Google hangout for remote attendees?

[tomjenkinson]

Hi,

I just wondered whether you had considered using Google hangout for people that are unable to attend in person? For example, tomorrow I am not able to come up to Newcastle but the topic sounds very interesting.

Assuming the speaker has a Google+ account, hosting a "Hangout on Air" on their laptop should be a trivial thing. On the other hand, if a work laptop could be positioned somewhere where its web cam can see the speaker and the overhead projector that may be even better (assuming a decent microphone).

Thanks,
Tom

[tkirby]

Paul reported having problems with hangout with the router, so it might involve more than just providing the hangout.

We can certainly try, but the next question is do we have a decent microphone in the office that I can attach to my mac?

[tomjenkinson]

Yeah, we should definitely try to get an upgrade on the router.

For completeness on this thread, a mic has been identified and is undergoing testing.

[tkirby]

Paul was looking up specs and costs. Old router connected and seems to work better with new cable.

jbug hangoutt test happening at 5:15 pm BST

[tkirby]

We used Paul's webcam and the broadcast seemed to go OK, apart from the hangout droppping while I was picking up the pizza. So Tom missed the last few minutes.  Do people want us to provide this functionality for future jbugs.

There is the slight problem that people can join the hangout just to be insufferable about being  in Boston, but we may actually get a regular remote audience. WDYT?

[tkirby]

Yes, do I now get my first correct answer tick on the forums ?:-)

[tomjenkinson]

I think it worked well, I suspect it dropped as I got a pop up saying "are you still there" after 90 minutes. I clicked "yes" your probably were unable to due to the pizza issue.

It worked well for me:

1. It would be good for the speaker to repeat the question

2. It would be good to ask the speaker to try to stand in front of the camera.

The sound was pretty decent and I could make out what was happening on screen.

Is there a way for the person hosting the hangout to disable camera/mic for the other attendees?

[tkirby]

1) I'll try although some of the questions were rather long. A seperate mic might be better, Max had a decent one at the last meeting at NCL which was good at picking up the speaker and questions, I'll enquire.

2) with the angle we had it was difficult as the speaker would then be in front of the screen, again the seperate microphone would help, as the camera was where it was mainly for the audio.

3) muting, see - https://support.google.com/plus/answer/1254313?hl=en-GB although the person can then unmute. Thumping the perp when he's back in the office might also help :-)

[mattforshaw]

Hi all,

I've got an Apogee Duet and a few decent mics I'd be happy to bring along next time if that would help.

Matt

[tkirby]

Thanks Matt, that would be appreciated.

Trev