Scopia Desktop Client
Chapter 1 | About the Scopia Desktop Client VIA3 Unity™ provides Scopia Desktop Client and Mobile app as its preferred Meetings Based application platform for securely connecting users from their desktop or mobile device to a VIA3 Unity™ meeting. VIA3’s Network Operating Center (NOC) is capable of making multiple connections with complete interoperability between software and hardware platforms, such as: PC, Mac, Smart Phones, Tablets, and Legacy H.323 Hardware Devices (ie. Polycom, Tandberg, Avaya, LifeSize, and more). Connect with anyone, from anywhere in the world with a simple download and a compatible device of your choice.
Features HIGH DEFINITION ON YOUR COMPUTER Enjoy High Definition video conferencing straight to your laptop or desktop computer.
SIMPLE, FAST INSTALLATION Download, install, and be ready to go within minutes. Works anywhere you can find broadband internet access. SHARE PRESENTATIONS AND DESKTOP Share PowerPoint, or any other application that runs on your desktop with other participants in a meeting. MODERATE MEETINGS Moderator options make for a smoother, more productive video conferencing experience.
Note: While anyone may install Scopia for use, to hold meetings there should be at least one user present who belongs to a VIA3 Unity™ account.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
2
Chapter 2 | Installation Below are the following step by step instructions on how to get Scopia Desktop running on your desktop or laptop computer.
1. System Requirements • Minimum Requirements for Scopia Mobile • Bandwidth Requirements 2. Windows • Installation • Configuration 3. Mac OSX • Installation • Configuration 4. Outlook Plug-in
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
3
System Requirements
MICROSOFT WINDOWS
MAC OS
Windows XP (SP2 and higher, 32 and 64 Bit) OPERATING SYSTEMS
Windows Vista (SP2 or higher, 32 and 64 Bit)
Macintosh OS X version 10.5 (Leopard) or
Windows 7 (32 and 64 Bit)
higher, Intel CPU only
Windows 8 (desktop mode, 32 and 64 Bit)
CPU Intel Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz or faster OR AMD Athlon 3.0 GHz or faster OR STANDARD DEFINITION
Intel Centrino Mobile Processor 1.8 GHz or faster OR Netbook Intel Atom Processor 1.6 GHz or faster RAM
CPU Intel Core Duo 1.8 GHz or faster RAM 1 GB of RAM or more
1 GB of RAM or more
CPU PC Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or faster PC AMD Phenom IIx4 91- 2.6 GHz or faster HIGH DEFINITION
Intel Core i5 or i7 are recommended for a high end experience RAM Minimum 2 GB of RAM, 3 GB of RAM or more
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo 2.7 GHz or faster RAM Minimum 2 GB of RAM, 3 GB of RAM or more recommended
recommended
WEB BROWSERS
CONNECTION SPEED
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Firefox
Safari
Google Chrome
Google Chrome
Broadband Connection or Higher
Broadband Connection or Higher
Webcam (HD recommended with built-in mic)
Webcam (HD recommended with built-in mic)
Headset
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
Headset
4
Minimum Requirements for Scopia Mobile
ARM v7 processor
MINIMUM CPU REQUIREMENTS
Dual Core CPU 1GHz
MINIMUM OS REQUIREMENTS
iOS 5.1.1 or later
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Samsung Galaxy S2, S3, S4 and S5 Nexus HTC OneX, Sensation
SUPPORTED DEVICES
iPhone 4 and later
Motorola Razr, Atrix
iPod Touch fourth generation or later
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, 8.9
iPad (all versions)
Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
iPad Mini (all versions)
Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Asus Transformer Prime
Bandwidth Requirements HIGH DEFINITION
1024 kbps / per video
STANDARD DEFINITION
384 kbps / per video
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
5
Windows Installation - Step 1 • Open your internet browser and go to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/ •
There will be a notice in the middle the webpage asking you to "Click here to install these updates".
•
Click on this link to proceed.
•
You may be prompted to run an application, if so press on the "Run" button.
Installation - Step 2 •
The Scopia Desktop Update screen will appear allowing you to select what options to install. For basic use of Scopia Desktop we recommend just selecting the Conference Client.
•
Click on the Install button to proceed
Installation - Step 3 •
The installation of the Scopia Desktop Client will now begin and you will see progress bars for downloading and installing.
•
Once this is complete, click on the Close button.
