Videoconference quickstart
From NW-DCSD
Online video conferences occur approximately once a month and are listed on the project calendar.
Video conferences currently use Marratech's software which can be downloaded for free from their website. In addition we have included a local mirror of the downloads in case the main site goes down.
Maratech Main Download
Local Mirror
To participate in the video conference, you'll need a fast internet connection, a camera, a speaker or headphones and a microphone. If you don't have a camera, the system will still work but the other participants will not be able to see you. Good audio is most critical.
Most computers have their built-in microphone
and speakers near each other, thus producing a lot of feedback. You'll get the best results by using a head set with an integrated microphone. These can be purchased inexpensively from newegg.com or amazon.com. In addition, you should make sure that you have the latest audio drivers for your hardware.
If you do not have access to a computer, you may also enter the conversation via telephone. For this to happen, you will need to send your phone number to the person leading the meeting. They will then call you from the Marratech meeting room.
Video conferences via Marratech take place in a virtual conference room that typically can hold up to 10 people and are accessed in the Marratech software via a room url. Prior to a conference, one the project leads will send an email reminder to the group that includes the meeting's agenda as well as the room url. To be included in this email, please contact one of the project PIs.
Note: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LOG IN! When you start the Marratech software, you will see text boxes for a login and password. Please ignore these and just enter your room address in the bar at the top.
Here is a good place to buy a cheap camera
Pre-Meeting Checklist:
- Marratech software
- camera (optional but recommended)
- Speakers and microphone
- Latest audio drivers
- URL of upcoming meeting
