The Concorde 4500 is an ISDN-based "Group" videoconferencing system ideally suited for two-way interaction between larger groups (5+) in conference rooms. It uses bandwidths up to 384 kb/s to provide television-quality (30 frames/sec) visual images along with optimized audio.
Available as either a dual monitor (shown here) or single monitor system, the Concorde enables presenters to see both the material they are "sending" to remote sites as well as what they are "receiving" from those remote sites. With advance notice, the system can also be configured to use a video projector for very large groups.
The Limelight Camera can be manually controlled locally or by the far end, or set on automatic to follow sound (generally sound is a person's voice, therefore the camera automatically frames a speaker).
Other visual images and data can be easily integrated with peripheral devices like a document camera, computer-to-video converter, or a slide-to-vide converter.
The PowerMic is programmed to automatically adjust the sound levels within a room complementing the audio quality.
The Concorde is also capable of addin voice-only calls into a video conference thus enabling participants without videoconference technology to still partipate.
Setting Up The Concorde
BIDMC's Concordes are normally found operational in the Kennedy Videoconference Suite, the ED Conference Room on WCC250, and the 10th floor of Shapiro. Generally, the only setup would be additional peripheral devices and Testing. These units can be moved to other conference rooms but will require the following steps:
- Reserve BOTH the Conference Room (generally through the Service Response Center - Conference Room Booking) and the videoconference equipment (Call the TeleMedicine Coordinator 7-0594).
- A TeleMedicine Specialist will move the unit and change the network path. This requires "patching" the ISDN lines to the proper location. It is essential that ISDN lines match the proper videoconference unit (W1, W2, W3, E1, E2) and maintain their order (1in 1, 2 in 2 and 3 in 3) in both the "patch room" and the conference room.
- Power on the unit
Using The Concorde
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Using a videoconference unit is fairly simple, and we insure that you get off to a good start by having a TeleMedicine Specialist available at the start of a call to provide a brief overview on how to use the remote control, to initiate the call, and to ensure that all the elements are properly set and functioning.
To begin, you simply dial the far site's number or wait for the auto-answer feature to engage the call, similar to what you do when you use the telephone.
- Depress the GREEN CALL/ADD button on the remote control. This will cause the system to "wake up". The camera will automatically "spin" to the front of the unit and a menu will emerge on the television screen.
- Speed dial numbers are available for each of the CareGroup locations, simply SCROLL through the menu using the ARROWS to the right of the number pad. Once the appropriate site is highlighted, press ENTER.
- To call non-CareGroup locations, highlight "Manual Dial" and press ENTER. Type the far-end number into the first box, then press ENTER. (Assuming it is a 364kb/s call, a prefix of #006 is added to the number for each of the systems EXCEPT THE KENNEDY VIDEOSUITE which requires a suffix of #4#6.)
- A series of messages should appear in the upper left corner of the television screen. The indicate progress as the call is initiated, negotiated, and connected.
- If we are the receive site, simply wait for the system to AUTOMATICALLY ANSWER the incoming call.
Once the call is connected, check audio levels. Most systems are begin on mute to ensure privacy. You can unmute the system as well as adjust the volume and change the camera’s view for either the near or far site.
- Use the buttons highlighted in PURPLE to MUTE/UNMUTE and adjust VOLUME.
- Use the buttons highlighted in BLUE to control the cameras (Left, Right, Up, Down, Zoom in, Zoom Out).
You interact by looking at the people on the screen and talking in a natural voice. There may be a split second delay between when you speak and when the far site(s) respond. One hint is to pause when you are finished a thought to allow the other location(s) to comment.
You might supplement the meeting with visual information by switching to a document camera to show a drawing, chart or document; or use other peripherals like a VCR, Computer Graphics converter or a White Board.The buttons on the right side of the remote control are split: the upper buttons control the FAR SITE while the lower buttons control the NEAR SITE .
- Use the buttons highlighted in YELLOW to change peripherals (Doc Camera, Slide to VIdeo, Computer to VIdeo, etc). PREVIEW enables you to see the selected source; SEND enables the far Site to see it.
When the videoconference is complete, simpply use the button highlighted in RED to HANG UP.
- No Power - Make sure unit is plugged into cart and/or into wall outlet. Turn on main power switch located on upper left side of unit.
- MESSAGE: Call not completed. Unable to Dial. Check your dialing sequence, were the numbers and prefix/suffix accurrately typed? Confirm that your ISDN lines are operational by looking for the green indicator lights on the IMUX (located under the monitor, behind the doors, on a shelf). Confirm that the far site is on and operational. Try calling another site (W2 or E1) to confirm equipment is okay.
- MESSAGE: Call Aborted - The call ended unexpectedly. Try redial.
- MESSAGE: Call Disconnected Far End - The far site hang up.
- MESSAGE: Warning - Loss of far-end video - The far end tried to send a source that is not currently operational. Press the MAIN, Receive button from the far site (top) to restore proper source.