iVisit
(Last modified on
2 August, 2005)
This Web page provides an overview of iVisit, a desktop videoconferencing
tool that you can use from your own personal computer.
If you are interested in learning more about this resource or have any questions
regarding the resources on this page, please contact Ann
Luck.
WHAT IS iVISIT?
Developed by the creator of "CU-SeeMe," iVisit is a low-cost,
desktop videoconferencing tool that combines two-way audio/video, instant
messaging, file sharing, and Web co-browsing. (See the iVisit
Web site for more information.)
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS I MIGHT USE iVISIT?
From your personal computer you can...
- "Call" a colleague and even share pictures, videos, Powerpoint
presentions or any file format during your discussion
- Meet with research collaborators to discuss your work
- Virtually take someone on a tour of a Web site
- Bring an expert into your classroom from anywhere in the world
- Meet with a small group to work on a project together
- Conduct an academic advising session
- Record short video clips for others to view at a later time
WHAT HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE WILL I NEED?
- Access to the Internet at 56k or higher (high speed recommended, but not
required, for presenters)
- A personal computer and Web browser that meets iVisit's
system requirements.
- A Webcam such as the Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 or Logitech Quickcam for
Notebooks Pro (approx. $80)
- A USB headset/microphone, such as the Plantronics USB headset DSP 300
(approx. $55).
(NOTE: Traditional computer speakers can also be used, along with a separate
computer microphone, but the results are not as desirable.)
NOTE: Be sure to install your WebCam and USB headset/microphone
before you attempt to use iVisit. Otherwise you may encounter audio and/or
video problems.
- The iVisit software:
- A free ("Lite")
account is available for 1-1 video calls of up to 60 minutes in
duration.
- A "Plus"
account ($39.95/year) is also available that allows one to establish
group video conference calls (up to 8 participants) of unlimited duration.
With a Plus account, users can also establish unlimited 1-1 video calls
simultaneously. (This latter ability enables one to circumvent the "room"
limit of 8 participants--to do so, the Plus user would simply establish
a 1-1 video call with each of the other participants and each of the
participants would do the same.)
NOTE: Lite account users CAN participate in group video
conference calls, provided at least one of the other call participants
has a Plus account (and can, therefore, create the "room"
for the group call).
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
iVisit is easy to use! A User
Guide is available to walk you through registering the software, creating
an account, and making your first call. It also explains how to use all of
the software's features.
Additional tips:
- Place your Webcam as close as possible to the image of the person you
are connected to on your monitor, so that when you look at that person's
image on your screen, it will look (to him/her) like you are looking that
person in the eye!
- Keep iVisit "running in the background" so that someone can
"ring" you at any time (a green dot next to someone's entry in
your address book lets you know they are online). If you don't want to be
interrupted, just don't "accept" the call! (like ignoring the
telephone).
NOTE: You may need to adjust your iVisit preferences so
that you will have the "running in the background" option. Just
go to Settings-->Preferences-->Personal Info and click on the radio
button for "Choose whether to exit on each close"
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SET UP A GROUP OF
USERS WITH iVISIT "PLUS"?
If you are working with a team of collaborators and want to use iVisit to
conduct your work, you will need to upgrade each of your team's iVisit subscription
to the fee-based "Plus" account ($39.95 per year) in order to have
group (versus 1-on-1) videoconferences.
NOTE: iVisit offers discounted "bulk" pricing
on groups of subscriptions, so it would be to your team's advantage to make
your upgrade purchase together. Contact the
folks at iVisit for information on bulk pricing that will meet your team's
needs.
Directions for upgrading a team of iVisit users to the "Plus" account:
- Make sure each team member has already created a free iVisit accounts.
(See the previous section on "How do I get started?")
NOTE: Some teams like to use a standard naming convention
for each team member's account, such as putting a common "prefix"
on each user's name (e.g., "MGIS_Luck," "MGIS_DiBiase,""MGIS_King,"
for members of the Masters in GIS team). If you want to use a common naming
convention for each member of your team, be sure to let each member of your
team know that up front so they can follow that convention when creating
their accounts.
- Have each team member send their unique iVisit account name to the person
who will be handling the upgrade purchase (e.g., the team leader or perhaps
an administrative assistant).
- The purchaser should then go to http://www.ivisit.com/solutions/order_multi.html
and complete that online form with the requested information. A credit card
(such as a Penn State purchasing card) or money order will be required to
complete the purchase.
NOTE: That form only enables one to upgrade up to 5 users
at once. You can either use the form multiple times or contact iVisit directly
at accounts@ivisit.com.
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
START HERE: The iVisit
"Help" page is an excellent resource that includes information
on getting started, user guides, resolving issues, and reference materials.
FROM WITHIN iVISIT: If you are already logged in to iVisit,
you can access a live help desk from your address book.
- Click on the "Places" button at the top of your iVisit Address
Book
- Click on "iVisit.net"
- Click on "Welcome"
- Click on "Help Desk"
- Finally, click on "Join this room"
You will then have access to an iVisit help desk representative. If you can't
use your audio/video to communicate, try the Chat space!
Still need additional assistance? Ann
Luck and Marty Gutowski
are also available to help you out!
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