Desktop Videoconferencing

WVIZ/PBSAdvisory Committee Meeting

December 4, 2007

What is Desktop Videoconferencing?

• Attachment for a personal computer that allows an individual to videoconference directly from a desk to another location within the building or through a network to a remote site. – London Health Science Center

WebcamsWebcams come in all shapes, sizes and

features. A couple of Key points…• The camera must fit your computers

specifications.• Audio must be integrated into the camera

or a microphone must be connected to the computer.

• Some cameras need audio and video adjustments prior to starting a videoconference

Popular Webcams• Creative Labs

• Miscrosoft

• Logetech

$99.00 $29.00$49.00

$89.00 $58.00 $25.00

$129.00 $50.00 $30.00

Video Effects and Extra Features

Audio and Video Integration

Camera only

Using Video Effects

Microsoft LivecamVideo Effects

Logitech Ultra Vision Video Effects

Desktop Video in K-12 Education

• Desktop to DesktopVideoconference from a personal computer to a personal computer (Instant Messaging)

Desktop to Desktop

• Skype– Videoconferencing and Audio conferencing

between Skype Members– Supports chat between Skype Members– Supports document sharing– Supports audio calls to off Skype Networks

including Cell Phones and Telco (Locally and Internationally for an additional fee)

– Supports multipoint Audio conferences – Supports public discussions in text and audio

(Skypecasts)

Desktop to DesktopAdvantages

• Free to download and to join• Small learning curve• A great tool for planning and one on one communication• A great work around for email filtering, difficult phone networks and poor cell reception• A great tool for international communication

Disadvantages

• Webcam video quality• Small groups or single user• Small screen size• Limited mobility• Bandwidth• Firewalls and district policies• Runs in the background on your Computer• File sharing limited to uploading and downloading• Solicitation over IM

Desktop Video in K-12 Education

• Desktop to Desktop(Instant Messaging) Videoconference from a personal computer to a personal computer

• Desktop to Web portal to Desktop (Browser Based Videoconferencing)Videoconference from a person computer to multiple desktop endpoints using an online portal

Desktop to Portal to Desktop• MegaMeeting

– Browser based videoconferencing solution requires now downloading

– Multipoint Videoconferencing using webcams Unlimited users, Continuous Presence for 16 sites

– Desktop Sharing– “Pass the Mic” capabilities

– Audio conferencing– White Board and Markup support

– Text Chat and & IM between participants

Desktop to Portal to Desktop

Desktop to Portal to Desktop

Desktop to Portal to Desktop

Desktop to Portal to DesktopAdvantages

• No Downloads Required• Small learning curve • A great tool for small group planning and meetings• Phone support for participants away from a PC or offline• Desktop and File sharing promotes online collaboration• Email notifications with links to video rooms• Participants canjoin from officeor home.

Disadvantages• Cost

• $29 - 400 per month based on number of users• $15,000 purchase to run locally on your server

• Running locally requires an additional server• Renting video space requires all video and data traffic to goes to California• Only 16 endpoints viewable in Continuous Presence• Can not include H.323 Video endpoints

Desktop Video in K-12 Education

• Desktop to Desktop(Instant Messaging) Videoconference from a personal computer to a personal computer

• Desktop to Web portal to Desktop (Browser Based Videoconferencing)Videoconference from a person computer to multiple desktop endpoints using an online portal

• Desktop to ClassroomVideoconference from a personal computer to a H.323 endpoint

Desktop to Classroom (H.323)• Polycom PVX

– PC based H.323 videoconferencing to any H.323 videoconferencing end point or MCU

– Requires software and a webcam

– Supports H.239 graphics and desktop sharing– Runs on Windows XP and Vista

– Connects to sites as High as 1920K or as low as 64K

Desktop to Classroom (H.323)

• XMeeting– Mac-based H.323 videoconferencing to any

H.323 videoconferencing end point or MCU– Requires free software and a webcam

– Supports call recording to QuickTime Movies– Runs on Mac OS X 10.4 or higher

Desktop to Classroom (H.323)Advantages

• Desktop to video endpoint solution• H.264 video compression• Small learning curve• Does not require static or public IP to dial out• Works well with firewalls on outgoing calls• Great for one to many or one to one sessions• Cost - $150

Disadvantages

• To receive a videoconference users must have a static & public IP address on their computer• To receive a videoconference users must be added to firewall access lists• Many consider this program a network security risk when provided a public IP• Webcam Quality video and audio• Not a classroom solution • Software is a work load on

Product Description Cost Platform Link

AOL Instant Messenger Instant Messaging and video software service from AOL

Free Mac/Win www.aol.com

Camfrog Webcam chat community 49.95 Mac/Win www.camfrog.com

EnVision Video relay software for sign language users

Free Win XPhttp://www.sorensonvrs.com/options/envision_download.php

iChatInstant Messaging and video software service compatible with AOL

Free Machttp://www.apple.com/macosx/features/ichat.html

ICUII Live video chat using a webcam 49.95 Win http://www.icuii.com/Ineen Voice, video, and instant

messagingFree Mac/Win www.ineen.com

iSpQ (Eye-Speak)Social network and video chat software

39.95 Mac/Win http://www.ispq.com

iVisit Audio/Video conferencing 49.95 Mac/Winhttp://www.ivisit.com/index.html

PalTalkInstant Messaging using audio and video

Free Win http://www.paltalk.com

Polycom PVX H.323 compliant videoconferencing software

$149.00 Winhttp://www.polycom.com/usa/en/products/video/desktop/pvx.html

SightSpeedAudio/Video conferencing with video mail

Free for basic version Mac/Win http://www.sightspeed.com

SkypeAudio/Video conferencing with Skype members; Audio calls off Skype network

Free (service costs vary)

Mac/Win/Linuxwww.skype.com

TryFastWebcam chat community compatible with MSN, AOL, ICQ, and Yahoo!

Free for basic version Win www.tryfast.com

Windows Live Messenger (MSN)

Instant Messaging and video software service; Audio calls off Windows Live network

Free (service costs vary)

Winhttp://get.live.com/messenger/overview

xMeeting H.323 compliant videoconferencing software

Free Machttp://xmeeting.sourceforge.net/pages/index.php

Yahoo! Messenger Audio/video instant messaging Free (service costs

vary)Mac/Win/Linux

http://messenger.yahoo.com/chat.php

Contacts

• Paul HieronymusCurriculum Technology CoordinatorAvon SchoolsHieronymusP@avon.k12.oh.us(440) 866-5959

• Matt McKennaProduction and Technical SupportWVIZ/PBSmatthew.mckenna@ideastream.org

216-916-6346