Commonly asked questions
Q: What is Echo360?
A: Echo360 is a lecture capture and delivery system for recorded lectures, classes and other events.
Q: Who uses Echo360?
A: The product was purchased with the end-goal of having an enterprise system capable of supporting
the various educational recording needs of OHSU. Classroom lectures, personal capture (recording
individual video modules at your desktop), medical grand rounds, special events and other
presentations can all be recorded and/or viewed via the Echo360 system.
Q: Who manages Echo360?
A: EdCOMM is the department that manages the infrastructure, application, training and support of the
product. Echo360 is easy to use and incorporates many automated features, making it ideal for
expanding from our current customers to new users across the university. (The seven lecture halls at the
new CLSB will have Echo360 installed.) The first six months of 2014 is the “break-in” period for the
product, where we will be working with various customers on-hill to work through our processes,
understand features and functions, and be prepared for widespread use the remaining months of 2014.
We expect to be in full production mode January 2015.
Q: What are the different types of recordings that can be made with Echo360?
A: The easiest way to differentiate these is by “where” the recording is sourced. For large classrooms
and auditoriums, a hardware device is installed that integrates with the existing AV system in the room
(appliance-based.) This allows for the most options in camera views and presenter freedom of
movement. Second, you can record in a classroom or auditorium via Personal Capture software
downloaded on your laptop. Since this is not integrated with the room AV, the presenter is limited to
having their own camera, microphone and laptop ready to go, and if video is to be captured, the
presenter must remain at the lectern within the frame of the camera. Third, (personal capture) allows a
presenter to record individual video modules away from the classroom, at work or at home. Using the
Personal Capture software, this allows the most flexibility in crafting recordings. Fourth, (media import)
enables users to upload videos not recorded in Echo360, which wraps them in the same interface, with
all the viewing features and functions as recorded echoes.
Q: What are some of the features of the tool as a viewer?
A: Recordings are dual-channel, so the presentation (PowerPoint or whatever is being shown on the
screen) is recorded separately from the video/audio of the presenter. These window frames can be sized
differently and independently for viewer preference. Variable Speed Playback (VSP) is possible when
viewing on a personal computer and this will affect audio and content; the video frame is disabled and
will appear “frozen” or not display at all. VSP is not currently available on mobile devices. Scene
Selection is another feature that allows you to jump to sections within the presentation. For viewers,
EdCOMM | edcomm@ohsu.edu | 503.494.7722
you can jump to certain slides and review critical sections of the lecture. For presenters, you can get
reports on total number of viewers, and which areas of a lecture are most viewed.
Q: What devices can I use to watch videos?
A: Laptop computers, desktop computers, smart phones, and tablets are all able to view videos.
EdCOMM suggests if you have a question about your particular device, that you go to the vendor Web
site and research their recommendations: http://echo360.com/ .
Q: Do I have to be on the OHSU network to watch videos?
A: Echo360 files are video streams, and our streaming infrastructure allows you to view videos
anywhere you have an internet connection, based on permissions. Our technical design requires OHSU
employees to log-in to view videos since many of the presentations contain copyright and/or protected
health information (PHI). If you have a video you may want to share with non-OHSU staff, contact the
Course Administrator for more information about a specific class or event.
Q: Can I just download the recordings so I don’t have to be on network?
A: OHSU’s current policy discourages download of these echoes for a variety of reasons. More
discussion is coming soon about this topic.
Q: Can events or classes be streamed live?
A: Yes, Echo360 can stream classes and events for distance learning or live viewing.
Make sure to
request this feature via your Course Administrator if needed.
Q: Where can I find recordings of classes or events?
A: Recorded classes are accessed through Sakai either from the “Echo360” button or a link.
Other
event links are distributed by Course Administrators through emails, web pages and/or blogs.
Q: The beginning or end of the lecture is missing. Why?
A: The most common reason for this is the presenter starting too early or running too long.
All
classroom recordings automatically start and stop at the time requested by the Course Administrator so
it is extremely important for presenters to follow the class or event schedule.
Q: How do I request a class or event to be recorded using Echo360?
A: Contact EdCOMM via email or phone; or request via our online service request form, found here:
https://bridge.ohsu.edu/edu/edcomm/services.
EdCOMM | edcomm@ohsu.edu | 503.494.7722