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Multimedia
Video Conferencing
What It Is
MMU's Video Conferencing Team uses the latest technology
to bring users the convenience and cost-saving of streaming
video and IP Videoconferencing.
Streaming Video is one-way digital audio/video
communication broadcast to user's desktop viewing by either
Windows Media Player or via the World Wide Web.
There are two types of streaming:
- Live – people can view as it occurs, or
- Archived – people view after the event has occurred.
Two-way or IP Videoconferencing is two-way video, two-way
audio videoconferencing using the internet and viewing by a Polycom
View Station or Via Video.
When using IP videoconferencing, remember:
- You can be seen at ALL times, even if you think you may
not be able to be seen
- Keep your microphones muted at all times unless you are
speaking
How to Schedule an Event
If you want to schedule an IP videoconference or a streaming
event:
- You need to submit a request to AgComm to reserve the date/time
on the bridge.
- If you need a room on campus, you are responsible for scheduling
the room and equipment if necessary.
- After you have scheduled the event/meeting, you need to
send an email to all possible participants telling them to
sign up for the event by going to: http://1144sms/ipevents
- Registration for all events is closed 2 full business days
prior to the event, for example:
- If your event is scheduled for Thursday, registration
is closed Monday at 5 p.m.
- If your event falls on a Monday, it is closed the previous
Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Costs for Videoconferencing
If you schedule the bridge during normal business hours, there
is no charge for the bridge. Normal hours are Monday-Friday from
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
If you want the event streamed (live or archived) or recorded
onto a DVD or VHS there are charges for those items. Call for
pricing.
Preparing Graphics for Videoconferencing
Designing graphics for television is different than preparing
them for presentations in the classroom or for other groups,
but many of the same elements apply. This is a brief tip sheet
to help you better understand the best practice when it comes
to preparing your visuals
Fonts
Font sizes between 28-40 work best. Anything below 24 point
could be unreadable to those using smaller monitors.
- Use fonts similar to Helvetica or Arial.
- Be Bold: In most cases, making your text bold is a good
idea.
- Stay Centered: Computer monitors display a larger screen
area than television. Try to avoid using the exterior 10-15%
of the screen, as this area of your presentation could be masked
off by a smaller television screen.
Backgrounds and Text Color
- Contrasts work best: You want a lot of contrast between
your text and background. Some people prefer light colored
text against a dark background. Some prefer dark text against
a light background.
- Do not use gradient backgrounds.
- Some people like to use pictures as backgrounds or graphics.
This is acceptable, but you want to take care not to use a
background image that makes your text difficult to read.
How Much Text
- No line should have more than 7 words of text on it. Remember
you are summarizing material, not delivering it verbatim.
- Try to limit the lines on your screen to no more than 6
or 7 lines depending on font size.
Camera Angles for Videoconferencing
When you are participating via IP video some things to keep
in mind are:
- Use your PIP (picture in a picture) to adjust your camera
- Never aim the camera with a window in the background
- It is always better to show a picture of yourself rather
than pointing it at the ceiling, wall or sign – when
you are in a face to face meeting, you are seen, this is no
different
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