Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing combines audio and video to provide a means for efficient communication, collaboration and decision making in real time. It enables people who cannot be physically present in the same location to conduct a face-to-face meeting. Videoconferencing enables each participant to be able to see each other's facial expressions and body language. It also allows people to share files and data, so that it is easy to hold presentations, review documents and make fast decisions.

2. What are the main reasons for using videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing can be used to hold meetings, to carry out interviews, to give seminars, to teach.

Videoconferencing was initially developed to permit meetings to take place between people some distance apart, and its commercial viability depends upon it being cheaper and more convenient than traveling.

When videoconferencing is used for teaching, it is often more effective for small groups of students at each site.

It is also possible to share computer applications over videoconferencing links to enable participants to examine diagrams and documents at each site and to make changes as required.

3. What types of videoconferencing systems are available across campus?
PolyCom - Desktop Units & Television Units Tandberg - Television Units

4. I need to conduct a videoconference, where do I go, and who do I contact?

You can contact Online Conferencing Support at 737-2388 or vc@ecu.edu and we will assist you with all of your videoconferencing needs.

5. How many people (locations) can I connect to in a videoconference at one time?
With the use of a videoconferencing bridge, you can have up to 60 locations displayed in continuous presence or 160 locations if voice switched.

6. What H.323 equipment do you support or recommend?
PolyCom software for desktop use, or the Tandberg Edge 95/85/75 MXP or Polycom HDX 7000/8000/9000 for classroom use.

7. What do I do if I purchased a new computer with Windows Vista or Windows 7 and my Polycom PVX no longer works?
Polycom PVX versions 5 and 6 are not supported on Windows Vista and Windows 7. If you have a copy of PolyCom PVX version 8, you can still use it on your Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer with the same License Key however you will have to download the software upgrade at: http://www.polycom.com/support/video/pvx/PVX_8_0_16.html