ViaVideo Desktop
Video Conferencing
 |
Media Services has ViaVideo desktop conferencing
cameras available for checkout. The only connections
the unit uses are power, USB, and audio. Below is
some information about setting up the unit with
an external microphone. |
Compiled by Pete Woodworth
Media Networkist @ Cal Poly SLO
(805)756-7197
You can connect an external microphone to the ViaVideo
for larger group conferences.
A couple of sales and tech weenies at Polycom individually
told me that this "won't work." It was clear
to me from their replies that they had never tried it
for themselves and couldn't be bothered <sigh>.
The microphone on top of the ViaVideo is best used
with less than six people in a quieter environment.
Otherwise, folks sitting further away from the camera
can't be heard well at the far end.
You'll need an adapter cable with a stereo mini plug
on one end
The headset jack on the rear of the ViaVideo uses a
standard 3.5mm stereo mini plug. Here is the specific
wiring if you want to make your own adapter cable:
- Tip: External microphone input to the ViaVideo
- Ring: Far-end audio out to your sound card or amp
- Sleeve: Common signal ground
You will need:
- a self-powered, condenser desk microphone; it can be a regular mic on a gooseneck, or a flat "boundary" type. A directional mic is preferred to minimize echo problems.
- a stereo adapter or cable with a stereo 3.5mm (1/8")
plug on one end, and two mono 3.5mm connectors on
the other: 'left' and 'right.' The mini plug connects
to the ViaVideo, and the other two connectors are
remote mic in, and the other line out to your sound
card. This is not a simple mono 'Y-cable.' You could
alternately use a stereo cable with 2 RCA plugs on
the ends
- an 3.5mm extension cable for the input to your
sound card, if needed
Appropriate adapters are available from Markertek.com:
- #YMM-261 3.5mm Stereo Male to 2 Mono 3.5mm Females
or from Radio Shack:
- #274-375 1/8" Stereo Male to 2 1/8" Mono
Jacks
Change the ViaVideo software setup to Headset Microphone;
this switches it from the internal microphone to external. Be sure to keep the computer speaker as far away from the microphone as possible to minimize echo at the far site.
Polycom installation files for NEW INSTALLATIONS ONLY, NOT FOR UPGRADING! For upgrade files, see the Polycom website for the proper downloads.
DO NOT connect the ViaVideo hardware until after the software has been installed!
Version 5.11 (47 MB)
Version 6.02 (25 MB)
|
