Video Conferencing / FAQs

What is Videoconferencing?

Videoconferencing connects two or more sites for a live face-to-face meeting through permanently installed cameras, microphones, and speakers in a dedicated facility.   All ATS studios have videoconferencing capabilities and can record the discussion upon request.

What is Desktop Conferencing?

Desktop conferencing connects two or more people using personal computers or mobile devices for a live face-to-face meeting. The participant joins the conference either through an internet browser, mobile app, or downloaded program. All ATS studios in Pearson Hall have desktop conferencing capabilities, and can record the discussion upon request.

What is Zoom?

Zoom uses an internet connection between two or more personal computers to create real-time, interactive meetings and classes. An instructor can speak live to multiple participants through audio, video, and text chat components. The system also provides sharing of all screen content, breakout rooms, and full recording capabilities. Participants must download and install a plug-in before their first meeting. Meeting rooms are accessed through any standard web browser by clicking on the host’s personal meeting room URL.

What is Canvas Conferencing?

The Canvas learning management system (LMS) offered at UD provides a videoconference option that is embedded in each course site.  It allows instructors to connect with all students enrolled in the class, and allows the students to connect with each other for collaborative projects.  For more information, please see our Canvas website.

What is the difference between Full-Service and Self-Service conferencing?

With full-service conferencing, a technician is provided to control all technical aspects of the conference. Self-service conferencing requires the participants to take control of the technical requirements. It is available in the small conference rooms located in Pearson Hall, Gore Hall, and the ISE Lab.

What is a Webinar or Webcast?

Webinars and webcasts are live one-way presentations delivered through a website. Participants can often use a text chat to ask live questions, but generally cannot speak to the presenters. ATS studios can be used to show a webinar or webcast to a large audience; however, we cannot record the presentation without permission from the host.

How do I request a conference?

Please email us at ats-info@udel.edu.

What are the costs for conferencing services?

There are no fees for conferences related to UD numbered courses. Please refer to the current pricing information for all other requests.

Can I use the ATS studios to connect to anyone with Canvas Conferencing?

Yes, provided the person on the other end has a computer with a video camera attached and access to the Canvas site.

Can I use the ATS studios to connect to anyone with Zoom?

Yes, provided the person on the other end has a computer with the Zoom plug-in installed and a video camera attached.

Can I use the ATS studios to connect anywhere with videoconferencing?

Yes, provided the far site has a compatible system. Our technicians will work with you to determine whether a connection is possible.

How do we know whether the connection will work?

Our technicians will contact the technical person at the far site, or the Canvas/Zoom user if appropriate, and conduct a test of the systems prior to the conference.

How many people can attend a conference?

We have multiple rooms with varying seating capacity. Please refer to our studio pages for more information.

Can my conference be recorded?

Yes, we can provide an MP4 file of the recording, but we must have permission from all participants who appear on camera to put the conference on a website for future viewing. Please refer to our pricing page for more information.

I am a graduate student and one of my professors will be out of town during my thesis defense. Can I use conferencing for him/her to attend?

Yes, we can hold your presentation in one of our studios and your professor will be able to participate in the live discussion via videoconferencing, Zoom. There is no charge for this service. Please put in the reservation by email at ats-info@udel.edu.

I am a graduating student and I have a job interview with a company that wants to meet with me using videoconferencing/desktop conferencing. Can I use a studio?

Yes, please refer to the pricing list.  Please put in the reservation by email at ats-info@udel.edu.

I need to attend a committee meeting with colleagues at another institution. Can I use a studio to connect via videoconferencing?

Yes, please refer to the pricing list.  Please put in the reservation by email at ats-info@udel.edu.

I have a guest speaker for my class that is only available through videoconferencing. Can I hold class in a studio and connect to the speaker?

Yes, please put in the reservation by email at ats-info@udel.edu. There is no fee for conferences associated with numbered courses. If the conference is recorded for use in future classes, release forms must be obtained from guest speakers and students appearing on camera.

I have been asked by a major news network to be a guest on a network program. Can I use an ATS studio for the connection?

This type of satellite uplink is available on campus through the Media Services department. Please call 831-3557 for more information.