Digital TeleResponse System

Historical description of equipment, installation, and operation of the IHETS Digital TeleResponse classroom talkback system

NOTE: The lease for the satellite system will expire June 30, 2006. IHETS will not support the system after that time and is offering a new service, IHETS Interactive, to replace it. What follows are trouble shooting procedures that will be utilized until June 30.

Digital TeleResponse (DTR) is an audio response or talkback system that may be activated to any authorized receive classroom. DTR allows direct audio access to television studios originating programming on the network and allows two-way audio interaction among participants.

Video overview of the IHETS DTR System (RealVideo format) Get the free RealVideo player

Digital TeleResponse equipment

Equipment components of the DTR system were designed by IHETS to be compatible with the statewide video network. They are:

Digital TeleResponse Briefcase: Contains two handsets that may be shared by students to ask questions. Control electronics automatically dial questions to the originating studio.

Digital TeleResponse Addressable Control Module (ACM): Contains the electronics to make the briefcase function. An analog telephone line from your local telephone provider connects to the ACM and a power supply module (PSM). LED indicators on the ACM display operating status of the system.

Power Supply Module (PSM): A low-voltage transformer supplies power to the briefcase.

Basic Digital TeleResponse system

This equipment includes components for one classroom: briefcase, ACM, and PSM.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Telephone line

An analog telephone line is required for DTR operation. This analog loop must provide direct-dial access to Indianapolis and support tone dialing. It should be installed in each classroom to be equipped for DTR operation and should terminate in an RJ11 type jack near the location of the classroom’s ACM.

The addressable control module (ACM)

The ACM must be installed on the wall near the classroom TV set. A low-voltage conduit transformer supplies power to the DTR. The device can be installed by building maintenance personnel or a local electrical contractor. A plug-in power supply module is an available option; if used, it will require a standard, 117-volt duplex AC outlet with ground within ten feet of the ACM.

DTR operation

Setup: Insert briefcase connector into special outlet on the classroom’s ACM. Remove handsets and place for easy access by program participants. (Note: Be sure “push-to-talk” button is not depressed when placing handsets on a hard surface.) Ensure the ACM module is on (check LED indicator). Place briefcase where program participants can see the LED status lights inside the briefcase.

Operation: To connect to the studio, press and release the red button on either handset. The red status light on the briefcase will flash and a voice prompt from the handset will advise you that your call is being processed. The red light will stop flashing and remain on when your connection is completed. The red light will remain on as long as your site is connected to the system. The green light indicates that your site is in an “interactive mode” with the studio.

To talk to the studio, hold down the handset button and speak into the handset. Release the button to hear. You may press and release the button as many times as you wish to ask further questions or make comments. Your site will remain connected to the system as long as the red status light is on.

For help or to report trouble: Press and release the red “HELP/TROUBLE” button on the briefcase. Digital TeleResponse will place a telephone call to the IHETS Help Desk. Your handset will operate like a telephone. Press the “HELP/TROUBLE” button again to terminate the call.

Disconnect: Digital TeleResponse “talkback” calls will disconnect automatically after several minutes of no activity. To disconnect a call manually, press and release the “HELP/TROUBLE” button.

Questions?

Contact the IHETS Help Desk.