UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

Videoconferencing at U.C. Davis: Frequently Asked Questions

For More Information

  • Campus Resources
    • VideoConferencing Special Interest Group: Contact IET-ATS at (530) 752-2133 to join the VC-SIG listserv to talk to other departments who have VideoConferencing equipment
Q. I heard VideoConferencing equipment is unreliable and needs lots of tech support?
A. HD VideoConferencing (HDVC) equipment is very user friendly with minimal failure points. Additionally, using the Internet (or IP) is much easier, more accessible and more reliable than ISDN.
Q. Will my department need a tech person to support the VideoConferencing equipment?
A. HD VideoConferencing (HDVC) is easy to learn and easy to use; a technician should not be required to set up your meetings. However, it is reccomended that you train your technical staff to assist new users and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during use. Additionally, IET-ATS has technicians and engineers available to handle any complex issues or equipment failures. They also have a “cheat sheet” available that answers the most common user questions.
Q. Isn’t VideoConferencing expensive?
A. It used to be, especially when we had to use dedicated ISDN lines. Now it is primarily done over the Internet. Equipment costs are also coming down. In many cases, a single point to point system is sufficient, at $5,000 - $6,000 dollars. (With this system you can access CENIC to initiate a call to multiple points). There is also equipment available on campus that can be rented at affordable rates if you need a larger, multipoint system. Alternatively, you can get software to turn your computer into a VideoConferencing system, for as little as $199 (plus a camera and microphone, if your computer is not so equipped)
Q. Do I have to be careful with what I wear?
A. Not with HD VideoConferencing. You can wear stripes, and all colors – the resolution is good enough now that colors do not degrade and patterns do not result in on-screen noise.
Q. Can I show my PowerPoints to others on a Video-Conference call?
A. Yes! The new HD systems can be set up to display the contents of your computer screen. This allows you to display PowerPoint slides, animations, documentation, or even video.
Q. If we use HD VideoConferencing, will we be able to VideoConference with other campuses/locations that have older equipment?
A. In most cases, you can connect directly with any VideoConferencing system (standard definition or HD) at bandwidths from 128 Kps to 5Mps. Occasionally, you may come across an older system that does not allow immediate access. In that event, a bridge (i.e., Cenic) will need to be utilized. IET-ATS has technicians available to assist and provide training for this situation if required.