Audio and Video Conferencing Options
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 (Teaching, Seminar, Meeting Rooms and Equipment) are set up with Audio Conferencing equipment (BMH-2116, EXP-1686, TJB-2223).
Here are some options available and things to consider when choosing the solution for your next audio/video conference meeting.
On-Campus Conference Rooms
Skype for Business
Teams
Webex
Zoom
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
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:
An on-campus conference room booked with dedicated audio/video equipment
You may need:
Remote site with similar audio/video equipment
Where to find out more?
Service arranged through IST Instructional Technologies and Media Services (email kbookan@uwaterloo.ca)
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-2116, EXP-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?
Refer to Using Skype for Business and Creating a Skype for Business Meeting or contact any member of the Health Computing Team (Contacts) for assistance
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 (service being discontinued Fall 2024)
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-2116, EXP-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:
Microphone and/or webcam or a room where these are available (e.g. BMH-2116, EXP-1686, TJB-2223).
UW Zoom account (available at https://uwaterloo.zoom.us)
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?