Frequently Asked Questions

Notes: Except in special circumstances, Cornell Hall videoconferencing facilities may be used only by the MU College of Business.

Reservations that do not involve a videoconference may be canceled at any time by a videoconference request or needed test.

Bob Dean of Grant Thornton and School of Accountancy Advisory Board member speaking to students

General Issues

What is videoconferencing?

Videoconferencing is a 2-way audiovisual communication between two or more geographically remote sites.

What equipment is needed to conduct a videoconference?

A typical videoconference system consists of audiovisual equipment: a camera, video monitor, microphone, and speaker, as well as a means of transmitting information between sites.

How is a videoconference transmitted?

The two most common methods of sending and receiving videoconferences are IP and ISDN. IP (Internet Protocol) transmits the information via a data port. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is transmitted over regular phone lines, via purchased subscriptions. A third, and much more expensive method, is satellite transmission, which is used by television broadcasting companies.

Distance Learning Classroom

Where is the best location in Cornell Hall to conduct a videoconference?

The Distance Learning Classroom (DLC), 204 Cornell, has the necessary equipment and a high quality data connection to conduct a videoconference. Bush auditorium also as videoconferencing capabilities.

What videoconferencing equipment exists in the DLC?

The equipment in the DLC includes: a Polycom unit focusing on the classroom; a ceiling-mounted camera that focuses on the speaker and screen; two ceiling-mounted projectors, one that projects the remote site to the front screen, and one that can display the remote site on the rear wall; two 35" video monitors for participants to view the remote site; one lectern microphone and four ceiling microphones; a lectern that includes two small video monitors; and a touch panel control unit.

What does a Polycom unit look like?

Other than the hardware and software, why is the DLC better suited for videoconferencing?

The DLC has an MU RNet connection to the internet. The RNet connection allows the audio and video to travel to the internet faster because it circumvents TigerNet, the MU network that carries most of the traffic on campus. Of course, once it gets to the internet it will travel in the company of all other internet traffic.

Is the instructional technology equipment in the DLC similar to that in other Cornell classrooms?

In addition to the videoconferencing equipment, much of the same equipment exists in the DLC. There is a networked computer with a DVD, a VCR, a ceiling mounted projector, and a document camera. However, switching between devices is done via a touch screen instead of a computer.

How are images from the document camera, computer and VCR sent to remote sites?

Images from the computer and document camera are sent through the ceiling mounted camera that focuses on the lectern and pull down screen. The VCR signal is sent directly via the data port.

Conducting a Videoconference

Briefly, what are the steps involved in scheduling a videoconference?

After you have identified a willing participant at a remote site, send a COBIS tech request to Technology Services (TS) briefly outlining your videoconference plans. TS will contact you for more information, including the name and email address of tech support at the remote site, and reserve the DLC. If MOREnet needs to be involved (e.g., remote site uses ISDN), TS will schedule the event with MOREnet.

How do faculty learn how to operate the videoconferencing equipment in the DLC?

Technology Services will provide one-on-one training, and will be in the DLC during the videoconference to provide assistance.

What is the simplest scenario of initiating a videoconference in the DLC?

By agreeing on a date and time, and then dialing the IP address of the remote site.

Is it possible to conduct a videoconference in the DLC with more than one remote site?

Yes, but it is necessary to use a MOREnet MCU (Multiple Connect Unit). MOREnet currently does not charge for this service, but they do require advance scheduling and testing.

How much advance notice is required to schedule a videoconference in the DLC?

Provided that the DLC schedule is open during the planned videoconference, plan for 20 business days notice. This allows time to train the user, make the request to MOREnet (if needed), communicate with tech support at the remote site, and conduct a test.

What are issues of concern while conducting a videoconference?

Wear solid clothing, avoiding black and bright red. Move in a fluid manner, remembering to stay within camera range. Maintain eye contact with the camera. Talk a bit slower and clearer, keeping in mind a 1-2 second response delay from a remote site.

Is it possible to record a videoconference?

Videoconferences can be partially recorded. As with any classroom, there is always the option of setting up a camcorder (available for checkout from Instructional Support Services) in the room. The DLC has the added ability to record the incoming portion of a videoconference directly to tape. The VCR in the equipment closet will record exactly what is displayed on the monitors. Please inform Technology Services at the time you reserve the room if you wish to record the conference. Unfortunately, at this time it is not possible to record the local (outgoing) portion of a videoconference.

Miscellaneous

How much are the ISDN charges, and who usually pays for them?

MOREnet charges $18/hr, billed at $.30/minute The site that does the calling will be billed. If MOREnet is not used, there are no charges to the college.

Is videoconferencing possible in Cornell classrooms?

Yes, but a portable Polycom unit would be required. The Polycom plugs into a data port, contains a camera, a microphone, audio output to speakers, and video output to the ceiling mounted projector. Currently, the college does not own a portable Polycom.

Is videoconferencing possible from an office computer?

Yes. A couple of commonly used software applications are Windows Live Messenger and Skype, which can be downloaded from the Internet. Necessary equipment includes a web camera, microphone, and pc speakers. A lot of web cameras today come with a built in microphone. A second option would be to use a web camera with a microphone/earphone headset. The most common use is between two people, from one computer to another.

Can Windows Live Messenger or Skype currently be used in Cornell classrooms and Bush auditorium?

Yes, but without a camera and microphone, the classrooms and the auditorium are not currently equipped to send video and audio. With advance notice, TCoB Technology Services can setup a temporary web camera and wireless USB microphone to be used. To request assistance send a COBIS tech request to Technology Services (TS) briefly outlining your plans.

Technical Issues

Briefly, what is the software technology involved in transmitting audio and video?

Videoconferencing systems use a “codec”, software that compresses audio and video into digital data and sends it to the remote site where it is decompressed. The term originates from COmpress and DECompress.

If the remote site is using ISDN via a phone line, isn’t a phone line required in the DLC?

No, MOREnet will connect the remote ISDN phone line with the DLC data line through a gateway. This is done at MOREnet.

How many remote site connections are possible in the DLC?

There is not a specific limit of remote connections but the greater the number of sites, the higher the difficulty level to maintain control of the conference. It is necessary to use MOREnet for connecting to multiple remote sites. MOREnet does not charge for this service, but they do require advance scheduling and testing.

Are there other RNet connections in Cornell Hall?

Yes, there is an RNet connection, as well as videoconferencing equipment, in Bush Auditorium.

What are factors that affect the picture quality of a videoconference?

The speed of the connection is the main factor. IP to IP connections between University of Missouri campuses offer the best quality. Videoconferencing through MOREnet can be quite good, depending upon the connection speed between the remote site and MOREnet.

Doesn’t Internet2 (I2) increase the connection speed and consequently, the video quality?

Yes, if the DLC is connected via IP to another I2 institution. Most major universities have an I2 connection.

During a videoconference how is eye contact maintained with the remote site?

The smaller, rear projector can be used to display the remote site on the back wall, thus eye contact is maintained via the lectern camera. This is accomplished by using the remote control unit to power on the projector, and then setting the input to "3". The remote unit controls both projectors so it needs to be used directly under the rear projector.