FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are a list of Frequently Asked Questions about video conferencing.
How do I book at multipoint VC?
How do I install the Polycom software (version 6)?
What do I need to VC
To VC you will need a camera, the appropriate software(CLEO recommend Polycom PVX), a microphone and possibly (depending on camera) an appropriate adapter.
Can I Use a webcam
It is possible to use a webcam if used in conjunction with the PVX software. A web cam may be suitable for one person video conferencing to another person but if you wanted to deliver a lesson to a class you may be better going for something like the canon vc-c50i
Why do need to register for VC with Cleo and JVCS
In order to take part in a video conference you will need an E164 number. This number can be obtained by registering on the Cleo Gatekeeper. When you register you will be receive an email containing your E164 number. If you want to Video conference with schools and museums outside CLEO you should Register with the JANET video conferencing service as well.
How do I register for VC
Lancashire schools can register with both CLEO and JANET by contacting The Westfield Centre, Cumbria schools can register by contacting the Cumbria ICT Team.
How do I book a session
If you are booking a call with a museum you should contact the CLEO office on 0845 053 0035.
What are the hardware Requirements?
Video conferencing is quite demanding on the pc, generally the faster the processor and greater the amount of memory the better. At a minimum you should be using windows xp with a equivalent to a Pentium P4 2.Ghz processor with 500mb of RAM.
If you buy one of the more expensive cameras the camera may do some of the the processing, the lower end camera’s will use the pc to do the processing.
What is an E164 Number
An E164 number is similar to a telephone number which is an E163 number but is used for video conferencing. To make a VC call you dial the E164 number
Where do I purchase Video conferencing equipment from?
For Schools in Lancashire please contact the Westfield centre 0845 053 0006. For Cumbria Schools please contact the Cumbria ICT team (01228) 221225. They will discuss your needs and be able to purchase the appropriate equipment.
What cameras do you recommend?
At CLEO we have tested a number of cameras. The results can be seen here
Can I borrow VC Equipment ?
CLEO and the County Support teams do have a number of VC cameras that are available to borrow. These are strictly on a 'first come first - served basis' and can only be lent for one term. The loan kits are designed to give schools an opportunity to try video conferencing before commiting to purchasing. For more information contact Westfield or the Cumbria ICT Team.
How do I get my Video Conferencing equipment installed?
If a Lancashire school purchases equipment from the Westfield Centre the kit will be delivered to site. If you require installation then engineers can include it as part of a curriculum support visit or as a chargeable job. Westfield can provide advice over the phone to assist anyone. For Cumbria schools please contact the Cumbria ICT Team for advice on installation.
Who Can I Video Conference with?
There are a growing number of opportunities for using video conferencing. Schools could set up informal links to other schools at local, regional, national or even international level. High Schools involve their 'feeder' primaries in activities such as maths projects. There are also many curriculum based sessions available regionally, nationally and internationally. CLEO in conjunction with Cumbria and Lancashire museums offers free sessions covering a range of curriculum areas. For more information click here
I am having problems with my audio - what can I check?
Click here for some audio troubleshooting notes
