Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) will perform an upgrade to the NU Desktop Videoconferencing service on December 26, 2012 (postponed from December 18) to improve conference call functionality and provide new and enhanced features including additional support for Mac OSX devices.

The desktop conferencing system will be unavailable on Wednesday, December 26 during the planned maintenance window from 10:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. while service updates are installed and tested. Although the actual service outage time may be shorter, users should plan for the entire maintenance window.

See Status of University IT Services for maintenance updates.

Upgrade Features and Enhancements

The upgrade will better allow account holders to connect directly to a meeting and start a new session without logging into the web interface. Additional features and enhancements include:

• More high-definition video options
• Account holders can now invite guests to join via a mobile device
• Full echo cancellation
• PowerPoint and Keynote presentations can be viewed within the conference when using a Mac device

The NU Desktop Videoconferencing service will be unavailable while the upgrade takes place.

Current users will be required to update the videoconferencing software the first time they log in to the system at https://main.vidyo.northwestern.edu.

• Upgrade Instructions for Windows Users
• Upgrade Instructions for Mac Users
• Upgrade Instructins for Linux Users

After the upgrade, account holders will be able to log in and initiate video calls by clicking the Vidyo icon located in the task bar. The NU DesktopVideoconferening User Guide  is available to provide additonal assistance.

As a reminder, any member of the University with a valid NetID can request a NU Desktop Videoconferencing account, at no cost, to set up their virtual conference room and initiate video calls.

NUIT Support Center
Central service desk for students, faculty, and staff.
847-491-4357 (1-HELP)
Submit a Support Request