Group Videoconferencing

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Although dedicated videoconference systems are produced, these are often very costly. The focus of this page is on less-costly solutions targeted for use by groups in project meetings, staff meetings, and small seminars.

Getting Started

Group videoconferencing is usually defined as when a small number of participants use a facility such as a conference room or small classroom to interact with another site. Equipment usually includes a display that can accommodate several viewers and a microphone/speaker solution adequate for the small group. The group videoconference can be more formal than desktop videoconferecing, so ettiquette and dress tips are appropriate. Finally, these sorts of meetings often require sharing of materials or graphic presentations. If any assistance is needed in arranging a videoconference, please contact ITC.

Loan Program

ITC has two Polycom set-top units available that may be borrowed by faculty or staff for occasional use.

Instructions

Guides for configuring Polycom and VCON clients for use at U.Va. are available.

Firewalls vs Videoconferencing

A personal firewall on your computer is problematic, but can be easily turned on and off to allow videoconferencing. This guide presents troubleshooting methods and advice.

Developing a Facility

One early group videoconference solution was an implementation for the ITC conference rooms. Although different, newer solutions exist, this description illustrates the range of elements that must be considered when designing a small videoconference facility, such as a department conference room. Please contact ITC if assistance is needed choosing products or when designing a facility.

© 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.