•
You should now be back at the original Scopia Desktop website. If not, re-enter the URL http://scopia.hsvideo.net/ into your browser.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
6
Windows - Configuration Basic Settings
Scopia Desktop has many settings you can adjust to help improve the quality of your video conference. You can open these settings by right clicking on the Scopia Conference Client icon in your System Tray and selecting "Settings". This will open a Settings window letting you adjust the following: • • • • •
Language Settings Audio microphone and speaker devices and volumes Video devices source and quality Network send / receive speeds Proxy settings (if applicable)
Advanced Settings
The Advanced settings tab is only designed for those who are more familiar with the Scopia Desktop client and who require specific video, audio and data settings. The following adjustment options are available: • • • • • • •
Launching Contact List when Windows starts Enabling / disabling ringtones Automatic Gain Control Echo cancellation Video capture / encoding / wide screen / filters Data sharing quality Connecting to Trusted Server
To get the best overall quality on a variety of networks, these settings should remain as their Default Settings from installation. If you have changed any of these settings and require them to be reset, please click on the "Restore Defaults" button and then click "Apply". Now that Scopia Desktop is installed, please refer to the Connecting to a Meeting page.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
7
Mac OSX Installation - Step 1 • Open your internet browser and go to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/ •
There will be a notice in the middle the webpage asking you to "Click here to install these updates". Click on this link to proceed.
Installation - Step 2 •
The Scopia Desktop Update screen will appear allowing you to download the Scopia Client pkg file.
•
Click on the Install button to proceed
Installation - Step 3 •
Depending on which internet browser you are using, the ScopiaDesktopComponents.pkg file should begin downloading to your default download destination on your Mac.
•
Once you have finished downloading, you will need to locate this file and run it.
If you are using Firefox, you will need to close it before starting the installation.
Installation - Step 4 •
Once you have started to run the installation file, please follow the prompts.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
8
Installation - Step 5 •
Your Scopia Desktop client should now be installed.
•
You can now restart your browser and go to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/and proceed to connect.
Mac OSX - Configuration To access the preferences section of Scopia Desktop on Mac, go to the Menu Bar at the top of your screen and select Scopia Desktop > Preferences. This will open up information that will allow you to adjust: • • • • •
Send / Receive bandwidth Video Definition (Standard / Enhanced / High) Audio & Camera defaults upon joining meetings Notification defaults Audio input & output defaults
Tips • We recommend that if you have a recent Mac with a Dual Core CPU and that you run the Video Definition in Enhanced Mode. •
Adjust the send / receive bandwidth according to your network. If you are on ADSL you may want to bring it down to 384kb/s, or if you are on a decent broadband connection you can bump it up to 1024 kb/s.
Now that Scopia Desktop is installed, please refer to the Connecting to a Meeting page.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
9
Outlook Plug-in For subscribed users of VIA3 Unity™, there is a plug-in that can be installed that integrates into Microsoft Outlook 2003/2007/2010. To download and install the plug-in:
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
•
Go to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/ in your internet browser and click on the Update link at the top right corner.
•
Select the check box for the Scopia Add-in for Microsoft Office Outlook and click Install.
•
Restart or Open Outlook to start using and configuring
10
Chapter 3 | Connecting to a Meeting Below is the information on how to connect to a meeting room using Scopia Desktop.
1. Prerequisites • •
Windows Mac OSX
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
11
Prerequisites You will need to have Scopia Desktop installed and configured before proceeding. If you have not installed Scopia Desktop then please visit the Scopia Desktop - Installation page for step by step instructions.
Windows STEP 1 •
Open your internet browser and navigate to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/. If you have a VIA3 Unity™ account, you may want to sign in instead (Skip ahead to optional sign in below) Alternatively, you can locate the Scopia Icon tray and double click it.
in your system
•
Once the website has loaded, enter a name to identify yourself by and the Meeting ID number of the meeting you wish to join in the appropriate fields.
•
Click on the "Participate Now" button to proceed.
OPTIONAL - SIGN IN Alternatively, if you have a VIA3 Unity™ account, you may sign in first, after which you will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. •
To sign in, click the 'sign in' link in the top right corner of the screen.
•
Enter your VIA3 Unity™ User Name and Password. Then, click Log In.
STEP 2 If you enter the ID of an existing meeting you will be taken directly into the meeting. At which point you will be able to participate in the meeting.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
12
Mac OSX STEP 1 •
Open your internet browser and navigate to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/. If you have a VIA3 Unity™ account, you may want to sign in instead (Skip ahead to optional step below)
•
Once the website has loaded, enter a name to identify yourself and the Meeting ID number of the meeting you wish to join in the appropriate fields.
•
Click on the "Participate Now" button to proceed.
OPTIONAL - SIGN IN Alternatively, if you have a VIA3 Unity™ account, you may sign in first, after which you will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. •
To sign in, click the 'sign in' link in the top right corner of the screen.
