FAQVideoconferencing is two way communication using audio and video. Videoconferencing can be used for interactive teaching. For more information, please see the Videoconferencing Basics page. 2. How do I register my class/meeting for videoconferencing? Please go to the requests section of the Videoconference home page. 3. Can I use videoconferencing for staff meetings between campuses and to other universities/businesses? Yes. Please fill out a request form. If possible, we ask that you submit requests of this nature one week in advance of the scheduled meeting. Meetings between campuses generally have no cost. 4. Can our department purchase our own videoconferencing equipment? Yes, your department can purchase your own videoconferencing equipment. Our videoconferencing coordinator can consult with you on that decision. We do not support rooms outside of Classroom Technology department. 5. Can I connect several sites at the same time (multipoint conference)? Yes, up to 20 sites can be connected in a videoconference call using George Mason's videoconference bridge. Multipoint conferences need to be scheduled in advance. 6. Who can I contact about my videoconferencing needs? Please contact Casey Campbell, at 703-993-4517 or vtc@gmu.edu 7. What is the quality of a videoconferencing call? Videoconference call quality depends on two things - the equipment being used and the bandwidth. The better the equipment used and the higher the bandwidth, the better the video quality. The university classrooms use high end systems to help ensure excellent video quality. 8. What are the costs associated with videoconferencing? Please see the price guide. 9. How do I get training on how to use a videoconferencing system? Please contact the Videoconferencing Office, at 703-993-4517 or vtc@gmu.edu 10. Can I connect to students in their homes over aDSL/Cable modems? We do not suggest this approach as videoconferencing needs about 400kbps of bandwidth in both the upstream and downstream direction. Also, students need specialized equipment/software. Web conferencing may be a more appropriate technology for in-home use. 11. Can private businesses use George Mason University videoconferencing facilities? Yes, private businesses can use George Mason University videoconferencing equipment if the equipment is available for use. Rooms must be reserved through Events Management. 12. Does the Videoconferencing department provide stand alone streaming? The videoconferencing department does not provide streaming outside of a videoconference. For streaming solutions, please contact the Instructional Resource Center. 13. What type of equipment and network is needed to connect a videoconference call to George Mason University ? GMU can connect to both H.320 (ISDN) or H.323 (Internet) standards compliant videoconferencing equipment. This generally includes equipment from manufacturers like Polycom, Tandberg, PictureTel, VTel and VCon using either the internet or ISDN. 14. What type of equipment does George Mason University use for videoconferencing? George Mason
uses both Polycom and Tandberg videoconferencing systems. All electronic
classroom locations with
videoconferencing capability use Tandberg 770MXP, 2500 or 6000 controlled by
a Crestron touch panel. We also use a Tandberg MCU and Codian MCU for bridging multiple
calls and use a Tandberg GW for connecting to ISDN. ISDN connections are
done at 384kbps, IP calls are placed up to 1.5 Mbps. Calls are recorded if requested using a Codian IPVCR (pilot project). 15. Where can I find a room for another location (not George Mason) to videoconference with? The Videoconferencing Office does not arrange the initial contact with the remote site. If you are connecting to another university, try their web site. For a list of Internet2 sites see: For private 3rd party providers, please see one of the following:
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