Videoconferencing background: EVO/SeeVogh
Enabling Virtual Organizations or EVO provides a means of videoconferencing that -in principle- is completely separate from our "standard" Ad-Hoc H.323 conferencing. It is the successor of the (now defunct) VRVS system. It is largely desktop based, has a fairly large user community, and the recommendation for e.g. the LHC experiments (see the CERN RTAG-12 working group) is for EVO to be always available as a means of communication. Moreover, it is Java-based, and is (freely) available on multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, ...), so for smaller-scale meetings (but see the notes on meeting etiquette) it may be a good low-budget alternative.
EVO is very flexible, in that it supports multiple protocols:
- built-in tools: ViEVO (video), JRAT (audio), EVOWB (whiteboard), desktop sharing and chat functionality;
- AccessGrid (but this support is limited, see the relevant FAQ item);
- SIP;
- and H.323 (see FAQ item and/or Appendix B of the manual for configuration details).
Videoconferencing background: Vidyo
For those working on an LHC experiment, Vidyo is also a good option to connect to D0 meetings.1) Start your Vidyo client
2) Log into the cern video portal http://vidyoportal.cern.ch/
3) In the address box of your Vidyo client, simply enter confID@gk1.es.net (eg. 8843325@gk1.es.net). Then click "Call Direct" to connect ESNET.
If you want remote collborators to connect to your Vidyo meeting with their Polycom/h323 client, see the instructions Vidyo page.