The University has two videoconferencing suites based on a Polycom HDX7000 unit, and on a Tandberg 6000 unit. Each suite can offer both IP and ISDN video conferencing. Both suites can offer a content presentation facility from a PC. The preferred connection is by IP, as no call charges are incurred.
Video Conference Suite 1 is located in GLG043, and Video Conference Suite 2 in room GLG044. Both rooms are on the lower level of the Glucksman Library and Information Services Building.
Before the videoconference, it may be necessary for AVS/ITD to make a test call to the destination site to ensure that the University equipment inter-operates correctly with equipment at that site. Users are also advised to try out the use of the equipment well in advance of the conference.
Two further Polycom units, a VSX7800 and a MP512, may be used elsewhere in the University, for example ERB001 lecture theatre. The MP512 unit has less functions available than the other units. One week's advance notice is required for such usage to setup an IP connection.
Contact michael.chapman@ul.ie to make a booking or for further information.
Video Conference over ISDN
There are 4 ISDN lines connected to each suite. The ISDN number for the Polycom HDX7000 is +353 61-213117/213118, and for the Tandberg 6000 is +353 61-234336/234337.
If an ISDN conference call is made from the University, the cost of the call will be charged to the user. There is no charge on an incoming ISDN conference call.
Video Conference over IP
- There is no charge for IP videoconferences as they use the University's Internet service.
- The IP address of the Polycom HDX7000 is 193.1.100.99
- The IP address of the Tandberg 6000 is 193.1.100.98
- HEAnet (the national research and education network) provides video-conferencing services that allow both multi-site video conferencing and one-to-one video conferencing.
To use this service you may either use the videoconference service located within AVS/ITD or purchase the necessary extra equipment.
Each of the Universities has been allocated a unique range of addresses based on what is known as the global dialling scheme, GDS. http://www.heanet.ie/services/multimedia/gds_zones
The GDS address for the Polycom HDX7000 unit is: 0353011080003 and for the Tandberg 6000 unit is: 0353011080004
If you have your own equipment, then ITD will allocate an GDS address for it.
One-to-many Video Conferences
For conferences using more than 1 remote site, HEAnet have a unit (called a MCU) that will allow over 100 simultaneous videoconferences. A number of addresses have been set-up on the MCU for conferences for UL. Each party to the conference dials the global address allocated to UL.
HEAnet also provides an ISDN to IP service that allows sites without an IP connection to join a conference.
Further Details
The Polycom HDX7000 is connected to a 50" LCD display.
http://www.polycom.eu/products/telepresence_video/telepresence_solutions/room_telepresence/hdx7000.html
The Tandberg 6000 multipoint videoconference unit is connected to two 32" televisions.
http://www.tandberg.com/products/codec_6000_mxp.jsp
Both units, and the Polycom VSX7800 can communicate with other manufacturers' equipment using the H.323 (IP) standard, the H.320 (ISDN) standard and the H.239 People+Content or Dual Stream standard.
In People+Content, the "People" video channel carries a live view of the people in the conference, while the "Content" channel shows meeting content, such as slides, spreadsheets, or other presentation material - anything that can be developed and displayed from a standard PC. Viewers can see both the content of the presentation while maintaining the view of the presenter (or other people) at the same time.
