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PC Video Conferencing

PC video conferencing service encompasses audio and video communication with anyone, any time and any place in the world by connecting with one another from any desktops/laptops.

Software Download & Installation Guide

The preferred and supported video conferencing software is:

Other possible but unsupported video conferencing softwares include:

Webcam, Headset & Microphone Recommendation

Any existing webcams and headsets that work on the desktop/laptop should be sufficient. Webcams and headsets can be purchased from Monash University's endorsed suppliers.

Windows

Recommended webcams:

  • Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision (for desktop users, excludes headset, very good video capture but expensive) ~$165
  • OR Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 (for desktop users, includes a headset and has in-built echo-canceling microphone) ~AU$109.00
  • OR Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (for laptop users, excludes headset) ~AU$130.00

Headset:

  • Logitech USB Headset (for desktop/laptop users, little or no audio installation process, i.e., no need to fix soundcard related issues, if any) ~AU$35.00

Reviews and estimated prices are accurate as on 31st January 2007.

Linux & Macintosh

  • Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000
  • Logitech USB Headset

All the above devices are available for purchase from Monash University's endorsed suppliers.

Need help or got questions?

Looking for help or got questions:

FAQ

  1. What is the address of the gatekeeper?
    • gk.monash.edu.au

  2. Do I need a headset?
    • Headset is recommended for personal desktops especially if you are in a shared office environment. Headset is also highly recommended if you are not using an echo-canceling microphone.

  3. How do I keep my video conference software running in the background or auto start when I start the PC?
    • If you are using Polycom PVX, go to "Setup" (spanner icon on upper-left corner of the software interface), select "General" and check the box for "Auto-start Application in Background" and click on "OK".

  4. How do I connect on Monash-Wireless-Net?
    • Go to Setup (spanner icon on upper left corner of PVX), select Network and select "Connected over VPN".
    • Then choose the network adapter, select "Cisco Systems VPN Adapter". Click on "Apply" and "OK".

  5. How do I connect from home? Video conferencing from home is possible but no support will be provided due to the wide variety of router and ISP configurations that users may have. Do one or some or all of the following to enable video conferencing from home:
    • If you are using Polycom PVX, go to Setup (spanner icon on upper left corner of PVX), select Network and select "Behind a NAT/firewall". Click on "Apply" and "OK".
    • Configure home router for port forwarding. Required ports are here.
    • Set the computer to be in "Demilitarized zone". Do this at your own risk.

Troubleshooting

  1. I cannot make a call.
    • Have u restarted your Polycom PVX after installation and configuration?
    • Are you registered to the gatekeeper properly? Before you can make a call, check that you are listed in the Monash Video Conferencing Directory. You may have to restart your Polycom PVX to register with the gatekeeper. You can only register with the gatekeeper ONCE, i.e., you cannot register with the same name and/or VoIP number twice.
    • Are you using the correct network adapter (especially laptops, wireless/wired)? Go to Setup->Network->Choose your network adapter, instead of using Windows default adapter.
    • Do you have firewall or are you connecting from home? You may need to configure your firewall settings or home network. Required ports are here.
    • Do you have a working Internet connection?
  2. I cannot see my own video or people cannot see my video when I call them.
    • Your webcam may not have been installed properly or not working properly. Make sure the webcam is properly connected and appropriate drivers installed.
    • Your Polycom PVX maybe using another video input device. Go to Setup->Video and Select Camera.
    • You may have another application running that may affect the video from the webcam, e.g. video codec management software.
    • Polycom refuses to use the webcam: Try Splitcam to capture video from webcam and select "Splitcam Capture" in PVX as Preferred Camera in Setup->Video. Must make sure SplitCam is running before starting PVX.
  3. I cannot hear the other party properly.
    • First determine whose endpoint is having audio issue by calling other users.
    • Make sure the audio devices are properly plug in or connected.
    • If using Logitech webcam's microphone, some noise will inadvertently be heard. The noise should be low enough to be tolerant; and if not, the driver for the webcam may need updating.
    • Try another audio input device, go to Setup->Audio and select from the Audio Input Device list.
    • A Logitech USB Headset is highly recommended for unresolvable audio issues. For most machines, you only need to plug in the headset and it works.
  4. I get inaccurate caller information when receiving calls.
    • Your Polycom PVX Local Directory may have inaccurate entries. Go to Directory (right-side of PVX), select Category->Local (left-side of PVX's Directory), and delete all entries with IP address 130.194.12.241.
    • To prevent inaccurate entries being saved into the Local Directory in future, avoid saving other party's information into Local Directory AFTER making a call. The Global Directory in Polycom PVX has reliable information of other video conferencing users or make calls by clicking on "callto:" links in the Monash Video Conferencing Directory.