| Requirements & Setup | Create a Meeting | Share Media 1 | Share Media 2 |
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| Manage Rights | Record a Meeting | Helpful Tips | Documentation |
Overview
A web videoconference uses a combination of video and audio telephony technologies to allow two or more users (or locations) to connect, meet, and collaborate via the Internet. Conference attendees can interact with each other and share information the way they would in a face-to-face setting. UIT supports the use of Adobe Connect Pro for web videoconferencing at Tufts. - Share visuals - One of the most important aspect of a web conference is the ability to share visuals with each other in real time. Participants can see what a presenter in a different location is displaying on his or her computer.
- Talk to each other - Participants can talk to each other with the use of a headset microphone or USB speakerphone. There is also a chat area, where participants can type to each other. Another option is to forgo the built-in voice tool (VoIP) and call meeting attendees on the phone.
- See each other - Participants can see each other when using optional webcams.
To be able to join a conference, participant computers must meet two basic requirements: a connection to the Internet and Adobe Flash installed. Because Adobe Flash is a common requirement of Internet sites that feature video, most computers will already have Flash installed.
Possible web videoconferencing uses:
- Staff can hold meetings online to eliminate travel time.
- While attending a conference, faculty can hold office hours online.
- Students from different campuses working on projects can hold virtual meetings.
For assistance or questions regarding the Adobe Connect webconferencing services, contact the Voice Communications Help Desk at (617) 627-4357 (ext. 74357) or teldesk@tufts.edu .
System Requirements
Adobe Connect is compatible with Mac and Windows computers and Firefox has been found to be a reliable cross-platform browser.
A listing of system requirements is available from the Adobe Connect Help:http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobatconnect/productinfo/systemreqs/
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 (or later)
- Mozilla Firefox 2 or later
- Adobe Flash® Player 9 or later
- Safari 2.x or later
You can perform an automatic web-check of your system configuration to ensure that your computer and network connections are properly configured. This online Adobe Connect tool will test your Flash player compatibility, your Internet bandwidth, and install provide a link to install the Adobe Connect Add-in. The Add-in allows you to attend a meeting in a non-browser environment, giving you more screen space. The Add-in is required for Hosts and Presenters. Users who do not have administrative rights to their Windows PC's should contact their departmental IT Support Provider to install the Flash player and the Add-in for them.
Adobe Connect "Add-In"
Upon entering the first meeting, Adobe will prompt you to install the Adobe Connect Add-in (if not already installed). You may wish to manually download and install it yourself in advance of your first meeting.
Manual Download for Windows
Manual Download for Mac
Audio and Video Equipment
Hosts and Presenters
When conducting a web conference, you can either use a telephone to speak to other participants (you can set up a separate phone conference, not available via Adobe Connect) or use the built-in VoIP system in Adobe Connect. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.
If you plan to use VoIP, you will need a headset with a built-in microphone or USB speakerphone to plug into your computer. Using your built-in computer microphone is NOT recommended, as it will create an echo and feedback.If you are hosting a web meeting for the first time, it is a good idea to have a test run BEFORE your first meeting!
Participants
You may communicate via the Chat pod, which does not require additional equipment. If you wish to speak, follow the directions for hosts and presenters. To hear the presenter, you'll need working computer speakers.
It's good practice to set up your equipment, upload your meeting content (if you are a host or presenter), and test your web connection prior to your scheduled meeting time.
Choosing audio equipment
Recommendations for headsets and speakerphones:
- USB Headset
Plantronics Foldable USB Stereo Headset (Audio 470 USB)
- USB Speakerphone - small
Duet PCS Conference Speakerphone - best for 2-4 people around a computer
- USB Speakerphone - larger
Quattro Conference Speakerphone - best for larger meeting rooms
Setting up Audio Equipment
Both Hosts and Presenters have automatic rights to broadcast their audio and video. Participants must be granted the right to broadcast their audio or video by a Host or Presenter.
Text instructions for testing audio devices and configure settings
- Select Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio Setup Wizard.
- Click Next.
- On the Sound Output page, click Test. A sound sample will play through your speakers or headphones. If you did not hear the sound sample, click Help for more information.
- When the test is complete, click Next.
- On the Select Microphone page, select your microphone type from the pop‑up menu.
- Click Next.
- On the Test Microphone page, click Record to test your microphone. If a dialog box appears requesting access to your camera and microphone, click Allow.
- Click Next.
- On the Tune Silence Level page, click Silence. Remain silent until progress is complete. Acrobat Connect Pro sets a microphone sound level that compensates for background noise in your environment.
- Click Next.
- Click Finish.
Adobe Connect has resources to help you set up and use your audio devices. See Using the Audio Setup Wizard for more support.
Webcam
A webcam is useful if you want to see each other during a web conference. Remember that using webcams uses up bandwidth and can delay the speed at which documents are viewed. For example, if showing a PowerPoint presentation, users might experience a delay when the presenter moves to the next slide. But webcams are great to get a sense of close collaboration. One solution is for participants to use their webcams during introductions, and turn them off when moving into the presentation part of the meeting.
Webcam Recommendation:
Setting up a webcam
Both Hosts and Presenters have automatic rights to broadcast their audio and video. Participants must be granted the right to broadcast their video or audio by a Host or Presenter.
Adobe Connect Help on Setting Up Video Broadcasting
Adobe Connect Help on Changing the Rights of a Participant
Troubleshooting USB devices
We recommend connecting all USB devices to a USB 2.0 computer. The older USB 1.1 will often cause bad sound / or video quality as it did not have enough bandwidth or power to drive audio and video and other equipment (scanners, printers, hard disks, etc.) at the same time.
A Note on Audio
Some built-in audio cards, particularly on laptops, may "leak" audio, which means that the signal coming out from the output goes into the input. This may cause an echo. We have seen this on a number of HP laptops. The solution has been to use a USB headset.
