Video Conferencing FAQs
What is Video Conferencing?
A Video Conference is a live connection between people in separate
locations for the purpose of communication, usually involving audio
and often text as well as video.
What type of things can I use Video conferencing for and what does
it provide?
You can retain guest lecturers without time and expense of travel.
Hold staff and committee meetings with associates in another office,
and conduct interviews in conjunction with HR.
Can students avail themselves of Video Conferencing?
All of our Video Conferences are oriented around faculty for the purposes
of teaching, guest lecturing or participating in conferences. We try
to accommodate enrolled international students, but faculty will take
first priority. Anyone else requesting services will be directed to
local services such as Kinko's.
What type of Information do I need to provide if I am the contact
person for setting up a Video Conference?
We use a Polycom View Station 512. Our Polycom communicates over 3
ISDN lines or IP (over the network). It uses high quality enhanced
video at 15 frames per second at 128 kbps and 30 frames per second
at 384 up to 768 kbps. It has an extendable microphone for maximizing
sound quality in small to large conference rooms.
How many sites can participate in a Video Conference?
Communicating with more than one site would mean that the other party
would provide a bridging service to meet that need. We do not host
bridging here on campus.
Will my videoconference unit conflict with the other side’s
Videoconference unit?
Each View station is standards based and interoperable with most other
systems. Because we comply with the ITU (International Telecommunications
Union) using H.323 and H320, it allows users to communicate without
concern for compatibility.
Do I need to do a test call before the actual videoconference?
Most definitely. We will need to run a test with the other side at
least a week or two before the actual videoconference. This will ensure
that there are no problems on either end.
Can I do a Powerpoint presentation or chart with Video Conferencing?
We do not support Charts, or Powerpoint presentations.
How do I prepare if I am doing a lecture?
Try to direct your voice toward the microphone, as the audio on the
far end may not be very good. Tapping your fingers, shuffling papers
or other background noise can be heard, so its essential to keep this
at a minimum. Also note that there is a slight delay of approximately
1 second which can take getting used to.
What do I wear in a Videoconference?
The actual colors
and patterns of the participants clothing can affect video reproduction,
usually only in extreme cases of the attendee’s
dress. Loud and complicated patterns and colors should be avoided.
Who do I contact if I need to set up a Videoconference in Gasson 06?
You should contact Lisa Taddeo,
eTeaching Resource Consultant at the IML by calling (617)552-1202
or email lisa@bc.edu.
Who would I contact if I have questions about other locations on campus?
You
should contact Leo O’Shea, Chief Network Engineer at (617)552-3133,
or Dan Donovan, our Senior Telecom Technician at (617)552-8421
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