Recommended Low-Cost Audio and Videoconferencing Software: Skype

• Skype: Skype is a free Voice Over IP (VoIP) program. Skype is easy to install; once installed, you can call other Skype users from your computer. You will need a headset and microphone or speakers and microphone (see hardware). Quality is usually good to excellent, depending on the amount of Internet congestion at the time of the call. Skype allows up to 5 parties in a conference call. Since Skype uses P2P technology, it works behind firewalls. The MCR has had good results using Skype to communicate. Skype also lets you videoconference with one other person. To set up Skype, see the MCR instructions for setting up Skype and Festoon.
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• Formerly, the MCR used Festoon for videoconferencing. However, as of May 17, 2007, Festoon has "disappeared." We are currently searching for an alternative and will publish here when we find one.

Recommended Low-Cost Audio and Videoconferencing Hardware: Headset and Webcam

• Headset with Microphone A headset with microphone is require for audio and videoconferencing. See the list of recommended headsets for Skype.
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• Logitech Webcam: For use with Skype Video , a webcam (under $50) is all that is needed for good video quality. Some webcams also come with a headset.

Other Videoconferencing Technologies

• Utah Telehealth Bridge: The MCR has used the Utah Telehealth Bridge with Polycom hardware. If you are participating in a Polycom videoconference, please see the Polycom ViaVideo II Instructions.
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• VRVS: (Virtual Rooms Videoconferencing Software): VRVS is a free online multi-point videoconferencing service. You will need a Web camera, microphone, and speakers or headset to use VRVS. If you are behind a firewall, you will need to have a number of ports open to use VRVS. Audio, video, and data sharing applications are available. VRVS also allows you to connect to access grid presentations. The MCR has installed a VRVS "reflector" (server). We have had variable results with VRVS audio, but good results with the video. Initial set-up was time consuming for those behind firewalls.
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• Access Grid: The Access Grid is a multi-point videoconferencing technology that includes multimedia large-format displays as well as an environment suitable for many kinds of presentation and interactive applications. The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library has an access grid available. Remote users can tap into an Access Grid presentation using VRVS. The MCR is currently planning an Access Grid event for November 2006; four resource libraries (University of Utah, University of Nebraska, Creighton University, and Univeristy of Kansas) will participate. Watch for more information!

Streaming Media Events and Training

If you have an event you would like to broadcast live or "tape" for later playback in a streaming media format such as RealMedia, please contact Sharon Dennis at sdennis@lib.med.utah.edu. She will visit your institution to train your staff on the use of the mobile streaming media hardware and software as well as recording an event for you. After your staff is trained, you can borrow the streaming media mobile unit to record other events.

Videoconferencing Resources

• Videoconferencing Cookbook: Everything you want to know about videoconferencing. If you are looking for a good first resource, start here.

MCR Staff Contact

For more information, please contact Sharon Dennis, MCR Technology Coordinator, at sdennis@lib.med.utah.edu