Multipoint Videoconferencing

When three or more end-points need to connect, a videoconference "bridge" system must be used, or an MCU. IT-UMS offers bridging services to the university community.

A bridge can connect three or more end-points together for a larger conference. It can be a mixture of different connection types, locations, speeds and hardware.

Screen Configuration

Since multiple sites are connected to the same call, the screen must be configured to show the participants. You have a choice of how you'd like the screen configured for display of the remote sites. Your choices will depend largely on what type of conference you'll be holding.

	Full Screen: The full screen option will display the dominant speaker (determined automatically based on who is speaking) in a conference to all sites.
	Quad-Split: This option allows four participants to be seen on the screen simultaneously. Other participants will be seen as they speak.
	Nine-Split: This option allows nine participants to be seen on the screen simultaneously. Other participants will be seen as they speak.

Other configurations are also available if needed. You will not see yourself "reflected" back to yourself during a conference-- the delay would be too distracting.

Audio only participants

Participants can also join a conference using a standard telephone. All video sites will hear the party on the phone and can talk with them as with any other site.

There may be long distance telephone costs. Please see teleconferencing for more information.

Conference Moderator

In large conferences (or small ones for that matter) it's important to choose a conference moderator or conference chair to ensure things run smoothly. This should be someone attending the conference who will greet sites as they connect, take roll call and keep the conference on track. A great idea is to send an agenda to all participants the day before the event and have the moderator follow it.

The conference moderator also should request end points to mute their microphones when not actively speaking. Microphones are very sensitive and side conversations at sites will sometimes be heard by everyone.

Etiquette

Managing a large conference requires all parties to follow some rules of etiquette.

• Mute microphones when not actively speaking.
• There is a delay when using the MCU. Be patient and wait for a response to a question.
• Whispering and side conversations are generally not a good idea. Microphones in the room will pick up this conversation and disrupt the conference.
• Wait for the moderator to acknowledge you before speaking.
• During presentations, wait until the presenter asks if there are any questions.

Costs

At the University of Delaware, there are no facility or staff fees associated with a bridged videoconference for academic purposes.

For grant-supported or non-academic video conferences, the rate is $1 per minute/per video site and $.30 per minute/per audio (phone) site.

There also may be fees for using ISDN services if we place the call (if the remote party places the call, they will incur the line costs). Those ISDN fees are passed directly on to you or your department.

When video conferencing with other parts of the world, remember the time difference in your requests. University Media Services normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Meetings outside of these times are handled on an individual basis depending on staff availability and may incur additional overtime charges.