Setting up clients for IP telephony
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 8 Beta
Setting up clients for IP telephony
Each client computer must run Windows XP or a Windows Server 2003 operating system and be equipped with a video camera, sound card, speakers, and microphone (or headset).
Install Windows XP or a Windows Server 2003 operating system
All of the Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 components required to support TAPI multicast conferencing on a client computer are included with these operating systems.
Create computer and user accounts
The client computer should be added to a domain. When the client computer is added to a domain, a computer account is automatically created for it. The user should also have a user account in a domain, and should log on to the computer with this account.
If computer or user accounts for the domain are not created, users will not be able to access TAPI application directory partitions to participate in multicast conferencing. If Internet Locator Service (ILS) servers are being used to support multicast conferencing, users will have to manually add the ILS servers to multicast conferencing programs. The multicast conferencing capabilities are otherwise still available.
Install a full duplex audio sound card
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 operating systems support a wide range of audio devices. Multicast conferencing requires a sound card capable of full duplex audio functions. Such sound cards allow audio to be played back and recorded simultaneously. The manufacturer's documentation should describe the characteristics of your sound card.
Verify full duplex audio
If you are uncertain whether your system supports full duplex audio, install and start Sound Recorder and record a long message (about one minute). (Sound Recorder is an audio program that is available on an optional basis. Rewind the recording and start Sound Recorder again, so it appears in two places on the desktop. In the first instance of Sound Recorder, start playing back the recording, and then use the other instance to simultaneously record another message. If you can record and play back simultaneously, then your system supports full duplex audio.
Eliminate acoustic echo
Acoustic echo is a common problem with audio conferencing systems. You can eliminate acoustic echo by using an audio headset or by enabling acoustic echo cancellation (AEC). For more information, see Eliminating acoustic echo.
Install the video camera
Video cameras designed to connect to your computer capture and transfer video images to the computer. TAPI multicast conferencing components are able to acquire these images using WDM or Video for Windows interfaces that are built into the operating system.
Many of the older video cameras require the use of a video capture card that fits into an ISA or PCI slot inside your computer. Video capture cards connect to the camera with a cable, using connectors built into the back of the capture card. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide support for many such cameras.
The newer generation of cameras uses Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces to eliminate the need for a video capture card. The camera can be directly plugged into a USB port in the back of your computer without switching off or opening up the computer. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 operating systems automatically detect these cameras, using Plug and Play, and install all the device drivers necessary to make the camera work.
Ensure that drivers are available for the video camera model that you choose. To verify the compatibility of a driver, click the Compatible Hardware and Software link at Support resources.
Add USB ports to your computer
Some older computer models may not contain USB ports. This is easily determined by examining the back of the computer for a rectangular female connector that corresponds to the male USB connector on your camera.
Such computers can be upgraded by using PCI cards that have two to four USB ports on the back. Inexpensive cards can be ordered from online computer retail Web sites.