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This page describes the technology used and required for the 2007 AVLN Conference.

H.323 Videoconferencing
This two hour conference uses H.323 videoconferencing. This is a standards based videoconferencing technology that generally requires 128K and higher speeds of bandwidth to connect.  384K is a common speed used in K12 videoconferencing; 768K and higher are common speeds on Internet2 and other high speed networks around the world.

Technology Required
To participate interactively, you need an H.323 codec, camera, and microphone. Here are some suggestions. The first three are designed for a couple of people connecting at a computer, but can be "tweaked" to work with a group.

• Non-interactive sites will be able to view the site via web streaming (free).
• Open source option 1: Use Ekiga/GnomeMeeting with a web camera.
• Open source option 2: Use OpenPhone with a web camera.
• Open source option 3: On a Mac, use Xmeeting with a web camera.
• For about $200, you can purchase Polycom PVX software for your computer and a Logitech camera (microphone built in). We recommend the Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 or 5000.
• Best for classroom size groups. For about $5000, you can purchase a good room based system like the Polycom VSX7000s.  This is the equipment used in the schools in Berrien County around Andrews University, supported by Janine Lim.
• Tandberg also makes videoconference products.

MCU Support of the Conference
An MCU is a multipoint control unit or "bridge" that connects multiple participants in a videoconference. We have ports for up to 20 interactive participants at this megaconference. So please connect in groups if at all possible.

Participants in the conference will connect either to the Berrien County ISD Tandberg MCU.

Required Test Calls
To be an interactive site, you MUST participate in a test call on June 15 between 11:00-3:00 U.S. EST; 8:00-12:00 U.S. PST. To RSVP for the test call, please email janine @ janinelim dot com.