Videoconferencing
A videoconference is real time interaction between two or more people using simultaneous video and audio transmissions over a network. Its main purpose is to serve a conference but it can be used to support distance learning, small and medium scale meetings, collaborative working and interviews.
Videoconferencing at Greenwich
The Office of ILS provides a Videoconferencing service at the Greenwich Campus (D021), Avery Hill Campus (S311) and the Medway Campus (Drill Hall). The latter is available to University of Greenwich and University of Kent staff.
What Facilities Do We Have?
| Greenwich Campus | |
| Location | D021 |
| Seating capacity | 8 persons |
| Equipment | LifeSize Room 200 |
| Number sites linkable | If simultaneous connection with more than 4 remote sites is required, please discuss this with the technical staff. |
| Link information | IP - speed up to 2mbps. ISDN by arrangement 1 |
| Charging information | IP calls are free. Staff costs may apply. Bridging costs may apply 2 |
| Technical contact | Phone: 020 8331 7624. Email: mg-classrooms@gre.ac.uk |
| Avery Hill Campus | |
| Location | S311 (Southwood Site) |
| Seating capacity | 12 persons |
| Equipment | Tandberg 3000 MXP |
| Number sites linkable | If simultaneous connection with more than 4 remote sites is required, please discuss this with the technical staff. |
| Link information | IP - speed up to 2mbps. ISDN by arrangement 1 |
| Charging information | IP calls are free. Staff costs may apply. Bridging costs may apply 2 |
| Technical contact | Phone: 020 8331 9687. Email: ahs-classrooms@gre.ac.uk |
| Medway Campus | |
| Location | DC017 |
| Seating capacity | 22 persons |
| Equipment | Tandberg 990 MXP |
| Number sites linkable | If simultaneous connection with more than 4 remote sites is required, please discuss this with the technical staff. |
| Link information | IP - speed up to 2mbps. ISDN by arrangement 1 |
| Charging information | IP calls are free. Staff costs may apply. Bridging costs may apply 2 |
| Technical contact | Phone: 01634 883764. Email: dhl-it@gre.ac.uk |
How to book
Training
We ask that first time organisers of the videoconference attend a Videoconferencing training session.
Book the room and session
You can book a room via the Facilities Management Non Academic Room Booking Request Form.
Once your room booking is confirmed you will need to complete the Videoconferencing Booking Form. You must complete this form at least ten days before the planned event.
Test Link
To ensure a smooth operation, we recommend a test link prior to the proposed videoconference session. We can carry out the test link but need the remote participant's full details as below.
When the booking request has been completed and the VC links have been checked, a confirmation will be returned by e-mail.
You need to tell us
- dates and times of proposed Videoconference session;
- full contact details of all parties involved including equipment operators;
- remote link information:
- make and model of Videoconferencing equipment
- IP address(es) of the equipment
What we provide
- The Room
- D021 at Greenwich
- S311 at Avery Hill
- DC017 at Medway
- The Equipment
- Professional VC system, Visual Presenter and DVD if required.
- Training
- Simple, hands-on guide to operations and features.
- Support
- Attendance at start of session and call out support thereafter Mon Ð Fri 09.00 to 17.00.
- Test Link
- Liaison with Remote Site/s to test connection prior to the session.
We strongly advise that arrangements are made well in advance.
Etiquette
- What to Wear: avoid wearing heavily patterned clothing and highly reflective jewellery as this can affect the picture clarity; avoid too much white Ð solid colours are better than bold.
- How to Conduct the Session: training will be given, but each site should nominate a chairperson who introduces participants individually and maintains a protocol of one person speaking at a time.
- What to Expect: you may experience a slight time delay, so try to adopt a relaxed conversation pace and avoid interrupting other speakers. Other than this, you will see and hear remote participants and be able to talk as if in the same room.
Notes
1If you require an ISDN link please let us know in advance as it may be possible to accommodate the session using the Janet Videoconferencing Service (JVCS). This also applies if you require more than 4 simultaneous links.
2Some links may require bridging due to network or system incompatibilities. The test link will highlight issues such as these. Bridging can be handled by the JVCS but may incur a cost.
Last updated 21 November 2011.