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The MCR has experimented with a number of video technologies to facilitate communication and
education.
When evaluating videoconferencing technologies, you should first decide if you need
point-to-point (two parties communicating) or multi-point (more than two parties communicating)
capability.
Videoconferencing Instructions for MCR Participants
Videoconferencing Resources
- Videoconferencing Cookbook: Everything you want to know about videoconferencing. If
you are looking for a good first resource, start here.
Audioconferencing Software (Voice Over IP)
- Skype: Skype is a free Voice Over IP (VoIP) program.
Skype is easy to install; once installed, you can call other Skype users from your
computer. You will need a headset and microphone or speakers and microphone. Quality is usually good to excellent, depending on the amount of Internet
congestion at the time of the call. Skype allows up to 5 parties in a conference call. Since
Skype uses P2P technology, it works behind firewalls. The MCR has had good results using
Skype to communicate.
Videoconferencing Software
- VRVS: (Virtual Rooms Videoconferencing Software):
VRVS is a free online multi-point videoconferencing service. You will need a Web camera, microphone, and speakers or headset
to use VRVS. If you are behind a firewall,
you will need to have a number of ports open to use VRVS. Audio, video, and data sharing
applications are available. VRVS also allows you to connect to access grid presentations. The
MCR has installed a VRVS "reflector" (server). We have had variable results with VRVS audio,
but good results with the video. Initial set-up was time consuming for those behind firewalls.
- NetMeeting:
NetMeeting is free software included with most Microsoft operating systems. Although no
longer supported by Microsoft, it can be useful in some situations. The MCR used NetMeeting
to teach a remote PubMed class, with students in both Salt Lake City and Loma Linda, California.
Videoconferencing Hardware
- Polycom Viavideo II: The Polycom ViaVideo II camera
is a low-cost ($450) videoconferencing solution for point-to-point communication. The
camera has a built-in microphone. It includes data and application sharing software. The MCR
has had good results with point-to-point communications using the ViaVideo. The camera can
also be used with VRVS or with a telecommunications bridge for multi-point communication.
- Access Grid: The Access Grid is a multi-point
videoconferencing technology that includes multimedia large-format displays as well as an environment
suitable for many kinds of presentation and interactive applications. The Spencer S. Eccles
Health Sciences Library has an access grid available. Remote users can tap into an Access
Grid presentation using VRVS.
For more information on the MCR's experience with videoconferencing technologies, please contact Sharon Dennis
at sdennis@lib.med.utah.edu
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