Author Archives: Mackenzie Pauly

Video Conferencing Technology Added to Library 131

A Logitech Meetup video conferencing device has been added to Library 131. This device connects to a laptop via USB and will allow for remote participation in this meeting room. For instructions on using the technology in Library 131, see here. For instructions on Zoom for video conferencing, visit http://go.middlebury.edu/zoominfo and http://middlebury.zoom.us to start using Zoom!

RESOLVED Slow connection to Zoom web services and issues connecting to Zoom meetings

Updated 2:35p, 1/9/18:

Zoom’s status page is reporting that services are restored.  If you continue to have issues, please restart the application and then submit a Helpdesk ticket.

View Zoom’s status at http://status.zoom.us

__________________________________

We are experiencing an issue with Zoom video conferencing.  According to Zoom, “customers are experiencing slow connection to Zoom web services and issues connecting to Zoom meetings.” Zoom is working to resolve the issue. We do not currently have an estimated repair time but will provide an update as soon as we know more.

We apologize for this disruption. Thank you for your patience.

Please submit a ticket with any questions or concerns.

Library 105 Technology Upgrades

Library 105 underwent a technology upgrade over the holiday recess — both the video conferencing and control systems were upgraded.  The new system retains all pre-existing functionality but now has a simplified design and auto-tracking cameras in both the front and rear of the room.  The auto-tracking works based on a combination of beam forming microphones and facial recognition technology.  For more information on Cisco SX80 video endpoints and presenter tracking technology, please visit Cisco’s site.

The room is easy to use for both local presentations and video conferencing meetings.  Quick-start instructions for common use cases will be posted on the wall near the telephone.  If you have questions about the room, please submit a Helpdesk ticket at http://go.middlebury.edu/whd or contact the Helpdesk @ ext. 2200 or helpdesk@middlebury.edu.

 

Issue — RESOLVED Zoom Meetings Disconnecting

Update from Zoom, posted 11/26/18, 12:42p:

“All meetings since the original isolated meeting issues have operated as expected, and services moving forward should be operational. We will continue to monitor the situation to confirm service reliability.”

 

Initial issue, posted 11/26/18, 12:08p:

We are experiencing an issue with Zoom video conferencing, which means a small number of meetings are disconnecting and some users are receiving an error message when trying to join a meeting. Zoom is working diligently to resolve the issue. We do not currently have an estimated repair time, although Zoom has identified the root cause and is working on a solution.  We will provide an update as soon as we know more.

We apologize for this disruption. Thank you for your patience.

Please submit a ticket with any questions or concerns.

Zoom Video Conferencing Update

As of July 1st, 2017, all faculty, staff, and students across the Middlebury Institution now have full access to Zoom. Zoom is our new videoconferencing tool and it replaces Adobe Connect and the Polycom RealPresence Desktop software. For more information, for support or to begin using Zoom, please visit our new Zoom landing page:
http://go.middlebury.edu/zoom,
and sign in with your Middlebury credentials.

We will be sending more information about Zoom in the near future.

Zoom Workshops and Online Tutorials!

Hi All,

Media services will be offering Zoom workshops in Library 145 from 2-3pm on March 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd.  We will be covering functionality, best practices and offering demonstrations.  If you’re curious about Zoom, please sign up!  Click here for the sign up sheet.  The workshops will be geared towards people in the Library 145 room but will also be open to remote participants.  The Zoom meeting URL is in the sign up sheet.

If you’d like to begin your Zoom tutelage in advance of the meeting, you can check out some of Zoom’s video tutorials here.

For more information on the Zoom project, click here.

For general questions or to request an account, send an email to mpauly@middlebury.edu.  We currently have 150 host accounts which are being handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thanks!

Mack

New Polycom Unit in Library 145

The older Polycom HDX unit in Library 145 has reached End of Life as defined by Polycom, and, after noticing a few minor issues, we’ve decided to replace it with a newer Group Series 500 unit.  Functionally, there are very few differences — users can still dial the same numbers and can use the same virtual meeting room, 710145, when using Library 145, and the microphones and camera haven’t changed.

What’s new:

  • New remote control — it’s much shinier and has fewer buttons.  Take a look here.
  • New user-interface — same functionality, different design.
  • Content sharing is automatic — to share content, place your call and then connect the HDMI cable to your computer.  Content will automatically be displayed.

If you have questions about using the new technology in the space, please feel free to check it out or send an email to mpauly@middlebury.edu.  The in room instructions will be updated to reflect the changes.

 

Polycom Testing & Maintenance: Sunday, December 11th

During our regular maintenance window this Sunday morning, December 11th, and continuing into the afternoon, the Polycom video conferencing systems will be down.  Users will not be able to make outgoing or receive incoming calls until the work is completed.

For any video conferencing needs this Sunday, please contact mpauly@middlebury.edu to discuss alternative methods.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to optimize our systems.