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Video Bridge Guide for Presenters and Guest Admins

A video bridge allows presenters to connect to an event and broadcast from different camera sources and locations. As a presenter, you will join the event from your computer and connect the video source that you'll use to speak to the audience. Often this is a webcam, but you can also broadcast and present from a video conferencing system, Skype for Business, or a telephone (where you're not on camera).

Use this guide to learn how to test your system and connect to the video bridge. 

This guide contains the following topics:

System requirements

All presenters and venues must meet the following minimum system requirements:

  • Operating system - Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1+ Pro, macOS 10.14+
  • Processor - Intel Core i5 3.0GHz or equivalent
  • RAM - 4GB
  • Internet connection - A dedicated and hardwired high-speed connection of 1.5 Mbps+ (upload and download). We do not recommend using a Wi-Fi connection since it is prone to dips in bandwidth that can negatively impact your video connection.
  • Internet Browser - Chrome (latest version), Firefox (latest version), Microsoft Edge (latest version)

    Note: Firefox does not support screensharing for Video Bridge.

  • Webcam - High quality or HD webcast (for example, Logitech C920)
  • Microphone - Headset microphone or webcam mic with built-in noise-cancelling

    Note: If you are using a microphone, use headphones or earbuds to prevent feedback from your computer speakers.

Before the event, presenters and venues must also:

  • Plug in their computers. Do not run an event on battery power.
  • Disconnect from the VPN.

Test your system before the event starts

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It's important that you make sure your system is compatible before the event begins to identify and resolve any issues. At least 48 hours before the event, join the Live Studio and run a diagnostic on your system with the network and equipment you plan to use on the day of the event. This checks the quality of your audio and video connections. 

You should have received an email with login details and a link to the Guest Admin or Guest Presenter Access site. The Guest Admin site includes a button that lets you enter the Live Studio.

To test your webcam and microphone: 

  1. Sign in to the Guest Admin site and click Live Presenter Studio.
  2. In the Live Studio, click Test your webcam.

    Test Your Webcam button

  3. Enter your name and click Next.
  4. Select the Microphone, Camera, and Audio Output sources you will use during the event. Confirm that the microphone volume level and webcam preview work properly and click Play Test Sound to make sure you can hear the event audio during the event.

    Select your camera and microphone window with microphone and webcam selected

  5. Click Join Bridge and follow the guided connection test instructions.

    The test records a short clip of your audio and video and plays it back to you. Make sure the video plays clearly, without feedback or echo. If it does not record correctly, there could be a network connection issue. Check that you have a wired (LAN) connection to the internet and that it is active.

    If you have any issues, run the test again. If you continue to have issues, contact support or your event host.

Connect to the Video Bridge

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To join the video bridge:

  1. Sign in to the Guest Admin site and click Live Presenter Studio.
  2. Click Connect using my webcam.

    Connect using my webcam option

  3. Enter your name and click Next
  4. Select the Microphone, Camera, and Audio Output sources you want to use for the broadcast. Confirm that the microphone volume level and webcam preview work properly.

    Select your camera and microphone window with microphone and webcam selected

    If you are a technical assistant or moderator who will not speak or appear on camera, click the Mic button to mute your microphone and click the Camera button to turn off your webcam.

    Select your camera and microphone window with microphone and webcam off

  5. Click Play Test Sound to make sure you can hear the event audio during the event.
  6. Click Join Bridge.

Note: The Video Bridge utilizes UDP/TCP RTP Media Traffic over ports 4000-5000 to connect a webcam. If a presenter’s connection to the Video Bridge is blocked by their network, the system will automatically failover to use TCP 443 (HTTPS).

 

This failover is intended for presenters behind on a restricted network to ensure a connection can be made. However, TCP media is often subject to a noticeable delay and synchronization issues between audio and motion, as well as a delay on content share streams. It's always better to use a UDP/RTP connection whenever possible. For that reason, it is recommended that presenters disconnect from VPN before presenting. It is also recommended to test your system in advance to ensure there aren’t any issues connecting on the live event.


Connect to the Video Bridge using another source

If you are not able to connect to the Video Bridge, are experiencing issues with your audio/video stream on the Video Bridge due to a connection or network issue, or prefer to join from another source, the Video Bridge has additional connection options. 

To join the Video Bridge:

 
  1. Sign in to the Guest Admin site and click Live Presenter Studio.
  2. Click Connect using another source.

    image-1700144754613.png

  3. You will options to connect via Telephone, Skype for Business/Lync, or Video Conferencing Unit using H.323, SIP or a video Bridge Domain. Follow the instructions listed below to connect.


Navigate the Video Bridge

Once connected to the video bridge, presenters will be able to see and communicate with other presenters on the Video Bridge. Once the event begins, you'll see "On Air" at the top of the window to confirm you are live to viewers. You can now speak, advance slides and use other controls for the event. Please confirm your responsibilities for the presentation with the event's moderator.

At the bottom of the video bridge window, each presenter has buttons to control their connection. Click on the camera icon to hide your camera from displaying to viewers or click on the microphone button to mute your audio. These local controls can be toggled on/off during the event as needed. Click on the monitor icon to share your screen with viewers at any time during the event.image-1696600631340.png
NOTE: If you do not see the option to share your screen, contact Support.

When sharing your screen, a pop-up window will appear allowing you to select what content you want to share. Select one of the tabs along the top: a Chrome Tab, Window (or application), or your Entire Screen. Under that tab select from the available options.


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Under the selected tab, select one of the available options and click Share to make your screen share active to viewers.

image-1696601842659.png

Once active, viewers will see the selected screen share application, a small window in the top right with the camera for the presenter sharing their screen, and a shared audio feed from the video bridge. Presenters should minimize their Live Studio and begin their screen share. Once complete, click Stop Sharing to end the screen share. 

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