Video Conferencing

• What is Video Conferencing?
• Booking a Video Conference
• Technical Support
• Equipment

What is Video Conferencing

Videoconferencing simulates an exchange of information as if the two or more participants were in the same physical conversation. It is the sharing of people, the sharing of images and the sharing of ideas with a far site in real time communication. The technology allows the broadcasting of presentation software (PowerPoint), interactive question and answer sessions, shared white board technology, and viewing of special presentations and guest lectures either live or previously recorded. This is accomplished by using cameras, video displays, microphones and speakers.

Conference presentations, graduate committee meetings, cross college collaborative meetings, cross college course offerings or present your latest findings to colleagues worldwide, all are possible with this technology. Please contact OVC ITS at ovcits@uoguelph.ca or call x54778 to discuss the possible uses of this technology to meet your needs.

Booking a Video Conference

To reserve the equipment for a video conference please contact Lynn Rumig at x54422.

Technical Support

For all technical video conferencing support or inquiries please contact ovcits@uoguelph.ca or call x54778.

Before any video conference OVC ITS will require the following information to get started:

• If OVC is initiating the call we need to know the far site(s) IP address
• It is important to have phone numbers of the far site so that if we have trouble connecting we can communicate with the remote site.
• Typically the connection is made 15 minutes ahead of time. This provides an opportunity to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Although the video conferencing system is movable, OVC ITS recommends conducting your video conference in the Interactive Learning Room in the Library. However, if moving to another room is necessary, please note that the equipment requires an Internet connection therefore the room must have at least one network jack. Additionally, please ensure the room is physically large enough to accommodate the equipement. Book a room larger than you normally would for the size of your meeting.

Equipment

• Polycom ViewStation FX videoconference System
• The FX can connect easily to 3 remote sites. If you require connecting to more than 3 please contact ovcits@uoguelph.ca or call x54778 well in advance of your planned conference.