Video Conference Technical Help
After 14 years of organizing video conference meetings Eyenetwork has learnt this: always do a test call at least 24hrs before the actual meeting. It gives you time to troubleshoot any compatibility problems between different video conference systems. If the centers are unable to establish a direct link then Eyenetwork can arrange an emergency bridge or use a 'virtual room'.
ISDN Test Line (international)
ISDN lines (up to 384kbs) dial
+44 1442 431225. You will see a pre-recorded video.
IP Test Line
IP test number 89.105.115.8
You will see a pre-recorded video.
Glossary Of Video Conference Terms
See the glossary page for definations and explanations.
Hints and tips for a successful video conference
Dressing Well
Wear neutral, solid colours avoid a white or light jacket. Checks, stripes and busy patterns should be avoided as these may distort with movement.
Pre Interview
You should arrive 10 to 15 before the time that the video conference is booked so that you can become familiar with your surroundings before the interview starts.
The on-site operator will adjust the camera and volume if necessary. You will either see two or one television screen. If there are two you are likely to see the interview panel on one and yourself on the other. If there is one screen you will see the connecting site on it - some systems will have PiP enabled so you can view yourself in a small box on the screen.
It can be important to see yourself so you know what you look like to the people on the other end. If you are too far to one side or the camera is pointing elsewhere in the room, ask the on-site operator to alter this so that you can be seen clearly.
Noise
Modern high quality microphones are very sensitive so avoid tapping on the desk or shuffling papers.
Movement
Keep your hand or body movements down to a minimum. Rapid or repetitious movements can look quite jerky on the screen or you could move out of shot.
Eye contact
As you speak try to look at the camera, usually positioned on top of the monitor, rather than the monitor itself. This will give a better appearance of eye contact. Speak normally as you would in a conversation, and don't forget to smile.
Sound delay
Sometimes there can be a slight time delay in the sound. If this happens wait a moment before answering questions to ensure that the far end particpants have finished speaking.
Technical problems
If there are any problems such as the picture freezing, let the people you are connecting to know. Explain what you can see, or not see and that you will be leaving the room for a moment to ask the on-site operator to help. Do not worry, on the rare occasions that this happens all that is often needed is a re-boot.
Duration of meeting
Keep an eye on the time. Make sure you can cover your agenda in the allotted time as the facility has been booked for a specific time it may not be possible to over run.
