Audio and video conferencing

There are a variety of audio and video conferencing solutions available to use here at the University of Waterloo. "One size doesn't fit all" and when it comes to audio or video conferencing, one solution doesn't fit all situations.

Some seminar rooms in the Faculty of Health are set up with Audio Conferencing equipment (BMH-2216, AHS-1686, TJB-2223).

Here are some options available and things to consider when choosing the solution for your next audio/video conference meeting.  

​Please note: The first two require booking with IST well in advance of the event (Adobe Connect and On-campus Conference Rooms).

See also: Table comparing remote meetings and conference calls

Adobe Connect

Best for:

  • Use within the UW learning management system - LEARN

Can also be used for:

  • Meetings and presentations with UW and non-UW people (share the meeting web address (URL) and allow anyone who has the URL to get in to the meeting)

You will need:

  • Computer with current version of Java installed
  • Microphone and/or webcam
  • Account on Connect with the "Meeting Host" role assigned

You may need:

  • Speakerphone if the meeting has attendees both online and on site

Where to find out more?

On-campus Conference Rooms

Best for:

  • Formal presentations or recurring events with external audiences at remote sites with similar facilities (e.g. one class, two physically separate locations)

You will need:

You may need:

  • Remote site with similar audio/video equipment

Where to find out more?

Skype for Business

Best for:

  • Conversations/meetings with others at UW (especially ad-hoc or last minute meetings).
  • Document sharing and collaboration without booking a meeting room

Can be used for:

  • Meetings and presentations with non-UW contacts
  • Combined on-premise and off-campus meeting spaces with portable conference camera

You will need:

  • Microphone and/or webcam or a room where these are available (e.g. BMH-2216, AHS-1686, TJB-2223).
  • Skype for Business account (automatically created all Faculty of Health, staff and graduate students)
  • Office 2013 or 2016 (recommended) with Skype for Business software (included with Office 2016)

You may need:

  • Set up a trial meeting ahead of time if non-UW contacts are involved
  • Portable conference camera for larger spaces (book through the Dean's office)

Where to find out more?

Skype

Best for:

  • Two or three person conversations with non-UW contacts (participants must be in each others Skype contacts)

Can be used for:

  • Conversations with UW contact if both have Skype accounts (Skype for Business preferred)

You will need:

You may need:

  • Skype software installed (new Skype online can be used)
  • Skype credits if calling a cell or land line

Where to find out more?

Teams

Best for:

  • Conversations/meetings with others at UW (especially groups that work together on a regular basis)
  • Instant messaging, Document sharing and collaboration without booking a meeting room

Can be used for:

  • Meetings and presentations with non-UW contacts (guests can be added to Teams)

You will need:

You may need:

  • Portable conference camera for larger spaces (book through the Dean's office)

Where to find out more?

Webex

Best for:

  • Planned events or meetings with either small or large groups
  • Meetings and presentations with non-UW contacts
  • Webinar events

Can be used for:

  • Combined on-premise and off-campus meeting spaces with portable conference camera
  • Meetings with telephone call-in numbers

You will need:

  • Microphone and/or webcam or a room where these are available (e.g. BMH-2216, AHS-1686, TJB-2223).
  • UW Webex account (if you can't log in at https://uwaterloo.webex.com with your userid@uwaterloo.ca and your password, contact Health Computing Office to verify that you have an account)

You may need:

  • Cisco Webex software installed locally (although most functions can be done using the web interface)
  • Portable conference camera for larger spaces (book through the Dean's office)

Where to find out more?

Zoom

Best for:

  • Planned events or meetings with either small or large groups
  • Meetings and presentations with non-UW contacts
  • Webinar events (upon request)

Can be used for:

  • Combined on-premise and off-campus meeting spaces with portable conference camera
  • Meetings with telephone call-in numbers

You will need:

You may need:

  • Zoom Meeting software installed locally (although most functions can be done using the web interface)
  • Portable conference camera for larger spaces (book through the Dean's office)

Where to find out more?