•
Enter your VIA3 Unity™ User Name and Password. Then, click Log In.
STEP 2 If you enter the ID of an existing meeting you will be taken directly into the meeting. At which point you will be able to participate in the meeting.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
13
Chapter 4 | Contact List Below is the information on how to setup and configure your Contact List for: •
Real-time Contact List of other VIA3 Unity™ endpoints and rooms.
•
Central, integrated directory for easily looking up Contacts and Endpoints within your VIA3 Unity™ account.
•
Call any other Scopia Desktop user or Legacy H.323 Endpoints directly for point-to-point calls.
1. Setting Up and Configuring In order to setup the Contact List client on your computer, you will need to download and install the Contact List add-on found on the Scopia website by visiting http://scopia.hsvideo.net.
To install the Contact List add-on follow these steps: Step 1 - Installation •
Go to http://scopia.hsvideo.net/ and click on the updates link at the top right hand corner of the webpage. This will open an update window.
•
Check the "Contact List" option and click Install.
Step 2- Installation Authentication •
You will be prompted to enter your username and password. Enter your VIA3 Unity™ credentials and click the "Sign In" button.
•
The installation process should only take a few seconds to complete.
•
You may need to enter your username and password again into the Contact List window to login.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
14
Step 3 - Contact List •
Once you have logged in, you will be presented with a window similar to this. However, your window will not have any contacts in it. You will need to search for other Scopia Desktop contacts within your VIA3 Unity™ account or add a new contact.
•
The Contact List works much like other Instant Messaging programs. You can see other contacts status and call them directly if you select them and press the "Call" button.
•
You may also instantly launch your room by clicking the “My Room” button. A great way to initiate your meeting without having to go through the website.
Step 4 - Adding Contacts •
To add a contact, simply press the "Add" button. A window will appear letting you find other contacts that are registered within your VIA3 Unity™ account.
•
You only need to enter part of the name and press the "Find" button to get a result.
Step 5 - Adding H.323 Endpoints •
Scopia gives you the ability to add an H.323 endpoint to your Contact List. This allows you to call a H.323 endpoint, automatically connecting you and the remote H.323 endpoint to the VIA3 Unity™ Video Bridge as an ad-hoc meeting.
•
Click "Add Custom Contact"
•
Select the Contact Type “H323” and enter the other relevant details.
•
The H.323 endpoint will now be displayed in your Contacts List ready for you to call.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
15
Chapter 5 | Scopia FAQs Questions 1. Why can't I install Scopia Desktop on my computer? 2. Why am I only getting a 4:3 video aspect ratio using Scopia Desktop? 3. I seem to get disconnected after a few seconds using Scopia Desktop. What's wrong? 4. How do I get Scopia Desktop running on Windows Vista? 5. Why does my video or other videos I am seeing freeze or go blank occasionally? 6. Can I just view or send a content presentation only to the video bridge? 7. I can't seem to connect using Scopia Desktop from my workplace? 8. How can I view the remote video participants in Scopia when I am presenting a PowerPoint in full screen? 9. Can Scopia Desktop run on Internet Explorer 64bit version? 10. Can Scopia Desktop run through a proxy server? 11. How do I terminate a meeting on the video bridge? 12. How can I prevent audio feedback when using my computer to video conference 13. Why is my video only showing a black screen on my computer? 14. Does Scopia Desktop support multi-monitor display setups when sharing content? 15. Can anyone use Scopia Desktop from any internet connection in the world? 16. Can I use Scopia Desktop to connect to another H.323 Endpoint or Bridge? 17. Is there a Linux version for Scopia Desktop?
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
16
Answers 1. Why can't I install Scopia Desktop on my computer? There could be several underlying factors as to why you may not be able to easily install the Scopia Desktop client. Below are some common areas to check: 1. Do you have Pop-Up Blockers enabled on your Internet Browser? This is a common scenario that can easily be resolved by clicking on the box when it asked if you wish to view the pop up. 2. Do you have ActiveX plug-ins disabled on Internet Explorer? By default, Internet Explorer prompts you whenever it is asked to install ActiveX plug-ins, but your institution may have this setting set to disabled. 3. Do you have permission to download and install programs on your computer? In some circumstances, you may not have the necessary privileges to install programs on your computer. This could be due to institutional restrictions placed on computer. Please check with your local IT Staff. Back to Top
2. Why am I only getting a 4:3 video aspect ratio using Scopia Desktop? There are three main reasons why you may not be getting HD quality at 16:9 ratio display when connecting using Scopia Desktop. 1. Computer Specification - please check the computer or laptop speed of which you are using Scopia Desktop with. In order to sustain a High Definition (HD) quality meeting, you need a Core 2 Duo at minimum to avoid CPU overload. Otherwise it will drop your quality down to Standard Definition (SD). 2. Network Speed - another factor you need to consider is the download speed of the network you are on. You really need at minimum 1Mbps download and 384Kbps upload sustained to receive and send HD quality video. 3. Settings - you may have your settings set to low quality video rates. Please check your setting / preferences in Scopia Desktop. For Mac users, Scopia Desktop defaults your video size to Standard Definition. This produces a 4:3 video aspect ratio. To get a 16:9 video ratio, change this setting to Enhanced Definition. Additionally, your Meeting room may be pre-configured to only allow SD connections. Please check with your VIA3 Unity™ account manager to confirm if you were assigned an SD or HD meeting room.
