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What are the Technology Components Needed in a
Videoconference?
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Hardware
Tutorial
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Senders: Cameras, Document Cameras, Microphones
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Receivers: Monitors, Whiteboards with projectors, and
Speakers
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Controllers:
Keyboards, Remote control devices
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Processors:
Codec, Bridge or Router
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Carriers:
Fiber optic
cable, phone line, microwave, or Satellite
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Software
Tutorial
| Stationary Videoconferencing
Rooms |
Mobile Units |
A fully equipped videoconferencing room like
the one seen at left has the videoconferencing equipment strategically
placed for best transmission and reception during the
videoconference.
Specialized lighting is installed to ensure
picture quality, and microphones
can hang from the ceiling and/or can be placed on the desktops to allow
student participation. A monitor
and a camera
is mounted in the front of the room to allow students to see the
participants at the far end site. Dual
monitors are placed in the back of the room to enable the teacher to
view the far end site and see what is being projected by the cameras in
the broadcasting room. Speakers
can be mounted on the wall to project sound. Wireless
keyboards enable the instructor to move about the room as the
videoconference is taking place
Mobile Units like the one seen at
right are fully equipped to do all of the videoconferencing
functions. The unit can be moved from room to room, connected to a
data port, and used to connect to remote sites.
The unit is self sufficient and has
a camera placed on top of the monitor that can be positioned to capture
the scene selected by the teacher. The unit has a stationary monitor
which is large enough to be seen by a group of students. A wireless
keyboard and microphone allows the teacher mobility during the
videoconferencing session. In the storage case under the monitor,
you will find the codec which is connected to the monitor, camera, and
wirelessly to the microphone and keyboard. The codec processes the
information being transmitted. This unit can be positioned in the
room to capture the best camera views. Issues to consider with a
mobile unit include the placement with lighting, sound, connectivity
and |
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Camera
 Videoconferencing systems include at
least one camera that will show a presenter. The camera shown at
left is a permanent, wall mounted camera that can be manipulated through
the videoconferencing software to capture the scene in a classroom
videoconferencing session.
Small cameras can also be used to make connections
between individuals. In this situation a camera sits on top of a
monitor for desktop videoconferencing. CU-See-Me information for
individual conferencing is available on various websites at right.
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Document
Camera
 Document cameras are used to project
small items, hard copies of documents, artifacts, or other conference
relevant materials that the students need to see close up. The
document camera gives a close up to each participant and allows students
at the near and far end to see, examine, and discuss items at the same
time. A simple manipulation of the videoconferencing software menu
will switch the view to the document camera.
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Microphones
There are a number of microphone options
available for videoconferencing session.
A common type of microphone used in a session is a
lapel microphone. The lapel microphone is clipped onto a
jacket or shirt and worn on a belt or stowed in a pocket. A lapel
microphone is wireless and allows movement around the classroom.
Desktop microphones are
flat, square microphones that sit on the table and pick up the voices as
the speakers engage in the videoconferencing session. |
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Basic
Equipment: Receivers
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Monitors
 In
a stationary videoconferencing room there generally are at least two
monitors. These monitors show a view of the distant room and the
originating room. Some videoconferencing rooms have double hung
monitors in the back so that the teacher can see the far end room and
also the view from the broadcasting room. This is an ideal situation in
that the teacher does not have to guess if they are in view of the
camera. Placement of the camera and the monitors together is
critical to achieve a natural look and sequence as the teacher is doing a
presentation. If the camera and monitor is placed together,
the teachers will more easily appear to be looking at the audience as they
check monitors. |
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Whiteboards and Projectors
A videoconferencing room is enhanced when it utilizes an
interactive white board that is teamed with a projector to to enlarge the
image for a classroom of students. A large screen gives a greater
impression or connection with the far end participants and has a greater
presence in the room. An interactive screen gives the added
capability to allow the teacher the ability to work from the touch screen
to run the conference. |
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Speakers
Wall mounted speakers project the audio so that
all participants can adequately hear the videoconferencing session.
Speakers for a mobile unit are part of the monitor sound
system. |
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| Basic
Equipment: Controllers |
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Keyboards
 The keyboard
is used to manage the videoconferencing software and manipulate the camera
angles. The keyboard is used to access documents to be shared as
well as the menus to change how the videoconference is being
projected. Wireless keyboards offer portability for the
instructor. |
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Remote Control Devices
A number
of devices to control the videoconferencing equipment may be used.
Shown in the picture above is a touch screen panel that is operated from
the teaching station or can be a remote device that the teacher can use
while moving about the room. Remotes are available for use with the
overhead projector, wireless mouse, etc. |
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Basic
Equipment: Processors
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Codec, Router, Bridge
 A computer is used to code and compress the
outgoing signal and decode and decompress the incoming audio and video
signals. The computer is operated using software
to control the conference and mange the incoming and outgoing
signals. It is generally called a codec. |
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