Vidyo – a collaborative tool for Planet CERN

CERN’s videoconferencing service has a new look. The user-friendly, easy-to-access Vidyo system is replacing EVO and, by the end of 2012, will become CERN’s only official videoconferencing platform.

CERN’s videoconferencing service has a new look. The user-friendly, easy-to-access Vidyo system is replacing EVO and, by the end of 2012, will become CERN’s only official videoconferencing platform.

Since November 2011, the IT Department has been offering Vidyo to its users of videoconferencing services. After a year of living alongside EVO, which pioneered the technology since the 90s, Vidyo is now poised to take over. In January 2013, the technical support services provided by the IT Department will be devoted entirely to assisting organisers and participants in videoconferences using the Vidyo platform. But you don’t have to wait until 2013 as you can join the growing community of Vidyo users straight away!

Vidyo is fully integrated with Indico, so organising or taking part in a videoconference from your office or meeting room is simplicity itself! “We wanted this new videoconferencing system to be extremely easy to use,” says Thomas Baron, Head of CERN’s Audiovisual and Collaborative services. “From now on, as soon as a meeting is created in Indico, the user can book a virtual Vidyo meeting room in parallel. All the information needed to connect to the videoconference is then supplied on the Indico page for the meeting.”

In addition, Vidyo allows users to connect to videoconferences not only from any of CERN’s 70 meeting rooms, on conventional telephones, Macintosh computers or PCs running Windows or Linux, but even on tablets or smartphones operating iOS or Android. “It’s a multi-platform service,” adds Thomas Baron. “It works whatever the connection medium!”

Vidyo is open to any CERN account-holder but unregistered participants can also be invited to take part. “Once a virtual meeting has been created,” Thomas Baron explains, “the user is provided with a URL which can be simply sent to the other participants, who can connect and take part in the meeting without needing to log on.”

The simple-to-use system also offers high video and audio quality, and this performance is maintained whatever the number of users. “CERN and its collaborators need a system capable of bringing together a large number of participants in each videoconference,” adds Thomas Baron. “Vidyo fulfilled all the requirements imposed by the collaborative nature of the work done here.” Up to 1,600 simultaneous connections are possible, with high-definition videos and good adaptability to network conditions.

Vidyo is also set to evolve in the future. In 2013, it will be equipped with a bridge to Skype, new telephone access points and the possibility of recording or broadcasting videoconferences on the Internet. Why don't you have a look at its many functions yourselves? Whether it’s for a technical meeting with a supplier in Japan, a project review with the United States and Italy, or a virtual tour of your facilities, Vidyo will bring you closer to your partners!

If you are a newcomer to the service, please consult IT Department website  to be sure you have the right equipment (webcam, headset and echo cancellation microphone). Access to the Vidyo portal.

by Caroline Duc