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
17
3. I seem to get disconnected after a few seconds using Scopia Desktop. What's wrong? Scopia Desktop is designed to work under most network conditions and getting through firewalls. However we have seen in rare circumstances on certain network setups that software and hardware firewalls can cause Scopia Desktop to disconnect after a few seconds. If you experience similar symptoms, try any of the following methods. 1. In the Scopia Desktop settings sections under the Network tab, change the Network speed to anything other than automatic. This will ensure that upload and download bandwidth stay constant as opposed to automatically adjusting. Some firewalls do not like this when it is set to automatic and can subsequently drop the calls. 2. Try reducing the overall CPU and bandwidth consumption on your computer by changing the Preferred Video Size under the Advanced tab to Large instead of Automatic. Back to Top
4. How do I get Scopia Desktop running on Windows Vista? If you are running Windows Vista, some users experience issues trying to install and run Scopia Desktop. This is due to the UAC permissions feature in Vista and means you must either be logged in as a local administrator or have the necessary permissions to run the Scopia Desktop program. If you are experiencing issues with this, please contact your local IT support person to either fix the issue under Vista, or look at alternate OS solutions. We recommend users to run either Windows XP or Windows 7 or later for their Windows Operating Systems if possible. Back to Top
5. Why does my video or other videos I am seeing freeze or go blank occasionally? Occasionally, participant videos may freeze or go blank if they are experiencing network congestion, an overloaded CPU, or bandwidth limitations. Participants with this issue may need to reduce their send and receive bandwidth allocations on their endpoint or Scopia Desktop client to allow for a smoother connection. Back to Top
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
18
6. Can I just view or send a content presentation only to the video bridge? Yes, you can use a variety of different types of setups to cater to your needs for sending or viewing a content presentation by utilizing the "Use my computer for presentation only" feature found on the Scopia Desktop website. Once you have installed Scopia Desktop, to access this feature go to http://scopia.hsvideo.net and click on the "More Options" Button. This will display the options to either: •
“Use my computer for audio, video and presentation”, or
•
“Use my computer for presentation only”, therefore not sending or receiving audio and video while presenting.
This feature is particularly handy if you have an H.323 endpoint that does not support H.239 content sharing or is unable to view the H.264 version of H.239 content sharing. You can simply connect up a laptop or computer in the same room to a projector or near the participants so they can simultaneously see any content during their videoconference meeting. Note: This is only available on the Windows version of Scopia Desktop. Back to Top
7. I can't seem to connect using Scopia Desktop from my workplace? Scopia Desktop does work in most cases from various network setups, but occasionally there are some firewall and web proxy solutions that may prevent users from connecting or experience intermittent connection problems including no audio, garbled audio, and loss of video. A preferred solution around this is to allow UDP and TCP traffic to flow between the site experiencing the problem directly to the VIA3 Unity™ server. To do this, please contact your IT network team to have them create an exception rule between your network IP range and scopia.hsvideo.net (or 108.179.26.199) Back to Top
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
19
8. How can I view the remote video participants in Scopia when I am presenting a PowerPoint in full screen? Currently, Scopia Desktop will only allow you to present applications and your desktop from your Primary monitor. If you are planning on presenting a PowerPoint presentation that you would like presented in full screen mode, then you will need to change the “Show Type” setting to "Browsed by an individual (window)" under the Slide Show > Setup Slide Show tab within PowerPoint. Back to Top
9. Can Scopia Desktop run on Internet Explorer 64bit version? Currently no - you will need to run Scopia Desktop using 32bit versions of Internet Explorer. This option will be available in the coming releases. Back to Top
10. Can Scopia Desktop run through a proxy server? Yes, to add your proxy settings to Scopia Desktop, right mouse click on the Conference Client icon
in the System Tray and select Settings. Go
to the Network tab and there you will be able to enter in your relevant proxy settings Note: We have had some users experience slower connection speeds and greater packet loss when running Scopia Desktop through a web proxy. We recommend that if possible that you bypass a web proxy. Back to Top
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
20
11. How do I terminate a meeting on the bridge? There are a couple of ways to terminate a meeting on the bridge.
SCOPIA DESKTOP In order to terminate a meeting within Scopia Desktop you need to have moderator privileges. If you have these privileges, you can click on the "Moderator" Button, then, select "Terminate Meeting". This will instantly terminate the current meeting and disconnect all participants and remove the meeting from the MCU.
