Below details what will happen during the day of your videoconference. Videoconferencing systems can display video through either a television set or a video projector. Before the event, tech staff will connect the unit to the available display device, as well as to any necessary data lines. Once the equipment is connected, the tech assistant will place a test call to ensure connectivity. The test will be made in the same manor as the ‘real’ call for your event.      Videoconferencing units have their own internal operating system, and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for easy operation for many types of users.This is shown here on the right. Like modern personal computers, this interface uses icons for navigation. Instead of a computer mouse, users use arrow buttons on a specialized remote control to navigate menus. Connecting to another videoconferencing unit is essentially the same as making a phone call. When initiating a connection, a dial-in menu is called up that prompts users for a numerical address (IP address or ISDN number, your tech assistant will have these) of the other site’s Polycom system. These connection numbers are provided by the host, also known as the origination site, of the event. Ideally, these numbers are given to all connecting participants weeks before the event. Connection addresses for favorite sites can also be stored in a virtual address book on the videoconferencing unit for quick-dialing.       During a videoconference, the user usually has the option of how they will view the conference. They may view a picture-in-picture view of the origination/host site and themselves, a mosaic of all participating sites, or just of the originating/host site. The image at right shows how a mosaic of four sites would appear if the user selected that option. This is the view he host site will usually choose to view while they present, as they can see their off-site participants. During the event, each participating site retain control over their own camera and microphone, so an interruption at one of those sites will not disturb the other sites. The presenter will often request everyone’s microphone to be ‘muted’ when it’s time to only view content or ‘un-muted’ when it’s appropriate for interaction. This is usually a button on the microphone which lights up when pressed, and an on-screen graphic will either show a plain microphone (un-muted) or a microphone with a red line through it (mic is muted.)     Once the event is over (or your site’s participation is over) the connection is terminated similar to how it was created. Using the remote control to navigate menus, the user selects ‘Disconnect Video Call,’ and the connection is ended. Next the tech assistant will remove the videoconferencing equipment, and you may continue any planned activities. Please be sure to access the URL provided on your registration confirmation and take the online survey to evaluate the conference. This site collects that data for our own internal use and will post portions (anonymously) of the results on this site.