Possible ISDN to IP videoconference?

[waterville]

Hello all:

I need to setup an video conference for my upcoming interview. However the prospective employer is using the ISDN Polycom video equipment whereas I just use conventional IP home video camera. Is it possible to host a video conferencing between ISDN and IP connection? If so , what is the software for this capability?

Thank you

[tom9933]

You will most likely need to go through a service provider that can provide the ISDN to IP gateway service that you need. Most of the major carriers will do this for you for a per minute charge. If the software you are currently using is not H.323 compliant then you might try using something like the IVE client that works with Glowpoint. Check out the link below.
http://www.glowpoint.com/

[Joe Vallender]

If your potential employer's company has an internal network connected to the internet, chances are the Polycom could be connected to the LAN and call you over IP. Generally, corporate networks allow outbound traffic to the internet but restrict inbound. These would be questions for the person handling their video unit and their LAN administrator.

[waterville]

Thanks for your response. So you are saying the employer can dial out externally to a I.P. address. Do I have to give my I.P. address to them? And also any particular software on both ends are required to faciliate this smooth conference call?

Thanks

[Joe Vallender]

You would need an H.323 compatible client on your side to receive an IP call from the Polycom video unit (assuming their network allows it). Polycom PVX software is one such client that works with some 'home video cameras'.

It sounds like you might need to go to a Kinko's or some other public room provider and use one of their video rooms for a couple of hours.

[tom9933]

That’s why I was thinking of IVE since its easy to setup and I know that it work with ISDN. The other question, Waterville is how much bandwidth do you have at your house. Ideally you need a minimum of 128kbps on the upload and download speeds.

[waterville]

I have already checked the price of a few places that offer video conference and it costs quite a fortunate in my viewpoint, eg CAD$200 per/hr. That's why I consider doing it at home only if POSSIBLE but now the advises I have been getting shows signs of possibility, thanks guy.

My bandwidth is 1mbps download and 128kps upload.

I will try to use Polycom PVX as stated by Joe. What are the configuration that I need to tell my propsective employer on their end to setup with ease.

I am happy to learn the trick of Video conferencing as I am new to this arena.

[Joe Vallender]

In case you haven't already, you can download the Polycom PVX software and use it on a trial basis. It only allows 5 minute calls unless you purchase the license key which unlocks the software. But for unlimited 5 minute calls you can test the application and see if it would work for you.

For the Polycom video unit at the business, it probably is enabled for IP/H.323 video although they may not have it configured/connected for use. The video units generally have a DHCP client built in so if the RJ45 LAN jack is connected to their network, it might grab an IP address and be set up automatically. They would have to turn on H.323 call capability in the Polycom setup if it isn't done. Then simply placing an IP video call to your IP address from their unit would test whether their network allows internet access. Also, if you have a local router/firewall at your end there may be some settings required to let the H.323 ports be opened.

Have you checked if your camera is compatible with the PVX? Also, there is a list of PC requirements which must be met to support the application. The Polycom web site has the details.

[waterville]

Hello Joe,

Is there an alternative to Polycom PVX for a free of charge? I will probably use the video conference system once only just for this interview, so I don't want to expense this waste of money.

[Joe Vallender]

Maybe if you look at www.sonyive.com and talk to someone about their IVE Professional plan for $19.95/mo they might help out. Also check out www.h.323.org for more information.

Good luck.

[nfrengle]

Joe,
The URL is http://www.h323.org/ (http://www.h323.org) not the URL that you had, which has a technically correct period, but one that leads to a very different site.
Best,
Nik