Testing is the Key
We occasionally receive support requests from groups of people gathered in a conference room asking why something is not working. Sometimes, these emails come a few minutes into a live event. The cause of the problem varies, but each time there is one common denominator: the system was not properly tested before the live event.
If you are planning on showing a webinar in mission critical setting, please consider the following tips:
1. Check the Internet connection and your computer setup. Note: IT departments sometimes put restrictions in place that limit access to streaming video. Connect the computer you will be using the day of the webinar to the Internet in the conference room and run the Automatic System Test. During the test, you should hear some music and see a short video. You will be alerted if there are any concerns with your computer setup and/or Internet connection.
2. Check your bandwidth. Below is a very easy way for you to test your bandwidth.
- www.speedtest.net - tests upload and download speeds. To run, siimply click on 'GO'. Depending on your bandwidth, the test may take 1 minute. You will need a download speed of at least 1.5 mbps. Anything less may result in a less than satisfactory experience.
- The test will also check the quality of your internet connection. A good ping result would be anything less than 100ms. A number higher than 100ms may run satisfactorily.
3. View a sample webinar. Visit telenect.com/events and select a sample webinar. Most of our samples are only 5 minutes long. Watch the sample and note if there is any abnormality with the video (buffering, pausing). You should also be able to hear the audio of the speaker, see the chat window, and watch slides change.
4. Know your password. If you are using a computer other than the computer you used when registering for the event, you will be asked to enter a password. If you forget, there is a link to reset your password. That link will send a message to the email address you used when you registered. Use that link to set a new password that you will hopefully remember.
5. Test your speakers. If you take a laptop into a room with internal speakers only, you may find that the volume may be insufficient. We recommend using external speakers, or that you connect the computer to a public address system in the room, if one is available.
The Bottom Line
Test all the equipment that will be used in the conference room in advance of the webinar. Use the same computer, speakers, and network connections you are planning to use the day of the webinar.
Please submit a support request (preferably prior to the event start time) if you have any questions.