Videoconference Bridging Services @ OUHSC

Academic Technology proudly hosts a Polycom® RMX 2000 video bridge to accomodate your videoconferencing needs. The video bridge provides intuitive, high-quality multisite/multipoint videoconferencing to end users needing to connect to multiple sites simultaneously.

Most "multisite" or "multipoint" videoconferences are conducted in virtual meeting rooms on the bridge. Participants dial into the meeting room and the conference begins immediately.

Videoconference Setup & Support Options

As connecting to multiple endpoints can be cumbersome, AT & AMDS will assist can assist you in this endeavor. We will perform site testing prior to your event for free. To request site testing prior to your event, please fill out the Videoconference Support Request Form.

Please Note: Site testing is arranged by you. Please do not submit the form until you have arranged the test call(s) with the remote site(s) technical contact. Connection testing 1‐2 weeks prior to the event is highly encouraged as troubleshooting remote location issues may span multiple days due to complicated network infrastructures at remote locations and/or the need to alter a room to fit your specific needs. Without advanced testing your event may very well have a delayed start or have sites unable to participate due to the time it takes to seek issue resolution.

Academic Technology's service unit, Academic Media & Digital Services offers video call setup & support for a small fee. Visit their website here for rates.

Virtual Meeting Rooms

If you would like to request a personal meeting room for your or your organization, or simply want more information about video bridging services in general, contact the Bridge Administrators, Mark Crowl or Richard McMahon. Contact phone numbers can be found here.

Best Practices for Video Conferencing

  • Always schedule a practice session prior to the actual conference to test endpoint connectivity, sound quality, and content sharing abilities.
  • Pay attention to lighting, background noises, and backdrop to ensure the best quality audio-video experience.
  • If the endpoint is running on a desktop system, shut down all other applications prior to initiating the conference.

Desktop Video Conferencing with the Video Bridge
You can participate in a video conference with a web camera and appropriate software. See Desktop Overview for more information. For iPads and Android tablet computers, Polycom RealPresence Mobile is available at no charge. However, you will need to contact Mark Crowl or Richard McMahon for configuration details.

For Macs, XMeeting has been recommended by other educational sites. OUHSC AT has not evaluated this software.

Video Conferencing Facilities on Campus
HSC hosts over 80 videoconference equiped rooms across campus. However, the scheduling of video conferencing equipment and facilities is at the discretion of each college, site manager or supporting Tier One. For information regarding types of equipment, scheduling, fees, etc., contact the listed representative here.

Glossary

  • H.323 -- an international standard protocol for video conferencing that uses the Internet for connectivity.
  • H.323 Alias -- a logical name for a video conferencing endpoint. It usually contains alphnumeric characters.
  • H.323 Extension -- the video telephone number of the client. It should conform to North American dialing conventions.
  • ISDN -- a telephone network system that allows for digital transmission of voice and data over ordinary phone lines.
  • MCU -- Multipoint Control Unit, also referred to as a Video Bridge. The MCU connects to the Internet and can handle simultaneous videoconferences, each having multiple participants
  • Point-to-Point (P2P) VideoConferencing -- Two endpoints video conferencing directly with each other without using any bridging services.
  • Video Bridge -- also referred to as an MCU (see above).