ITS Video Conferencing Service

What is Video Conferencing?

Video Conferencing is teleconferencing in which video images are transmitted among the various geographically separated participants in a meeting. Originally done using analog video and satellite links, today video conferencing uses compressed digital images transmitted over wide area networks or the Internet.

What can ITS provide in the way of Video Conferencing services?

ITS has a Polycom Videoconferencing unit that will connect to similar H323 compliant units over an IP network. This type of connection provides very good quality, particularly if it is between two points on the Orion network. Video quality can be reduced over a slower Internet connection. This equipment is best suited for small to medium conference groups. It is also possible for this unit to communicate to a site that uses ISDN lines through a third party bridging service.

How much does it cost?

ITS offers Video Conferencing to Western Faculty and Staff through an IP connection for a $100 flat fee for conferences that occur during regular work hours (9:00am- 4:30pm). If the remote location uses ISDN telephone lines for Video Conferencing there would be a charge for the bridging service; the total cost would depend on the length and location of the call. For after hours support, the cost for Western Faculty and Staff is $65/hour; Affiliates: $75/hour.

Where would the conference take place?

ITS sets up the conferences in room 5330 of the Support Services Building.

What information does ITS require in order to set up a conference?

  • The time and date of the conference
  • The number of remote locations connecting for the session
  • A technical contact name at the remote site(s)
  • A conference contact at Western
  • The preferred location of the conference
  • The number of people participating at the Western location
  • If there is an expectation to share computer based information (a Powerpoint presentation or other application) it would be helpful to know that for testing purposes

How much advance notice is required in order to set up a conference?

As with most things technical, there can never be enough advance notice. ITS would need to ensure that the technician is available for testing and setup on the day of the conference. Depending on the complexity of the conference, ITS would hope to have at least one week of notice.

How do I arrange a conference or get more information?

Video Conferencing is ONLY available to faculty, staff, and graduate students of the University of Western Ontario. Please fill in and submit the Video Conference Request Form and a member of the team will contact you as soon as possible.


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