After you set up a personal node or a conference node, you can set up a classroom node. For instructions on setting up a classroom node, see the ConferenceXP Classroom Setup Guide.

System requirements

To run ConferenceXP, you’ll need the following hardware and software:

Notes

• For more information about the recommended system requirements, including the estimated price of recommended equipment, see Appendix A: Recommended Equipment Purchasing Details.
• For more information about connecting a ClearOne AccuMic PC (formerly VBrick AudioMate) conference microphone, see the ClearOne AccuMic PC documentation.
• For more information about setting up the network, see Using ConferenceXP in a Multicast Network.
• For more information about support cameras, video capture cards, or graphics cards, see ConferenceXP Supported Devices.

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Installing ConferenceXP Client

On an administrator’s computer running Microsoft Windows XP Professional, make sure you have Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 installed, and then install ConferenceXP.

Make sure Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 with Service Pack 1 is installed

1. On the Start menu, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
2. Click Scan for updates.
3. In the left navigation bar, under Pick updates to install, click Windows XP.
4. If Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1 appears in the list of available updates, it is not currently installed. To install this update, click the Add button next to the update, click Review and install updates, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
5. If Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1 Service Pack 1 appears in the list of available updates, it is not currently installed. To install this update, click the Add button next to the update, click Review and install updates, and then follow the onscreen instructions.

Install ConferenceXP Client 3.5

To make sure you always have the latest updates, enable the Automatic Updates feature in Windows.

Enable automatic updates

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the System icon.
3. Click the Automatic Updates tab.
4. Under Settings, click Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule I specify, specify the days and time you want Windows to install updates, and then click OK.

To make sure you have a secure Internet connection, enable Internet Connection Firewall in Windows.

Enable Internet Connection Firewall

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Network Connections icon.
3. Click the LAN or High-Speed Internet connection you want to protect.
4. On the General tab, click Properties.
5. On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall, click the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet check box, and then click OK.

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Connecting a camera and microphone

After you’ve installed the software you need on your computer, you’re ready to connect a microphone and camera.

Connect a camera and microphone

1. Set up the video camera according to manufacturer’s installation instructions, connecting the camera cable to the appropriate computer port.
2. Do one of the following:

• For a personal node, connect the microphone and headset to the Microphone-In and Line-Out (or Speaker-Out) connectors on your computer.
• For a conference node, connect the ClearOne audio conferencing system to the Line-In and Line-Out (or Speaker-Out) connectors on your computer. Connect external microphones to the ClearOne system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Notes

• For more information about connecting a ClearOne AccuMic PC (formerly VBrick AudioMate) conference microphone, see the ClearOne AccuMic PC documentation.
• For more information about configuring ClearOne (formerly Gentner) audio conferencing systems, see the following resources:
  • Configuring a Gentner for Use with ConferenceXP
  • Building an Access Grid Node: From Room Construction to Equipment Configuration

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Checking audio and video connections

To make sure your camera, speakers, and microphone are connected and operating properly, use the Audio and Video Tuning Wizard feature in Windows Messenger.

Check audio and video connections

1. Do one of the following:
   • In Windows Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Audio Tuning Wizard.
   • In MSN Messenger, on the Tools menu, click Audio/Video Tuning Wizard.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions.
3. If your camera is connected and working properly, you’ll see a live image on the camera test screen. Adjust your camera, if needed, and then click Next.
   
    
   Note  Also check the lighting of a person in the camera’s view. For example, if the room has only fluorescent lights or a large window behind the person, you might find the quality of the person’s image is poor. For a better quality image, add a halogen or a daylight fluorescent (6500 Kelvin) light that provides front lighting for the person.
   
4. On the speakers or headphones test screen, click the Click to Test Speakers button to test the audio of your speakers. When you hear the test sound, click Stop, and then click Next.
   
   
5. On the microphone test screen, the microphone amplitude bar, which appears above the Microsoft Volume slider, should move when you speak into the microphone. Make any adjustments you need, and then click Next.
   
   
6. Follow the remaining onscreen instructions.

After you set up your hardware and software, you’re ready to join a venue in ConferenceXP. For more information about using ConferenceXP, see ConferenceXP Client 3.5 Help. If you have trouble joining a venue, see the troubleshooting topics in the ConferenceXP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

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Appendix A: Recommended equipment purchasing details

* Assembly required to create custom cable interfaces between the Crown Audio PCC-160 microphones and the ClearOne XAP400. For more information, see Configuring a Gentner for Use with ConferenceXP.

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