H.323/Internet Video Conferencing

The University of Iowa supports videoconferencing solutions that follow the International Telecommunications Union H.323 Internet-based multimedia communications systems standard.

An H.323 videoconferencing FAQ is available for people new to H.323 videoconferencing.

On the second floor of the University Capitol Centre rooms are available for you to use for video conferencing. For more information on the rooms, visit Instructional Services Facilities web page.

For more information, see:

• Solutions Overview
• Preferred Software-Based Solutions
• Sharing Data During A Videoconference
• Multiple Site (more than two) Videoconferencing

Solutions Overview

Large Room Solutions Requires a display device Mostly set-top boxes Some can be rack-mounted Some take multiple inputs for video Most use a remote control Most have one or more external microphones Examples: Polycom VSX line LifeSize Tandberg 880 or 990 VCON HD line
Small Office Solutions Most will rely a computer’s monitor or will have a built-in monitor Not designed for more than one to three people Very few have external inputs for VGA, external cameras, etc. Focusing can be difficult to get exactly correct Becoming less popular and is expensive compared to software endpoints Examples: Polycom VSX 3000 VCON ViGo Tandberg 1000
Software-Based Solutions Most work only with Windows OS Rely on computer monitor for displaying video Use USB or Firewire webcam for capturing video A decent USB webcam will cost $100 Most software costs around $150. Most offer a free trial period download Examples: VCON vPoint HD 4000 RADVISION eConf Polycom PVX XMeeting runs on Mac OS X

Preferred H.323 Software-Based Solutions

Sharing Data During a Videoconference

Once the video and audio solution has been determined, the next issue is how best to share data such as PowerPoint slides, images, and applications running on a computer during a video conference.

The preferred method is one that follows the H.239 standard, a standard that defines multiple channels for delivering audio, video and data in a point-to-point or multipoint call.

Any newer Polycom, Tandberg or LifeSize units will support H.239 and each type can be configured to display the video and data on one screen or the data on a second screen.

Polycom's People + Content IP
for Software-Based Solutions

Multiple Site (more than two sites) Videoconferencing

Coming Soon...