Web Video Conferencing

What is Web-Based Video Conferencing?

The RACP is all about providing its members with the most up-to-date technology to connect people from around Australia and New Zealand. Web-based video conferencing (WVC) is an online platform that enables members to connect live to meetings and events via video from their own laptop or PC. The internet / web-based system requires a few settings on your computer and internet to be in line with its requirements and can be run from your workplace or home.

RACP staff coordinate the integration of this option to attend College meetings. If you are interested please email events@racp.edu.au . Instructions are below on how to use WVC.

Vidyo^TM 2.0 Upgrade 18 October 2010

We are pleased to announce a major upgrade to the RACP Vidyo^TM video conferencing technology that will now be accessed direct from the RACP website.

This upgrade comes as part of a suite of enhancements to the way that RACP manages access to meetings and events using video conferencing. Access to meetings is via this web page or via the link sent to you by the RACP staff member organising your meeting.

Why are we making the change?

This new service provides far better quality and a superior user experience. As many people utilise this technology for critical meetings, we want to ensure you are using the most advanced technology available. There is new functionality including the ability to share your entire desktop and enhancements to the behind the scenes production management allowing greater quality control.

What do I need to do?

After the upgrade, everyone will need to download the new Vidyo^TM 2.0 Desktop Client the first time they make a call. This will happen automatically when you try to participate in a video conference meeting or join a video room after 18 October. Simply follow the prompts on the pop up window that appears on your screen and you'll be connected in approximately 2 minutes.

Please note this will require administrator rights on your computer and permissions to download and install .exe files if you are on a corporate network.

Please ensure that you download the new software in plenty of time for your next important meeting to ensure any issues can be addressed.

If you wish to upgrade to the new Vidyo^TM 2.0 Desktop Client ahead of time you can do so, clicking on the join videoconference button underneath the main menu bar on the left hand side. Once you're on the JOIN screen, click on the "Set up and test your system" link and follow the prompts.

For assistance contact RACP Web Support at web-support@racp.edu.au or 02 9256 9690 between 8am and 8pm Mon-Fri.

What does this mean to me?

Some of the great new enhancements include:

• Voice echo cancellation enhancements;
• Selection / changing of audio and video devices is simpler and can be done whilst connected to your meeting;
• Users can share their whole desktop as well as individual windows;
• Java is no longer required to install the Vidyo Desktop Client, which can be a standalone install now.

Note:
Future releases will allow for the sharing of video files.
All future Vidyo product enhancements will be based on this new platform.

What else do I need to know?

If you are new to internet/web based video conferencing (WVC) there's a few things you need to know. Using the system requires a PC or Mac computer/laptop manufactured within the last couple of years and the same skills used to browse the web or use email so you need to be comfortable using PC based systems. You may need to seek assistance from a tech savvy family member or workplace IT support person.

The additional equipment required to participate in meetings is the same as required on Vidyo 1.0 Version previously used by the RACP:

• A USB WebCam/Microphone. Contact the Events team (details below) for a recommendation of suitable Webcams. If you will be attending meetings frequently, speak to your Committee Executive Officer to ask the College to supply you with a Webcam.
• Headphones as used with iPods and other personal audio devices are suitable.     

RACP approved Meetings and Events via WVC are coordinated and supported by the RACP Events and Meetings team. You can contact the team to organise a session for initial set up and testing via events@racp.edu.au or 02 8247 6240.

We recommend that you carry out a test before each meeting and certainly after you download the new Vidyo 2.0 client. This ensures we identify any issues and we can provide technical support and solutions or suggest alternative attendance arrangements.

Still having issues accessing web-based videoconferencing?

Unfortunately there are still a few area health IT networks that block your access to WVC, although the College is doing what it can to resolve this and version 2.0 alleviates some of the issues that existed previously.

Should you be in an affected area and believe you should have access to WVC you can volunteer to be a champion for your area health service and act as a sponsor and sign off on a letter which the College will draft.

Please call 02 8247 6240 if this is of interest to you or email events@racp.edu.au.  

Please note older versions of Vidyo^TM software can no longer be used after this date.
 

To view this information in a pdf click here