CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston computer users can now view live television on their desktops through Internet Protocol Television thanks to the 437th Communications Squadron.
"With IPTV we basically take the cable line out of the wall and plug it into a network," said Alvin Green, 437 CS NCC chief. "Computers digitize the cable TV signal, format it for playback and send it out over the base network."
Another great perk about IPTV is that it allows users to access recorded training videos, briefings and events from a video-on-demand server.
"Don't expect to be able to watch MTV, but certain channels like the Commander's Access Channel, NBC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and the Weather Channel can all be accessed via IPTV," said 2nd Lt. Justin Ellsworth, 437 CS network control center crew commander. "In addition, IPTV has dedicated channels for training videos and other approved events that have been videotaped to share with the base."
IPTV is distributed over the network to all government computers as a cost-cutting initiative from Air Mobility Command. The base's plan is to try it out for a year; if it works, the base will no longer have contracts with a cable provider.
"There are about 700 cable outlets on base that cost Charleston around $85,000 annually," said Master Sgt. Kenny Johnson, 437 CS NCO in charge of voice systems. "The base is hoping to take about half of the cable outlets away to let IPTV be available at Airmen's desktops, saving Charleston a significant amount of money."
AMC is paying for IPTV for the first year so they can monitor the system, therefore Charleston currently pays nothing.
Airmen can access it from any network computer at http://charlestonnow/ and then click "Tune In." When the video screen appears, double-click on the desired channel, then click "Watch TV" to enlarge the video screen. Click the "On Guide" button in the upper left corner to return to the channel guide.
In the medical group and some areas on base where computers won't be available for broadcast, a TV converter box will be available.
"For those areas that require IPTV on a television screen instead of a computer, the 437 CS telephone maintenance Airmen have been working with unit telephone control officers to prioritize and distribute 45 TV converter boxes provided by AMC headquarters to customer service waiting areas and to confirm or order a local area network connection near the TV location," said Maj. Darren Roach, 437 CS commander. "Units with additional requirements can purchase these TV converter boxes for approximately $330 through the general services administration."
The roll-out date for IPTV was June 25, making it available on all Charleston users' desktops.
"IPTV is a great tool for Team Charleston to get the information they need to know," said Tech. Sgt. Rick Olejarz, 437 CS project manager. "This will keep everyone informed on weather, news and current events. It's accessible right in front of them on their computers."