to have, then can select make and model. Ron to host e-mail discussion on this for input. Kevin to look at possible discussion boards.

Jim suggested that boards and committees get their requests for shows in early so that they can be produced well before deliberative session and town and school board meetings. Gives them time to air. Kevin to e-mail boards.

Christie noted conflicts with cleaning schedules and Wednesday meetings in Home Ec room. Kevin to contact Bruce Batty at the HS to see what he can do.

Joe Lucafo inquired on a disaster recovery plan for data and videos. It was noted that nothing we have is official material. It is the responsibility of the boards, town, and school to maintain official copies.

Joe asked if we were required to keep a channel id up or do identifications. Kevin responded that being on cable we are not. We had looked into an id generator a while back and did not like the looks of it all the time. Kevin suggested that the Bulletin Board goes around enough to id the channel.

Christie inquired if Comcast cable TV guide can be broken into hour blocks to allow viewers to use DVR recorders in segment. Kevin will attempt to reach someone at Comcast to ask.