Video Marratech
From MariachiWiki
Contents |
Introduction
This software allows for the presentations of prepared slides. For Windows client the supported files are power point (PPT). For Mac clients the supported file type is PDF. Marratech also allows desktop sharing - meaning you can show your desktop and your favorite application.
Before going to the specifics of how to install and use Marratech, please read the "Primer on Video Conferencing".
A Primer on Video Conferencing
Quality
Video conferencing is a way to communicate using the internet for the exchange of audio, video and documents (multimedia). The Quality of a videoconference depends on the Audio Quality. The clearer the audio the more understandable you are. The second item that is very important for any videoconferencing is the ability to show images and graphs. Images need to be clear and crisp across distant sites. Video quality is not as important, but of course there are exceptions: sign language.
Bandwidth issues
Because we use the internet for video conferencing you should pay attention to your network capabilities. Everything that we do in a videoconference is transmitted through the network. Stony Brook and Brookhaven enjoy good network connectivity. Cable TV networks are also fairly good connections. DSL comes next. Slow connections are found at airports, hotel rooms, Starbucks, and so on.
Audio
An Abolute MUST is to deliver clear audio. Few things to be considered:
ECHO (Feedback)
What is echo in the first place? If you have a microphone and a speaker connected to your computer, the speaker feeds back into the speaker causing echo. If you have multiple sites with echo, well... you can imagine what happens. AVOID ECHO AT ALL COST
Avoiding Echo:
- Walkie-Talk mode - only open microphone when you need to speak. Gets boring and not always efficient, HOWEVER in large groups it is a must.
- Headphones - If you are the only one doing the talking, this is the BEST solution. It will physically break the connection between the microphone and the speaker
- Echo Supressing Microphones - This is a solution that should be used for small groups.
Microphone Positioning
Even if you solve the echo problem, you still have to solve the problem of positioning the microphone correctly. In laptops, some microphones are located near (or under) the keyboard, and they will pick up the typing sound, cooling fans, etc... Many video cameras also have microphones and they are very sensitive. They will pickup the sound of cooling fans, and so on. The best way is to either use a headset with a microphone or an echo canceling, noise suppressing microphone.
Environmental Noise
Pay attention to where you are. If you are in a very noise place chances are your microphone will be picking up the noise and conversation becomes impossible.
The Etiquette
ALWAYS MUTE your microphone if you are not talking.
Mediator
For small groups, say 3-4, videoconference is just like a normal conversation. For larger groups someone should be the MEDIATOR to schedule the order of presentations, or questions.
Video
If you can get hold of a webcam it is nice to show yourself, or a group. It is not absolutely necessary for most conversations. Install the webcams using instructions that come with it.
How to get started with Marratech Client
If you don't have Marratech client installed in your computer, go to http://www.marratech.com/download/, and download the client software. It is free of charge. Installation is straightforward. Once installed you just double click on the client and it should start.
Setup
Once you start the client there is some setup to be done before you start the video conference. The images below show the setup that works well if you have a headset with a microphone. These screen shots were taken from a Mac setup but it should be similar for Windows and Linux platforms.
- Find them here:
- Mac - under Marratech->Preferences.
- Windows - under Tools -> Options
 First Setup Page |
 Viewer |
 Audio |
 Video |
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Connecting
Now you're ready to connect. You will need to get some information from Helio for that. What you need to know are the address, username and password. The images below are in the sequence of what happens.
 Enter conference address (instead of http://sessiondirectory/) |
 Enter username and password |
 Select which room you want to go |
 Initial Screen, click video icon to send video, mic icon to speak. |
 Screen with Whiteboard, select from tab on lower left corner |
Bookmarking
To Bookmark the meeting address you should go to Slides -> Bookmark and follow the instructions.
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Firewall setup
If you are behind a firewall you need to open UDP ports between 52000 - 52999 for a specific host IP address that you will get from Helio or Rich Gearns. You may need to talk to your IT person.
Recommended Hardware
- Head set with microphones
- for Macs you will need a USB headset. It works very well, either Logitech, Plantronics or Sennheiser.
- for Windows you can use any headset (including USB), but again Logitech makes good headsets.
- Web Cam.
- Apple - iSight is a good camera (either built in or external)
- Logitech also makes good cameras (but check if the particular model is supported by Marratech)
- Echo cancelling microphone
- Solo is a good microphone for small groups, up to 10. It is made by Phoenix Audio.
