Duke

Video conferencing (also called "IP-based," "standards-based," or "H.323” video conferencing) allows two or more locations to transmit high quality video and audio simultaneously over the internet.  Most systems also provide a way to share content, such as a computer screen.  See web conferencing for another way to share content and collaborate with audio and video.

You might use video conferencing to :

• Participate in a remote dissertation defense
• Participate in a remote class as a guest speaker, or bringing in a guest speaker into your class
• Hold a virtual meeting with participants in remote geographic locations
• Connect with peers here on the Duke campus that may be in distant buildings to save travel time

Desktop video conferencing uses software on your personal computer along with a webcam and microphone to participate in a video conferencing conference call with hardware-based video conferencing systems. While there are a number of different software based video conferencing tools available, Duke uses Cisco Movi software. For more information on the Duke Movi service, please visit the Duke Movi program information page.

Many departments and schools at Duke have room-based video conferencing systems installed for the use of their staff and faculty. Some may be available for general use, but it is up to the individual department or school to set policy. For a listing of departments/schools and their video conferencing systems, please visit Video Conferencing Rooms at Duke.

Duke also offers a software based video conferencing tool called Cisco Movi. For more information on the Duke Movi service, please visit the Duke Movi program information page.

OIT has established (3) always active video conferencing bridge sessions which it is referring to as "virtual conference rooms". These conference rooms can be reserved by any Duke affiliated person with access to Microsoft Exchange and the ability to access any H.323 compatible video conferencing system - hardware or software based (such as Movi). Each room will support up to 4 participants. These conference rooms come with no direct OIT support. It will be up to the requester to schedule time to pre-test their participants systems for compatibility and proper network access.

For more information on Duke's Virtual Conference Rooms, please view A User's Guide To Duke's Virtual Conference Rooms.

OIT does not currently offer pre-scheduled multiple-participant video conferences. Through a multi-school State of North Carolina agreement, we offer multipoint video conferencing sessions with technical support through MCNC at no cost to you. MCNC also offers bridging of ISDN to IP conferencing. The only costs involved are those of the phone charges for the ISDN line. For more information on MCNC video conferencing services, please contact the designated Duke representative for MCNC, Kennard Blake at blake008@mc.duke.edu.

Information on MCNC video conferencing services can be found at https://www.mcnc.org/services/video-conferencing.html.

Please note that you must have your system and all participatory systems certified by MCNC prior to your video conference. While certification is a quick process, make sure you allow enough time prior to your first video conference for this process.

OIT does not support ISDN based conferencing systems. MCNC offers a for fee bridging service to connect these types of systems to standards based IP video conferencing systems. For more information on utilizing MCNC video conferencing ISDN services, please contact the designated Duke representative for MCNC, Kennard Blake at blake008@mc.duke.edu. Information on MCNC Video Conferencing Services can be found at https://www.mcnc.org/services

Video conferencing does require specialized hardware and software. There is a wide range of solutions, from your own personal computer to fully integrated, high-definition hardware-based solutions. Here are some examples:

• Video conferencing software for your personal computer. Duke has a centralized solution for the distribution of Cisco's Movi software for Macintosh and Windows. With the addition of a microphone and webcam (built in is OK), your computer becomes a video conferencing device that can interact with other video conferencing systems and/or Cisco TelePresence systems. Click here for more information on Duke's Movi service.
• Desktop video conferencing systems. These small, all-in-one hardware appliances are for when you will be doing a lot of video conferencing with one or two people in a location. They are simpler to maintain than a computer with dedicated software and provide exceptional audio and video quality. Examples include the Tandberg EX60, which can function as an external computer monitor when not in use, and the economical and compact Tandberg 1000MXP. You can view the entire line of Tandberg video conferencing systems here.
• High-definition video conferencing systems. Also called "codecs", these dedicated systems typically consist of a separate processing unit, screen, cameras and microphones. They can be integrated into a conference room/classroom (see below), installed on a cart or just placed into a room. They offer execeptional quality audio and video, ans they generally come with cameras that can pan and zoom to capture multiple people in the same room.

There are often times when the larger video conferencing systems need to be integrated into a conference room or classroom. This may include installing ceiling- or table-based microphones, screen mounting and/or integration with special remote control devices from companies such as "Crestron" that present a simplied user interface for common tasks. Listed below are a number of companines that Duke deals with on a regular basis:

• Clark Powell
• IVCI
• Kontek
• Technical Innovation
• VSGI
• Whitlock Group

Video conferencing systems can dial the DukeBird system at 152.3.126.30 (Does not work with Cisco Movi). This unique "talkback" system will let you verify your system is sending good audio and video.

Duke also has an always-open conference to confirm you can reach our network.

• Systems that are subscribed to the Duke gatekeeper can call 555
• All other systems can call 555@152.3.168.69