Videoconferencing Service Comparison
The following table outlines the videoconferencing services we currently support, along with their various advantages and disadvantages.
This table is only meant to provide a broad overview: please feel free to contact Technology Liaison Gary Ahrendts to match your needs with the most appropriate service option.
| Service name | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Internet2 | Best audio quality
Near full motion video Point to point and multipoint All sites can be recorded Can be connected to room A/V system |
Requires dedicated Polycomm System
Requires set up/testing time Requires operator during conference Full I2 connection for best quality Non-I2 sites connect at lower quality |
| iChat | Comes with new Macs as part of OS X
Requires (Free) account set up (MobileME, AOL Instant Messenger Easy configuration of names in Buddy List Multipoint with up to four people total Can share screen control Most new Macs come w/camera & mic |
Macintosh platform only
Recording all sites requires special S/W Quality limited by connection speed Some Macs may require camera/mic |
| Skype | Cross platform: PC or Mac
No special hardware required Free download Call cell phones/mobiles (Charges apply) Free multipoint up to 25 people Can conference with others not using Skype |
Quality limited by connection speed
Recording all sites requires special software Computer may require camera and/or mic |
| Google Video Chat | Free service to Gmail
Free download Cross platform: PC or Mac Multiple browser support: Google Chrome, Firefox 2.0+, Internet |
Quality limited by connection speed
Must be Windows XP or later Intel Mac with OS X 10.4 or later Point-to-point or multipoint |
| NITLE Elluminate | Cross Platform: PC or Mac
No special hardware required Event can be recorded Wheaton has 10 seats in “Auditorium” Video/audio/text supported Whiteboard and polling |
Event must be scheduled in advance
Limited to 10 seats at a time |
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