What videoconferencing services are available?

ITS, in collaboration with U of S Media Access and Production department (eMAP), is pleased to be able to provide consulting, implementation and support services to clients who wish to use videoconferencing technology at the university.

ITS can provide some consultation and advice regarding best practices.

ITS can provide some support services to verify VCU configuration settings, conduct videoconferencing tests and conduct network monitoring in an attempt to pinpoint any problems that are being experienced.

New - Fall 2011

ITS has implemented a Videoconferencing Gatekeeper that features a dial plan.  Once a video conferencing unit is registered with the Videoconferencing Gatekeeper, the dial plan provides a "video telephone number" to simplify the process of contacting registered video conferencing units. Registering your VCU also enables ITS to prioritize network traffic for static videoconferencing units.  This helps to help ensure quality audio and video conferencing within the limits of the U of S campus network. To register your videoconference system with the University of Saskatchewan you need to complete a Videoconferencing Service Registration form.

 


Coming Soon - Winter 2011

ITS will be establishing a Multi-Point Conferencing Service (2011) with features like: enabling bridging for more than a few sites; scheduling and reserving the capacity for multi-point conferences; automatically connecting to mulitple sites when scheduled.

Coming Soon - Winter 2011

ITS will be providing the ability to record a videoconference session. Sometimes problems occur during a videoconferencing session where, for example one out several remote site connections fail. In these situations, there is still value in the class proceeding and recording the videoconference is a way that the location who's connection failed can refer back to the recording to catch up on what might have been missed.

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What type of videoconferencing technology do I need?

Videoconferencing with one site

Point-to-point: a live video / audio communication between any two locations

Videoconferencing with more than one site

Multipoint: links between a three or more locations

Streaming a videoconferencing session

Streaming: watch and listen but don't participate

See more details on choosing a system.

Where can I access a videoconferecing unit?

Many colleges and departments have their own videoconferencing units for their own needs. You might start by contacting your local administration or IT support unit to find a VCU that is already available for use in your college or department.

The U of S Media Access and Production department (eMAP) provides videoconferencing options at various  locations around campus. Videoconferencing suites can support larger groups and have a number of advantages:

• The rooms are fully equipped and ready to use
• The audio and video are higher quality
• The larger monitor is more suitable for a number of local participants
• Technical staff are available to provide setup and and some operational assistance
• A document camera and smart board are available for use
• The session can be recorded on videotape

For detailed information regarding accessing eMAPs videoconferencing services or to enquire about purchasing a videoconferencing unit, please see the eMAP website.

Videoconferencing units are often available in other universities, regional colleges, etc. Contact those organizations directly if you plan to collaborate via videoconference with them.