 |
OhPhoneX
OhphoneX is a video conferencing software available for the Mac (OS 10.2 and above) that allows connectivity with Microsoft Netmeeting and other h.323 compatible video conferencing packages. OhphoneX is an alternative to iChat AV which ships with Macintosh computers. iChatAV uses the SIP protocol for sending/receiving audio/video and is not compliant with h.323.
H.323 is a signaling protocol, which sends signals to and receives signals from remote parties for communication. It also negotiates audio/video capabilities as well as establishes the audio/video media streams. The term "h.323" is generally used to refer the set of protocols used during the signaling process and the streaming of media.
Currently ohphoneX is available as a free download from the Source forge web site. It can be used with a variety of web cameras including the iSight camera available from Apple.
Before making a call it is important that you have the IP address of the machine that you will be calling. An IP address is a unique number that identifies that computer on the Internet. You can determine the IP address of your machine by connecting to the internet and browsing to the following web page: http://www.whatismyip.com/. Your IP address will be automatically displayed. If you do not have an IP address, please consult your network technician.
Note: Depending on how your network is configured your IP address may change. Always verify your IP address before placing or receiving a call.
Downloading and installing ohphoneX
OhphoneX is available for a free download from the SourceForge web site.
Select the latest version of ohphoneX. Click the file name. This will bring you to the download page.
On the download page select the location closest to your own. Click on the file icon to start the downloading process. Depending on your connection download time may vary.
The file downloaded will be called ohphonex_#.#_binary.dmg (# corresponds to the version number). A .dmg file is a disk image file, a virtual disk that acts like any disk you would physically place in your computer. If the disk image does not automatically mount, double-click the .dmg file.
Once the disk image has mounted drag the ohphoneX icon into your application folder to install the program.
The Interface
The interface of ohphoneX is fairly simple. There is a Status Menu at the top of the window that will let you know the current status of any video calls. The Call to box is where you type in the IP address of the user's machine you are calling. There is a Phone Book feature to keep frequently called people in a convenient location.
Making a Call
As mentioned before it is important to obtain the IP address of the computer you are connecting with. This number will be typed in the Call to: field. You will see your camera video in the video drawer window to the side of the main window. When you are ready to make a call click the Start Phone button.
Waiting for a Call
If you are waiting to receive a video call, make sure the call to field is blank and click the Start Phone button. This will allow you to answer an incoming call. If you are not in Waiting mode you will not be able to answer a call. If you would like to make a call you must click the Stop Waiting button first.
In a call
When you are in a call with another party you will be able to see the video from the far site in your main window. At the top of the window are your connection statistics - if you have any difficulty during the call check your statistics for anything extreme. If you need more detailed information click the Connection Statistics button. Once you are finished with a call click the Hangup button.
Preferences
h.323
Audio
If you have a web cam that has a built in microphone or if you want to use a separate external microphone, select either one from the Audio Input Device drop down. The Audio Output Device should be your computer's speaker system.
Video
By default some of your video options may be unchecked. Make sure that you have enabled video receive and video transmit. If you plan on transmitting video to one of our Polycom units select CIP from the Video Format to Send drop down menu. After changing a video option you will need to quit and restart the ohphoneX application.
Gatekeeper
Firewall
Depending on your firewall set-up you will need to check/un-check Use IP Address Translation.
last updated
9/16/04
Page maintained by the Learning
Technologies Resource Center, Studio
URL: http://ced.ncsu.edu/ltrc/studio/workshops/video/ohphonex.html
LTRC, Studio | LTRC, Studio Workshops | College of Education | NC State University