UVa's Videoconferencing Services

Use of the Codian MCU Web Interface to Stream Videoconferences

One may view a streamed videoconference using either a Windows Media Player or QuickTime browser plug-in. A savvy videoconference coordinator will make sure ahead of time that each expected viewing-only site has a properly installed browser viewer, the appropriate codec, and knows the Conference ID of the videoconference.

Specify the Conference ID and select either the WMP or QT viewer

Connect to the Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) from a browser. A sign-in name is not usually required to just view a streamed videoconference. The numeric ID (not text) is necessary; a PIN is only needed if the conference has been configured to require one. Choose between the Windows Media Player (WMP) and the QuickTime (QT) player. Then click the Stream this conference button.

Stream with Windows Media Player

The QuickTime Player seems to work without issues. The Windows Media Player may have issues.

Issue 1: You may need to load the software codec for WMP. There is a Click here in the lower left corner under the WMP viewer. This will download the codec from the MCU.

Installation feedback for WMP codec

Install the downloaded file. The browser will need to be restarted, and the installation takes a few minutes. Be sure to finish this step before the conference starts.

Web page with official Firefox plug-in to fix WMP error

Issue 2: If Mozilla Firefox is used to display WMP 10, a known bug will cause the player to use a widescreen format when it is not appropriate. An official fix is available.

Use the WMP Zoom feature to adjust the video display size

Issue 3: The size of the image relative to the player window may be small. Right-click on the player window, choose Zoom from the menu, and select 200%.

© 2008 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The information contained on the University of Virginia’s Department of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) website is provided as a public service with the understanding that ITC makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information, including warrantees of title, non-infringement of copyright or patent rights of others. These pages are expected to represent the University of Virginia community and the State of Virginia in a professional manner in accordance with the University of Virginia’s Computing Policies.