Technical Specification

Remote Presenters

This page was created as a reference guide for ICUR presenters joining the conference remotely. Please contact your local organisers if you have any further questions regarding technical specifications for remote presenters.


Best Practice guide for students video conferencing remotely

Hardware

  • Please ensure that you have modern computer (ideally less than 5 years old) and mobile device (ideally less than 3 years old) with a current Operating System and all the latest security and critical updates applied and that it generally works in a stable and efficient way.
  • If connecting from a laptop, plug in the laptop to the wall power using the charger. Battery use can adversely affect device performance and in turn video quality as it prioritises running time and not performance.
  • We recommend using a laptop or PC, however if you are planning of using a tablet or mobile device to deliver your presentation you must make sure it is secure and stable, do not join the practice panel or ICUR on the day using a device held in your hand.

System Requirements

  • Please review Zoom’s guide to system requirements to make sure you have the appropriate set up.

Software

Internet | WIFI

  • Try to connect via a wired internet/ethernet cable (CAT5e or greater). This prevents WiFi dropouts and speed/latency issues.
  • Check your internet speed by visiting https://www.speedtest.net/. We recommend ideally having more than a 20Mbps internet download speed and 2Mbps upload speed.
  • Sit as close as possible to the WiFi router or internet Access Point to maximise signal strength and speed.
  • Test the connection before the call; this is strongly recommended.
  • Close or minimise any running applications to maximise performance and minimise computer resource use.
  • Close streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, P2P, Spotify, or Pandora before accessing the session.
  • Close internet browsers or tabs running audio or video as they tend to consume more bandwidth (internet speed).
  • Stop or pause any downloads that you may have running in the background.

Audio

  • Ensure that you have a camera, microphone, and headphones or speakers available. Earbuds or headphones are preferable to avoid audio feedback and echo. Most modern laptops and all-in-one desktops have a headphone jack, microphone, and speakers-built in.
  • We recommend all presenters use a static microphone. This means the microphone is fixed to a base or solid headset. Preferable options include high quality inbuilt laptop and webcam microphones or headsets with a dedicated solid arm wrapping around the head with a microphone. We do not recommend the use of any headphones that use flexible wires where the microphone hangs freely beside the head.
  • Using an inbuilt webcam or laptop mic is preferred to use of a headset, users without headsets should be sure to be in a quiet area to prevent background noise.
  • Always speak clearly, concisely with good projection, and ask if you can be heard by everyone.

Video

  • Preview your webcam. Mac users can launch the Photo Booth app, and Windows users can click the Start button, then Camera. Here, you can check your picture and video quality.
  • Adjust your indoor lighting and camera angle to make your face appear properly lit.
  • Try to avoid having a source of light directly behind you and try to have a blank/clean wall surface behind you if possible.

Environment

  • Where possible try and position yourself in a space with a background of a muted and single colour
  • Position yourself with light in front of you, avoid the source of light coming from behind you. 
  • Pre-plan to create a quiet and interruption free environment in preparation for your presentation. Discuss with family and housemates ahead of time when you will be giving your presentation and ask for the hour to avoid any loud activities or interruptions. Similarly locking pets out of the room you are in and muting your phone are just some other recommended preparations.