CLOSE THE WINDOW In the top-right corner of your meeting, you can click either the Bulls-eye icon or “X” to perform the same task of ending your meeting.
Back to Top
12. How can I prevent audio feedback when using my computer to video conference? Have you ever been involved in a videoconferencing meeting where a participant's audio was causing problems and everyone else could hear their own echo delayed by about 1 second? This is called audio feedback and is caused because there is no echo cancellation. Usually the person who is causing the audio feedback problem is unaware that they are the culprits. A common setup which can cause feedback is when a computer has external speakers and a poor quality microphone. Laptop users often have this arrangement when using their built-in speakers and integrated microphone. An easy way to avoid causing audio feedback is to ensure that you are using equipment that handles echo cancellation. You can now purchase webcams with very good built-in microphones that handle echo cancellation. Alternatively, you can purchase desktop USB microphones with built-in speakers that perform better than your onboard devices. If no echo cancellation is available, using a headset, or even just earphones, especially on a laptop, can be very effective.
Back to Top
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
21
13. Why is my video only showing a black screen on my computer? There are several reasons why this is happening. Here are some basic, known issues to check first. •
Check to see that there are no other applications accessing your webcam at the same time. Your webcam can only stream to one application at a time.
•
Check to see that you have properly connected your webcam.
•
Ensure that you have the correct drivers installed on your webcam or capture card (if required) and that they are up to date.
•
Try to remember the last time you had your webcam working and think of any changes made to your computer since then. Sometimes certain programs that are installed can interfere with hardware and this could be a possible cause.
•
Ensure the camera was switched on before the computer was booted (Applies to certain cameras).
If all else fails and you still are getting a black screen where your video should be, please contact your local IT person to investigate further. Back to Top
14. Does Scopia Desktop support multi-monitor display setups when sharing content? No, currently Scopia Desktop only supports the Primary Monitor which you have chosen under Windows. When you go to share your screen or window it will use the primary monitor desktop. If you choose to share an application window, be sure to drag it to the primary monitor in order for it to show up as content. Back to Top
15. Can anyone use Scopia Desktop from any internet connection in the world? Yes, as long as they have access to a broadband connection and they meet the minimum system requirements. Scopia Desktop has been set up to allow anyone to download and join a meeting room through VIA3 Unity™ from anywhere in the world. Although anyone in the world can download and use Scopia Desktop, only registered users will be able to create and book meetings.
22
Back to Top
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
16. Can I use Scopia Desktop to connect to another H.323 Endpoint or Bridge? Without confusing people too much, the short answer is Yes and No. Depending on what exactly you are trying to achieve, here are the possibilities: 1. Connecting to another H.323 endpoint using Scopia Desktop By logging into Scopia Desktop, you can use the Invite option within your Meeting Room and type in the IP Address of the H.323 endpoint you would like to connect to. This will have the VIA3 Unity™ server try to call out to that endpoint. If they answer the call, you will both be connected to the Meeting Room. 2. Connecting to another H.323 Bridge using Scopia Desktop This is where it can get very complicated and in most cases will not work. Scopia Desktop uses the VIA3 Unity™ Bridge to dial out to other H.323 systems; when the bridge dials another H.323 bridge in most cases it will just reach the other bridge's auto attendant page. Note: You can also save an H.323 endpoint to your Contact List by clicking Add > Custom Contact > Select Type: H323
Back to Top
17. Is there a Linux version for Scopia Desktop? There is currently no native Linux version for Scopia Desktop. However, there is technically a way to get Scopia Desktop running within Linux. You can install VMWare Workstation 7 or Virtual Box. This will enable you to install Windows virtually and access your hardware such as webcam and microphone to run Scopia Desktop. For information on how to setup and download VMWare Workstation 7, see the Support and Download section on the VMWare website.
Note: VIA3 Corporation does not support third party tools or software nor do we imply this solution will work in your situation. This is only a recommendation that other clients claimed to have worked in the past. Back to Top
VIA3 Unity™ | User Guide for Scopia Desktop Client
23
