Multimedia Exhibit Shows Aquarium

On July 15 the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California, will open Live Link to Monterey Bay, a multimedia display that takes museum visitors on a tour of the Monterey Bay.

Using high-speed ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technology, the display shows live undersea video images from the Monterey Canyon, along with audio and video commentary from the aquarium staff.

The images will be filmed by a remotely operated vehicle used by researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. When the vehicle is not in use, visitors will be able to see film clips recently shot on the canyon floor.

The exhibit marks the first time ATM has been used to create scientific and educational links between museums, officials claim.

Sponsors of the exhibit include Pacific Bell's California Research and Education Network, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.