Difference between revisions of "Want to connect? Read here first"

From GlueXWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 21: Line 21:
 
* [http://www.polycom.com/global/siteselector/site_selector.html Polycom Site Selector] Many GlueX groups have Polycom equipment and are unanimous on their excellent performance.  These are superior devices and a good investment over time. Examples are the VSX 7000 and VSX 5000 models.  There are newer models available as well.
 
* [http://www.polycom.com/global/siteselector/site_selector.html Polycom Site Selector] Many GlueX groups have Polycom equipment and are unanimous on their excellent performance.  These are superior devices and a good investment over time. Examples are the VSX 7000 and VSX 5000 models.  There are newer models available as well.
 
* [http://evo.caltech.edu/evoGate/FAQ/hardware.html EVO recommended hardware]  For the more price conscious.
 
* [http://evo.caltech.edu/evoGate/FAQ/hardware.html EVO recommended hardware]  For the more price conscious.
 
[[Image:EVO-Loopback.png]]
 
  
 
== Software and clients ==
 
== Software and clients ==
  
 
* [http://evo.caltech.edu/evoGate/ EVO Collaboration Network] The tool of choice for GlueX videoconferences (and of many nuclear and particle physics collaborations).  We have posted detailed EVO instructions on our [[GlueX Communications]] wiki page.  View the [http://evo-wiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/FAQ/WebHome EVO TWiki] for FAQ.
 
* [http://evo.caltech.edu/evoGate/ EVO Collaboration Network] The tool of choice for GlueX videoconferences (and of many nuclear and particle physics collaborations).  We have posted detailed EVO instructions on our [[GlueX Communications]] wiki page.  View the [http://evo-wiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/FAQ/WebHome EVO TWiki] for FAQ.
 +
[[Image:EVO-Loopback.png]]
 +
 
* [http://xmeeting.sourceforge.net/pages/index.php Xmeeting] A videoconferencing solution for Max OS X.
 
* [http://xmeeting.sourceforge.net/pages/index.php Xmeeting] A videoconferencing solution for Max OS X.
  

Revision as of 14:18, 11 September 2009

Good Practices in Videoconferencing

We quite often encounter difficulties, particularly audio, during our GlueX videoconference meetings that render our communications inefficient, annoying and sometimes bring them to a virtual halt. Here are a few tips that everyone should employ to minimize disruptions and delay.

  • Be prompt. Meetings should start very near the time advertised, meaning that equipment and software should be up and running by the meeting time, including audio/video checks. This may take anywhere from 5-15 minutes, so please account for this. Also, if your videoconference rooms is used by others, advertise the start time of the meeting as +15 min from the time you get occupation of the room.
  • Use proper equipment (see hardware section below)
  • Keep your mic muted at all times unless speaking.
  • Be judicious in interrupting to ask a question. Connections often have a lag and this causes confusion. Hold off on questions until the end of the presentation, unless crucial clarification is needed.
  • Be concise and economical in your comments/questions; please avoid excessive banter.
  • Be courteous and collegial.

Check out your hardware

  • Built-in PC/laptop mics and their speakers should NOT be used.
  • Echo cancellation is a must. Many of our troubles are due to echoes and mic feedback. When using EVO test your audio/video using their handy loopback feature (green U-turn arrow - see snapshot below).
  • Polycom Site Selector Many GlueX groups have Polycom equipment and are unanimous on their excellent performance. These are superior devices and a good investment over time. Examples are the VSX 7000 and VSX 5000 models. There are newer models available as well.
  • EVO recommended hardware For the more price conscious.

Software and clients

EVO-Loopback.png

  • Xmeeting A videoconferencing solution for Max OS X.

References