I need a consultant who is familiar with videoconferencing in an educational environment to help with design. This is NOT a design and installation situation; we need design info and need to see that we are going in the right direction. Please email me.

Thanks,
Ernie

Am doing an install dealing with web video conferencing if that helps? Tying a DVD/VCR combo, DVDR all into a central touch screen. A commercial company that wnats to conference between two remote offices to start with. We are installing the Polycom 8800. Let me know what you think or if you have any further questions.

I have more info now. They have the codec and ISP stuff figured out, but need help with the ergonomics, as for instance where to put the cameras so the speaker is not obvously looking up into the camera...it looks strange to see someone talking to you with the whites showing under their irises. Know what I mean?

Et cetera.

The most important item that is always overlooked in VTC design is the room lighting.

I have done many conference room installations, but have no idea what you are talking about the irises. Really the best place would be in back of the display, but since that is impossible as close to the display as possible is the best solution. You want to build the bond between the two people at each end and so helps the illusion if the person is looking at you and not outside the window. That is also why on TV/Plasma integrated products the camera is on the display that has the incoming image.

I think it would really depend what you want to do

scenario 1: L1 :teacher at desk, L2: all students

L1 : I would put a small double screen system
L2 : single screen and camera in the front (students don't need to know where the teacher is pointing the camera, depending on $$ you can use a few presets for questions or put a push button at the desks for the students to ask questions

scenario 2: L1 teacher and students, L2 students

L1: put a big screen in the back of the class and camera (teacher cam) add a second camera in the front of the class (student cam)

L2 as above



the biggest question will be the speakers and mics. and again that will depend what you want to do. You could put a highly directional mike on each desk (for student questions) or put a couple of stand up mikes and designate a question area. The same would be true for the teacher, go with a podium mic or go with a wireless mic. wireless is more expensive and you need to make sure it is constantly charged but gives the teacher more freedom.


You might also want to look into stuff like electronic white boards. Luckily most new VC systems come with VGA for presentations. Some VC systems can also send two signals (PC and video) if that is the case and presentations will be used then a better idea would be to add two screens per class room

PS if you have more precise questions I don't mind helping, send me an e-mail