Finding Nemo with Sony Videoconferencing
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority uses Sony videoconferencing to bring the reef to worldwide audiences.
Sony videoconferencing technology delivers unparalleled interactive experience of the Great Barrier
Reef. Being able to talk to your own marine biologist as they give you a guided tour of the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium is a thrill enjoyed by anyone who has taken a “dive” at Reef HQ. Delivered via a Sony videoconferencing system implemented by Virtual Travel, groups from Australia and around the world have plumbed the depths of this underwater wonderland without getting their feet wet.
It is a unique experience pioneered over three years by the Townsville-based education unit of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Hailed as a breakthrough in educational delivery, Reef HQ harnesses the power of Sony technology to create an innovative, social and cultural experience.
Learning about coral growth, marine ecosystems and Clown fish has never been more fun or popular. Schools of budding marine experts are finding their way to Reef HQ in ever increasing numbers, so it has been vital to keep the experience vibrant, reliable and interactive.
“Our main requirement is quality because we are trying to take video imagery of the reef worldwide and Sony videoconferencing provides that level of quality. The Great Barrier Reef has now reached iconic status and we have to delivery the images the audiences are expecting,” explained Fred Nucifora, Education Manager at Reef HQ.
The facility upgraded to a new Sony PCS-1P videoconferencing system at the beginning of the year, to match the increasing quality of global systems.
“Finding Nemo reignited a passion for the reef, and a lot of people, especially kids, want to know more,” said Nucifora. “The reef videoconferences can be delivered all over the world – UK, USA, NZ, France, Italy – and our reputation is starting to spread. The beauty of the technology is that the world is now a small place and we can deliver very important messages about the reef to the world”.
Increased capacity is yet another advantage of the new system. The Sony equipment is the first Reef HQ has had with Multisite capabilities. This means up to three simultaneous links or classes can be connected to Reef HQ from all over the globe through internal bridging technology. The Sony PCS-1P is capable of connecting up to six sites with the availability of additional ISDN lines. With multisite conferences, not only does this allow groups to share the costs of the connection, they can also develop internal ties through shared projects and ideas.
“The new Sony equipment is much better – the higher quality resolution and the large WEGA TV means we can identify children in the crowd rather than just seeing a sea of uniforms,” said Education Officer, Carolyn Duncan.
The PCS-1P utilises H.264 video compression which is more efficient at processing video than H.263. This delivers higher quality video improving the human connection element of the conference.
It is these improvements, along with added features of the PCS-1P such as the ability to show multimedia slideshows and presentations, that continue to drive videoconferencing as an educational tool. Museums, attractions and events around the world are looking at ways to reach new audiences and videoconferencing provides them with this opportunity.
Corporate organisations are also beginning to use Reef HQ as a dynamic background to enhance conferences and product launches.
The videoconference begins in the 2.5 million litre Coral Reef Exhibit housing thousands of reef fish and a living coral reef ecosystem. Viewers are introduced to the reef in a 30-minute interactive session where kids talk to the diver. The diver then gest out and enters the 750,000 litre Predator Exhibit containing reef sharks, stingrays and other dangerous creatures. During the five minute changeover a PowerPoint presentation is shown using the Data Solutions Box to enhance answers to any questions.
“Students from around the world can now visit places they would probably not otherwise have a chance to see. It is this connectivity that makes the technology so compelling,” explained Nucifora.
“Videoconferencing is very empowering – the reactions of the kids make you feel good about what you’re doing.”