Integrated Building Design: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a fee for the Satellite Broadcast/Webcast?
   There is no fee.


2. How and when can I register for the Broadcast/Webcast?
   On-line registration for Satellite Broadcast Site Coordinators and Webcast viewers begins March 1, 2008 at http://www.ashrae.org/ibdbroadcast
   
   On-line registration for Satellite Broadcast Site viewers begins March 15, 2008 at http://www.ashrae.org/ibdbroadcast


3. What is the difference between the Satellite Broadcast and the Webcast?
   The ASHRAE “Integrated Building Design: Bringing the Pieces Together to Unleash the Power of Teamwork” program on April 16, 2008 will be transmitted to viewers via a “live” Satellite Broadcast and webcast.
   
   What is a Webcast?
   A webcast is the streaming of audio and video to an audience over the Internet. The “live” webcast will originate from a television station in Washington, D.C. The Internet link to access the webcast on April 18 will be emailed to viewers when they complete registration. Viewers will need a PC with sound, a standard web browser (version 3.0 or higher) (Internet Explorer), and RealPlayer or Windows MediaPlayer Software (free download available at http://www.connectlive.com/events/realplayerdownload/ and http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/default.aspx. A connection of 128 kbps or faster is best for receiving webcasts. Individual viewers or groups will be able to access the webcast via PC. Groups will need meeting space, a viewing screen, and access to a telephone for use during question-and-answer periods.
   
   What is a Satellite Broadcast?
   The Satellite Broadcast will transmit audio and video via satellite. The “live” Satellite Broadcast program will be beamed up (“up linked”) from a television station in Washington, D.C. to several satellites above the U.S. The satellites will re-transmit the signal to “downlink sites” throughout North America. Downlink sites will use a fixed or transportable antenna (dish) or television-receive-only (TVRO) earth station to receive the downlink. Downlink viewing sites should provide meeting space, viewing screen options, and access to a phone for use during question-and-answer periods. A half-hour test pattern (from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT) will run on April 16th to allow downlink sites to tune their dishes. The “C-Band” and “Ku-Band” transmission frequencies and detailed information to assist Site Coordinators will be provided with their registration confirmation.


4. How can I get the link for the Webcast?
   When you complete registration for the Webcast, you will be given a link to the page to access the program. The link will be added to the page approximately 5 minutes prior to the start of the broadcast on April 16th.


5. What are the computer requirements for the Webcast?
   Webcast viewers will need a PC with sound, a standard web browser (version 3.0 or higher) (Internet Explorer), and RealPlayer or Windows MediaPlayer Software (free download available at http://www.connectlive.com/events/realplayerdownload/ or http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/default.aspx. A connection of 128 kbps or faster is best for receiving webcasts. Detailed information to assist with planning is provided in the Webcast Guide.
   
   

   Most webcast viewing problems relate to the setup of the viewing computer and its network connection to the Internet. Changes in your computer and/or network settings (firewalls, installing viewing software, etc.) may be required. It is highly recommended that you consult with your IT professional for help to configure and test your system prior to the webcast. Please visit http://connectlive.com/index-1.html to test your computer system before the webcast with the “Live Webcast Examples” provided. This test will alert you immediately if your computer system is not properly set to see and hear a webcast.



6. What equipment do I need for the Satellite Broadcast?
   Downlink sites may use a fixed or transportable antenna (dish) or television-receive-only (TVRO) earth station to receive the downlink. Downlink viewing sites should provide meeting space, viewing screen options, and access to a telephone for use during question-and-answer periods. A half-hour test pattern (from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT) will run on April 16th to allow downlink sites to tune their dishes. The “C-Band” and “Ku-Band” transmission frequencies and detailed information to assist with planning is provided to Site Coordinators in the Satellite Broadcast Site Coordinator’s Guide.
   
   

   NOTE:

   There are many different makes and models of satellite dishes and receivers. Please consult your instruction manual for specific directions to tune in for the ASHRAE Satellite Broadcast. If you are not certain that your system is working correctly, you should have your satellite dish and receiver tested by your local installer well in advance of the day of the broadcast. To ensure your transmission is clear and free of any difficulties, we suggest you contact your satellite service provider or installer and provide them with the coordinates and let them dial the KU or C-band frequency coordinates on your behalf. This is especially important if your system has not been inspected for several years. Due to wind and other local conditions, satellite dishes may become misaligned over time.



7. Are CEU’s available to participants?
   No. However, three (3) Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be awarded to participants.


8. Will Professional Development Hours (PDH) credits be given to participants?
   Yes. Three (3) PDH Credits will be awarded to participants. The Participant Reaction Form will be provided online at http://www.ashrae.org/ibdbroadcast following the broadcast/webcast. It is required to collect information for PDH reporting to the States of New York and Florida. The link to print a PDH Certificate will be provided online when the Participant Reaction Form is completed.


9. Is there a deadline for completion of the Participant Reaction Form?
   Yes. The Participant Reaction Form must be completed online at http://www.ashrae.org/ibdbroadcast by April 30, 2008 to ensure that ASHRAE complies with PDH reporting requirements.


10. Can I earn PDH credits by purchasing and viewing the DVD of the broadcast?
    With the exception of viewers requesting PDH/LU credits from New York/Practicing Institute of Engineers, Inc. (PIE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), purchasers of the broadcast DVD will receive three (3) PDH credits. New policies for the State of New York/PIE and AIA prohibit the issuance of continuing education credits for DVD viewers.