Details

The rolling cart uses a Polycom VSX 5000 that supports IP-based videoconferencing. It uses the H.323 protocol at speeds up to 768 kbps. The party you wish to contact with this videoconference hardware must be accessable via the internet and must also be using a H.323-compliant device.

Obtaining The rolling video conference cart

The videoconferencing hardware can be used in any of the Computer Sciences Department conference rooms.

• Send email to lab@cs.wisc.edu indicating when you would like to reserve the unit for use. If you will require assistance with the use of this hardware, please indicate this in your email.
• You will need the IP address or hostname of the remote unit to establish the connection. The hostname of the rolling cart unit is video-conf.cs.wisc.edu.

Setup

Once the hardware is in the conference room, place the television monitor and the Polycom unit where it can be easily viewed by all attendees. Avoid situating the unit where the camera will be facing sunlit windows, etc.

Position the black triangular extended microphone in a location central to the meeting participants. The button atop the extended microphone is a mute button. When the button is glowing red, the system is muted.

Avoid routing the power and network cables where they may be tripped upon.

Usage

If you have not used this unit before, you may want to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the controls and features of this unit.

See Also:

Polycom quick reference guide

The videocamera position is controlled by the maroon arrow keys on the Polycom remote.

Use the <near> and <far> buttons on the remote to transfer your control of the camera between your camera (near) and the remote camera (far).

The <auto> button will enable automatic camera positioning. In this mode, the camera will automatically track to whoever is speaking. The extended microphone is used for this feature, and operates best if placed as far from the camera unit as possible.

Placing A Videoconference Call

You will need either the hostname or IP address of the other party's videoconference hardware. When connected to the network, the hostname of this system is video-conf.cs.wisc.edu.

From the main menu screen select the top center live video icon. In the next screen, enter the hostname or IP address of the remote videoconferencing system. Use the right arrow button for a "." and the left arrow to backspace.

You can access the menu screen at any time by pressing the <menu> button in the lower left-hand corner of the remote.

When finished with the video conference, use the green <call / hang-up> button on the remote to disconnect the call.

When Finished

Be sure to return the unit with the remote control back to the lab when finished using the device.