Videoconferencing

Software requirements: A modern web browser Quicktime 6.5 and above Windows Media Player (requires IE and Windows 2000, XP, Vista or 7) Java (standard edition) How to Use Live Videoconference Streaming The Streaming feature may be selected when a videoconference is being booked from the Confirm booking page (Step 3 of 3). The conference Booker should click Set conference options and tick the Videoconference streaming tick box.

To reduce echoes caused by transmission delays, special devices known as “Echo Cancellers” are used. These devices when operating efficiently can almost eliminate all traces of echo during a conference. Room acoustics and microphone positions also affect the level of echo. If a microphone is moved or its sensitivity is altered during the conference, echo could be introduced until the echo canceller has realigned itself to the new environment.

Videoconferencing is a form of television so the guidelines for appearing on television are relevant. Because videoconferencing uses a reduced quality network link to keep costs down some other limitations are also introduced. Television cameras can only handle a very limited range of contrast so wear clothes in pastel shades and plain weaves. Strong saturated colours and white shirts are not recommended. Within a videoconference, faces are the focal point, so clothing must not pre-dominate the image. Avoid clothes that are brightly coloured or with a distinctive pattern.