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• What is video conferencing?
• What specific uses might I have for video conferencing?
• What does this service consist of?
• How much does it cost?
• Can I use this service from my personal workspace?
• How do I get started using Operations Support video conferencing services?
• How far in advance must I plan?
• Will a technician be present for my video conferencing?
• What if I need to connect to more than one other remote site?
• Do I need to worry about the compatibility of Princeton’s video conferencing facilities?
• How is the quality of a video conferencing call?
• Can we test our connection with the remote site to make sure it works?
• Is it possible to share what I am doing on my computer (e.g. using applications like Word, and PowerPoint) during my video conference?
• What tips can you offer to make my video conference go smoothly?

What is video conferencing?
Video conferencing is two-way audio and video communication. Imagine using it for remote interviewing, interactive teaching, for research collaboration, for meetings with colleagues at a distance, or for sharing your expertise with outside groups.<back>

What specific uses might I have for video conferencing?
Imagine bringing a guest from a distant location into your office or conference room without infringing on their time or the huge expense of travel. You can also consult with outside staff and colleagues who share your interests, conduct interviews with potential job candidates, or take part in organized conferences and other events available over this medium.<back>

What does this service consist of?
Operations Support will provide the necessary web cam hardware and software for the video conference.  The use of Skype.com enables free communication over the Internet. The Operations Support Video Conferencing Service operates off of the premise that users will utilize the Operations Support owned web cam hardware/software and skype.com.  If skype.com is not used special arrangements must be made with Operations Support and will require additional preparation time.<back>  

How much does it cost?
The use of this service is free of charge to all departments within the Treasurer’s Office as long as skype.com is used.<back>

Can I use this service from my personal workspace?
Absolutely!  This service can be used in your personal workspace with a single participant communicating with another single participant remotely.  It can also be used in a conference room with a bigger participant base as well.<back>

How do I get started using Operations Support video conferencing services?
You should also be in communication with someone at the remote site to determine that they have a skype.com account (as well as a web cam). You will be asked by our staff to provide the name, phone number, and e-mail address of a technician at the remote site.<back>

How far in advance must I plan?
Operations Support requires at least one week's notice to reserve this service. Approval is also dependent upon the availability of technical staff and the video conferencing hardware. You are encouraged to book this service as far in advanced as possible.<back>

Will a technician be present for my video conference?
A technician will always be present to initiate your conference. Whether the technician remains throughout the session will be dependent upon a number of factors (e.g. special connectivity issues, lead time, etc.).<back>

What if I need to connect to more than one other remote site?
You must work with Operations Support to establish a multipoint conference.<back>

Do I need to worry about the compatibility of Princeton’s video conferencing facilities?
No. All of our systems are standards-based and interoperate with most other systems.<back>

How is the quality of a video conferencing call?
Quality depends upon the equipment used (at both ends) and the speed of the network connection - i.e. the amount of bandwidth.  The better the equipment and the greater the bandwidth, the better the quality of the conference.  Princeton uses high-end equipment and has high speed network connections.<back>

Can we test our connection with the remote site to make sure it works?
Yes.  We encourage such tests. You will work with the designated technician some time before (usually a week or two) before the actual date of your event.<back>

Is it possible to share what I am doing on my computer (e.g. using applications like Word, and PowerPoint) during my video conference?
Yes.  Please alert Operations Support of your intentions to do so prior to your actual video conference.<back>

What tips can you offer to make my video conference go smoothly?

• While you shouldn't be nervous, do remember that unconscious behaviors that go unnoticed at a normal meeting can, literally, be amplified when broadcast to another site (e.g. pencil tapping, etc.).
• You must speak clearly towards the microphone and remember to look towards the camera.
• If you are planning a video conference with a location that is at a significant distance, time differences will play a huge role in the process. Even e-mails between individuals may, functionally, be delayed a day, causing pre-session preparation to take more time than expected. It may be hard to provide a technician for a session at what would be business hours, say, in Tokyo. Time and Date's World Clock - Time Zone Converter will be of use in determining time differences.
• There will likely be a delay, so remember to give the person at the other site the opportunity to respond to your question.
• Keep the phone number of a contact at the other site(s) handy just in case any difficulties arise.
• Keep some paper and a pen around in case you lose audio connection. You will be able to write a note that may be seen at the other site to alert them to the problem.
• Dress "conservatively" - solid pastel colors are best. Loud colors (especially red), busy patterns (e.g. thin stripes, houndstooth, etc.), and shiny jewelry are not only distracting, but they can also cause odd effects in the video received on the other end.<back>