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Texas Tech University

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ASC
Room 101
2903 4th Street

The following recommendations have been compiled by Distance Education in conjunction with the Texas Tech University IT Division.  These recommendations will ensure that your system is capable of using interactive videoconferencing to receive instruction in your residence.

Below is a compilation of the hardware and software requirements needed to utilize the videoconferencing software:

Distance Learning - Dell Premier Site

Computer Hardware:

• CPU:
  • Intel Pentium-4 1.2 GHz or AMD 1800+ Athlon XP (Minimum)
  • Pentium-4 2.2 GHz or AMD 2200+ Athlon XP or higher (Recommended)
    Required for for People+Content/H.239 dual streams.
     
• Memory:
  • 1 GB (Minimum) required for People+Content/H.239 dual streams.
  • 2 GB (Recommended)
     
• Storage:
  • 80 MB (Minimum)
  • 160 MB (Recommended) available hard drive space
     
• Removable Media Storage:
  • 48X CD-ROM or CD/RW
     
• Monitor:
  • 17” Conventional CRT or flat panel SVGA display (800x600) 16-bit color or higher
     
• Keep Your Hard Drive Option:
  • None
     
• Modem:
  • None (see Network below)
     
• Graphics Card:
  • The TTU IT Division highly recommends a high quality graphics card for videoconferencing. You should find a video card with at least 128MB video memory.
  • If you are purchasing a new Dell you can specify the following under the topic Video Cards: PCIe 128MB ATI Radeon X600SE (1 DVI/1 TV-out) $110.00
     
  • Note: Only the newest computers have PCI express busses, if you have an older computer check with your computer dealer / manufacturer to see if you need a PCIe or AGP graphics card.

Other Hardware:

• Web Cam:
  • Logitech Orbit Cam (Best Choice) $129.99 ($117.00 from Dell)
  • Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 (Good Choice) $79.99 ($76.00 from Dell)
  • Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro. (Good Choice) 99.99 ($92.00 from Dell)
     
  • Note:  Each of the recommended Web Cameras above have a face-tracking ability and a built-in microphone with noise cancelling (feedback) features.
     
• Audio:
  • Standard speakers and a microphone are required unless using a headset.
    • External speakers are preferred.
  • To prevent feedback, some prefer to purchase an ‘Internet chat’ headphone set, with a built-in microphone.
     
  • Note:  The recommended Dell bundle includes speakers and an integrated microphone in the Web Camera.

Software:

• Operating System:
  • Windows XP Pro, SP2
  • DirectX 9.0b and Windows Media Player 9.0
     
• Video Conferencing:
  • Polycom PVX ($149.00 + Tax + Shipping)
  • Software features can  be downloaded in PDF format at Polycom's website
  • To purchase Polycom please call: (214)576-7462 8:00–5:00 Mon-Fri and ask for Colleen
    Or fill out this form and fax it to: (214) 576-7771 Attn: Colleen

Network:

• Broadband Cable, DSL, or Satellite with upload speeds of at least 384Kbps.
   
• Note: Most broadband connections are asymmetric having higher download speeds than upload; the important criteria is upload speed for this application
   
• Note: An upload speed of 384Kbps is the absolute minimum, higher rates are preferred to enhance the video quality and reliability.