| Video Conferencing is a great way to host a live discussion or presentation and there are a variety of tools at your disposal. Some of the tools allow you to record your session for viewing at a later date. Due to the number of parts you need to have a great presentation, CFANS OIT suggests you consult with us and we will help you evaluate these tools in light of your needs. It is also advisable to do a test run to work out any issues like bandwidth, hardware setup, and software requirements ahead of time.
Equipment Checkout Availability
CFANS OIT has two laptops equipped with cameras and microphones available for checkout. If you would like to checkout equipment or get assistance setting up a recording for an upcoming event or lecture, send an email to cfans.help@umn.edu. Due to a limited amount of equipment, we ask that you give us two-weeks lead time.
Video Conferencing Training
Are you interested in becoming a contact person in your department or unit to help provide video conferencing services? The University of Technology Training Center offers courses related to UMConnect. CFANS OIT is also available to provide group training. If you are interested, please send an e-mail to cfans.help@umn.edu.
Equipment Recommendations
You will need a few pieces of equipment to get started. You also can use the built-in camera and microphone in your laptop if it came equipped with them.
CFANS OIT staff is knowledgeable about the type of equipment needed, so feel free to e-mail us at cfans.help@umn.edu to discuss your needs. We found a wide variety of options through GovConnection.
Cameras
In general, any USB webcam will work for webcasting. Prices range from approximately $20.00 to around $150.00. We have found the Logitech cameras to be solid performers, but other brands will certainly work equally well. You can find models that clip to your LCD screen and models that are free-standing. Many will have a microphone built in.
Microphones
If you are the only person appearing in your webcast, a webcam with a built-in mic or in a headset is all you need.
If you are doing room-size broadcasts, you may need a stand-alone mic, which will cost approximately $75.00 - $250.00. A webcam and built in mic may be adequate for a small room.
It is possible to string two or three microphones together, which might be beneficial in large rooms as audience members don't all speak at the same volume. We have been using the Phoenix Audio Duet Executive speakerphone when recording UMConnect seminars on campus. This device can be used as a speakerphone when plugged into a telephones or PDA.
Headsets
If you have a private office or space that you can close off, using a headset may be the best choice. Headsets offer clearer sound, but may or may not be essential. If you do opt for a headset, prices will vary, but expect to pay $50.00 to $100.00. CFANS OIT likes Sennheiser’s products because they offer solid performance and we find them to be comfortable.
UMConnect
UMConnect (formerly Breeze) is a free tool which is well suited for PowerPoint presentations going out to an audience. Presentations can then be stored on the UMConnect server for later viewing. In addition to video, audio, and text chat, UMConnect offers virtual whiteboard for cooperative drawing; screen sharing for live demonstrations; and the ability to pass control among participants (delegation).
Skype
Skype is works best for one-on-one video conferencing or group audio conferencing over the Internet. This tool does not allow you to share applications on your computer and offers minimal security features when conducting a session.
If you have a need to install this software on a department computer, we can help you configure it so that it does not operate in the background and eat up excessive bandwidth. Send an e-mail to cfans.help@umn.edu.
ITV through OIT Video Networking Service
OIT provides ITV (interactive television) connectivity to and from all the University campuses: Twin Cities, Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester. Data lines provide two-way video and audio links to specially equipped rooms to allow instructors and students (or meeting facilitators and participants) to both hear and see each other.
At this time, VNS provides video conferencing to credit course activity for University of Minnesota departments or colleges. Non-credit events are minimally charged to cover room maintenance and the cost of the student technician.
Office of Classroom Management
If you plan to host a large seminar or lecture in Coffman Memorial Union or at the St. Paul Student Center, Classroom Management has a wide variety of equipment and services at your disposal.
Polycom
Polycom is hardware that utilizes the H.323 protocol, which allows you to conduct live video conferencing with organizations that have Polycom video conferencing hardware and software. We use the software, a video camera, and a microphone to connect to another Polycom system. This software also has the capability of sharing desktop applications. CFANS OIT has two laptops with camera and microsphone available for checkout with Polycom software installed on them.
If you are planning a video conference with an organization outside the University and they have Polycom capabilities, send an e-mail to cfans.help@umn.edu to schedule a laptop, and we will help you set up the meeting. | 
