Videoconferencing with the Center for Bits and Atoms

We have a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) which is connected to at mcu.cba.mit.edu or with the IP address 18.85.8.48.

The MCU uses the IP protocols H.323 or SIP, and we prefer use of the H.263+ or H.264 (MPEG-4) video codecs. You can connect to the MCU either through videoconferencing hardware (such as from LifeSize or Polycom), or a software client.

Recommended software clients are:

Depending on the client configuration, you'll call mcu.cba.mit.edu, sip:mcu.cba.mit.edu, h323:mcu.cba.mit.edu, or #@18.85.8.48 (where # is the conference ID number).

You'll need to know the ID and possibly a PIN for the conference you're joining, check with the meeting host.

If you're behind a firewall or a NAT access point, you may need to use a STUN server to obtain an external network address.

Connections are typically limited by the uplink data speed, which for best quality should be at least 1 Mbps.

Once you connect, you can use your keypad or remote control commands to manage your view of the videoconference.

Videoconference etiquette is to be sure you are muted before joining, and unmute only when you're participating, so that you don't share your background noise. That can be done from your client, or from a menu on the MCU accessed with the number 7 on your keypad.

To eliminate feedback between your speaker and microphone, use either a headset or an echo-canceling speakerphone.

It's preferable to use a higher-quality external camera rather than a built-in computer camera.

To share your desktop you can use VNC. Shared desktops can be seen in the videoconference, or in the MCU's stream.