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Help and training will be available before and during a video conference.
Please contact Steve Greenham (Office F6, Extension 30580) for further details.

These suggestions will help to enhance the quality of the video and audio experience.

• Before the session begins:
• It is recommended you arrive at leat 10 minutes before the session begins, to ensure there are no problems and to allow time for any set-up changes etc.
• Arrange the seats in a clear position for the camera, but try to fill the screen as much as possible with people rather than with furntiure.
• Avoid wearing bright or patterened clothing/jewellery (such as chequered, plaids or stripes). Dark or pastel clothes will ensure you are seen clearer on the screen.
• Check the lighting conditions are sufficient. Close drapes or blinds and beware of any glare or shadows.
• Place the microphone on the centre of the table in front of the people in the meeting.
• Turn off all mobile phones.

• During the session:
• Before you start the meeting, ask the remote site if they can hear you clearly. Have them introduce themselves so you can be sure that you can hear them. You may want to adjust the volume on the television.
• The video conferencing system transmits video images at a relatively slow rate and moving images will appear slighlty jerky. To reduce this visual effect by making any movements smooth and slow.
• Audio will have a slight delay and only one side should speak at any one time. You may want to pause briefly for others to answer you or to make comments. Each person should wait for the other to finish speaking.
• Don't place papers or objects on or around the microphone area. Do not rustle papers or tap on the table.
• Speak in your normal voice clearly and concisely, without shouting. Use natural gestures when you speak and remember to address the camera, not the display screen.
• As with any meeting, try to limit side conversations.

• After the session:
• Please switch of the equipment using the power socket master switch.
• If you have any particularly good or bad experiences during a video conferencing session, then please let us know, by contacting Steve Greenham (Office F6, Telephone: +44 12233 30580).
• We make every effort to improve our services.

Useful Links and Resources

The following links give more information about video conferencing generally and other sites which may be of use when video conferencing:

• http://www.wmnet.org.uk/vc/
  WMnet, the West Midlands Regional Broadband Consortium, has developed these online guides to video conferencing with funding from DfES and Becta.
• http://www.ja.net/services/video/vtas/
  JANET provides a Video Technology Advisory Service (VTAS), which provides unbiased technical advice on equipment and issues related to video conferencing.
• http://www.timeanddate.com/
  Linking up to another country? Then check the time difference here.

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