May

10

Free trial videoconference software

May 10, 2006 | |

Polycom PVXWell it’s finally happened - I’ve allowed videoconferencing into my home. After vehemently resisting this for years, I’ve installed the PVX software kindly provided by the Polycom folks. (This was the BIG giveaway at Learning Technologies 2005 – don’t miss LT2006)

I did my first connection with US colleagues last night at 10pm and it was FABULOUS. (I had my best PJs on so they couldn’t tell ;->)
No more having to be dressed & at the office at unearthly hours so I can videoconference with those people overseas who never seem to want to connect at midnight their time!!!

So next time I give a presentation or run a workshop you can just be wondering if I’m at home & just what I might be wearing under that jacket.

Why not download a free trial version of Polycom PVX & try it yourself.


Comments

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2 Comments so far

  1.    Dave Ellis on June 17, 2006 3:55 am

    Hello, I have also been using PVX version 8 and the quality has been excellent when used internationally to the UK, (Sydney -> UK, Noosa -> UK, Brisbane -> UK).

    However, my video usage within Australia has been disappointing with poor quality video and sound - to the point of being unusable. The sites in question are connected via Telsa ADSL (my subscriptions have 256 K uplinks).

    Telsa have been no help saying video is outside their scope. Any thoughs would be welcome.

  2.    Carol on July 27, 2006 9:41 am

    Hi Dave - sorry for the slow reply. I don’t really have an answer. I use another provider & my uplink is 512Kbps. I certainly have no problems with that capacity - although we only ever run at 256Kbps. I think if they have the standard ‘home’ plan they’re not in the race.

    Telstra’s response is probably typical of any service provider here, Videoconferencing is used by a small percentage of people so not seen as mainstream yet. We’re still working on Govt to provide incentives to get more bandwidth to more places. Our current Federal Minister (Helen Coonan) is doing a good job on this front. And several user groups are getting the word out.

    Also, we’ve just had a major Govt report into teleworking. With this being seen as an important part of the workforce, I think we’ll see even more improvements.

    So my suggestions:
    1. Upgrade to a higher speed
    2. Find a new provider
    3. Just be patient - it will get better :-)

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