Zoom Web Conferencing
Many rooms are not equipped with dedicated Video Conferencing hardware. In rooms where we have the ability to help you connect to zoom with built in computers and phone lines, we have added gear to make them what we call "Zoom Conference Ready."
In these rooms we utilize the in-room computer with a web cam or in room Capture Cam, and an room phone system to connect to Zoom. This setup provides a wired stable internet connection to zoom and a calibrated audio phone system, using in room mics and speakers, to limit common audio issues such as echo and feedback while cover the whole room for anyone who speaks. These rooms can be a bit complex to run your zoom meetings in so we provide a free demo (for your first time) on these spaces as long as your event is at least 48 hours from the demo time. Contact our office to book your demo.
Or you can find step by step guides for each unique room in the Classroom Features section of our site.
UCSF Library Zoom Resource for Faculty and Staff
Conferencing Platforms
Zoom
Zoom is the supported web conferencing platform of UCSF. You can find resources for Webex on the UCSF IT Web Pages. Zoom brings in the added support of using Built in Video Conferencing rooms to connect to computer based users!
While UCSF only officially supports ZOOM, at ETS we will help you to the best of our ability, to connect to another platform in our classrooms.
Any basic tips for Zooming?
We advise any participant connecting from outside a classroom using Web Conferencing from their computer to wear a headset. USB headsets with an integrated microphone and headphones are best, but even headphones-only devices can help eliminate echo and excess noise for all participants. Many of our ETS team members use the Logitech Clear Chat USB headset. This headset is affordable, Mac and PC compatible, and utilizes an inline mute switch for quick audio control.
Having a dedicated wired internet connection is ideal for stable video, audio, and content. Coffee shop internet is not ideal.
Focus on great audio. All other elements are second to audio. If your audio is bad, it not only affects you, but everyone on the meeting.
Setup a test session. You would be amazed at what you will learn by testing prior to your event.
Useful USB Devices for Web Conferencing
Zoom Kits
In a room with just a display and need to ZOOM? Rent one of our ZOOM kits which includes a Jabra 810, Logitech 1080p web cam, USB Hub, power extension cable, and a mini tripod. All the tools you need to improve your laptop based zoom connection no matter where you are. We have one kit at Mission Bay and two at Parnassus.
Audio
Jabra 510 and 810: These devices are all USB based, allow for better microphone pickup with small groups, and help eliminate echo. The 410 is the smallest and ideal for no more than eight people. The 810 is the biggest and can handle 15 people seated around the microphone.
Video
Logitech C920 and the Logitech Conference Cam Connect: Both devices will increase the field of view compared to a laptop web camera. They allow you to use a video angle that does not look directly at one person. The C920 is a fixed angle of view, where the conference camera has some minor pan, tilt and zoom camera control. They both have an integrated microphone but only the conference cam has a speaker.
The Owl is a 360 degree camera with a built in speaker and microphone. The camera can also zoom in on those speaking and create windows for more than one person. It is an all in one solution for small rooms up to about 20 people or so.
Wired Internet Connection
We recommend, when possible, that you use a wired internet connection when web conferencing. The stable internet speed will help with overall quality. We advise you to avoid slow internet cafes and public wifi areas not on campus, as they are not secure, are usually slower, and can have negative effects for all attendees in the web conference.