Membership
Membership is available, free of charge, to individual schools, school districts, regional media resource centers, public television stations, and cable systems.
Each membership site receives:
- Satellite coordinates, video streaming link, and additional technical information.
- Permission to transmit via open broadcasts on instructional television networks (INET), noncommercial cable systems, and television systems for instructional purposes only.
- Recording, duplication, and rebroadcast rights in perpetuity (with some exceptions).
Access to Programming
In Fairfax County, Virginia, programming is broadcast on Red Apple Channel 21. Outside Fairfax County, the programming is distributed via C-band satellite and online video stream. All programs will be closed-captioned.
Satellite Transmission
To receive the satellite transmission, you need access to a satellite dish and a receiver, a monitor, a VCR (if you want to tape and view programs later), and a telephone (to call in via an 800 number during live programs). If your school does not have a satellite dish, your school system or regional media center may pick up the signal and deliver it to your school via your INET. If you are experiencing problems receiving the transmission, please visit the Troubleshooting Assistance page.
Video Stream
Following are our recommendations for viewing broadcasts via the Internet. Please note that we do not recommend downloading the video stream.
- You must have Windows Media Player version 8, or later, to view the video stream. [Note: If you are using Safari for Mac, you need Windows Media® for QuickTime, by Flip4Mac™.]
- You need a high-speed Internet connection such as a cable modem, DSL, T1, etc. A dial-up connection is not sufficient to view the stream.
- Internet protection services such as firewalls may prevent you from viewing the stream.
- Use a presentation station or a projector to show the video when the entire class needs to view the content. If you have a class of 20 students watching a video stream on their desktops, 700K per stream totals to 14M of bandwidth—that is just for this one class.
- Use a wired PC or Mac for video/audio streaming. Wireless networks have limited bandwidth and can easily be saturated by video streams.
- There may be some loss of video quality. The quality of images and sound depend greatly on the quality of your Internet connection.
Copyright Information
Following are Recording, Duplication, Rebroadcast, and Retention Rights for most Fairfax Network programs downlinked via satellite (with some exceptions as designated by the Fairfax Network).
- Programs may be transmitted via open broadcast on public television stations, basic subscriber cable services, and school system distribution networks provided the broadcast is for instructional purposes only (not entertainment).
- Programs may be recorded for later broadcast provided the later broadcast is for instructional purposes only.
- Each registered site may make videotape copies of the programs for use by individual teachers. Each such additional copy shall be subject to all provisions governing the original recording.
- Programs may not be excerpted or altered in anyway.
- Programs may not be used to generate revenue.
- The above rights are in perpetuity.
FAQs
How can I watch the programs?
Once you register, an e-mail confirmation will be sent to you with the satellite coordinates and technical information. Also, the programming is streamed on the Internet. In addition, any program resources will be sent to you as a PDF document.
Our school doesn’t have a satellite dish. How can I get the program?
If your school does not have a satellite dish, your school system, local public television station, cable system, or regional media center may pick up the signal and deliver it to your school. Or you may watch the video stream.
I have a subscription satellite package. Can I watch the programs?
You need a steerable dish. Many subscription satellite packages or commercial Direct Broadcast Satellite services have fixed dishes.
I home-school my children. Can we watch the broadcasts free of charge?
Yes, you can.
What if I miss a broadcast?
The majority of programs are available for purchase through our Video Store on VHS, DVD, and DVCPRO videotapes. Payment options include money order, credit card, personal check, and purchase order. If you need another format, please contact us.