Polycom Viewstation FX Video Conferencing System

The Polycom ViewStation FX is a powerful, but easy to use video conferencing unit. It has many flexible features, and supports multiple communication protocols, including ISDN, IP (Internet), and POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). This document will only address basic setup of the ViewStation and placing an IP-based call.

The Polycom ViewStation FX unit is stored in the conference room in the LH215 suite. Please contact the main office staff to reserve or check out this device. The main unit is connected to the monitor, and after following these instructions below, it can be up and running in a few minutes. You will find needed accessories such as the power supply and Ethernet cabling stored in a labeled box in the storage cabinet in LH215. Additionally, you will find extra cables, and a second microphone for more elaborate setups, as well as detailed documentation.

Setting up the Polycom ViewStation FX

• Check out the cart with the ViewStation and monitor, and the Polycom accessories box at the receptionist's desk in LH215.
• Move the cart of equipment to the room where you will be holding your conference.
• Position the cart holding the monitor and ViewStation to be directly across from, and in front of, the individual or group participating in the session.
• Place the Polycom microphone on a flat, level surface, such as a table, directly in front of the participants, with no obstructions. (The microphone is on the cart, and is black, has a triangle shape, and the name Polycom on it.)
• You will find an Ethernet cable in a labeled bag in the accessories box. Remove it from the bag. As you are facing the front of the ViewStation, there are two Ethernet ports on the rear, right end of the unit. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port outlined in red. Plug the other end of the cable into any available Ethernet port in the room you are located. (The cable is 13' long).
• Plug the power cord of the monitor into an available electrical outlet.
• !IMPORTANT! Remove the protective foam collar from around the base of the camera of the ViewStation unit. Please do not lose or discard.
• Plug in the power supply of the ViewStation into the back of the unit, and then the power cable from the power supply into an available electrical outlet. Both the power supply and power cable are in a labeled bag in the accessories box.
• Turn on the monitor with it's remote control unit, or the "Power" button on the front of the monitor.
• Push the "TV/AV" button on the monitor's remote control, and set the monitor to "AV". You should see a blue screen.
• Power on the ViewStation. As you are facing the front of the ViewStation, the On/Off switch is located on the left, rear corner of the unit.
• When power is applied, the camera will rotate, and position itself in the "home" position, centered and facing forward.
• After a short while, you will hear music, and the startup screen of the ViewStation's builtin programming will appear on the monitor. You are now ready to make a call on the ViewStation FX.

Making An IP (Internet) Call on the Polycom ViewStation FX

• You should now be at the main screen of the ViewStation's builtin programming. At the top, center of the monitor, you will have a view of the room you are in, and anyone directly in front of the camera. This image is outlined in yellow, and has the words "Video Call" under it. This is the default screen to make a manual call. Note: If at any time the screen goes blank, the system is in power-save-mode. Lifting the Polycom's remote control will wake the unit, and the screen will reappear.
• Press either the green "Call/Hang-up" button at the top of the remote control, or the oval shaped button in the middle of the red arrow keys to initiate a call.
• A new screen appears, with an empty box with a black background at the top. This is where you enter the IP address, or full host name of the party you wish to have a session with. Enter the IP address by pressing the number keys on the remote control. Use the right arrow to insert a "dot". To enter characters for a host name, press the oval shaped button in the middle of the red arrow keys to get an on-screen keyboard. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the character you want. Press the oval button to enter the character. Navigate to the return symbol key, and enter it when you are finished.
• Press the "Call/Hang-up" button to initiate the call. The party at the remote location will appear on screen when they answer your call.
• When your session to the remote host has finished, press the "Call/Hang-up" button to end the call.
• Your session is now ended.

Accepting a Remote Call

• To receive a remote call, the remote caller must first have the IP address or host name of the local ViewStation:

  IP adress: 129.79.245.23
  Host Name: iu-cs-lh428.cs.indiana.edu

• When a remote call is received, you will hear a ringing sound, and may see the number of the remote caller.
• To answer the call, press the "Call/Hangup" button. The caller will appear on screen.
• When your session to the remote host has finished, press the "Call/Hang-up" button to end the call.
• Your session is now ended.

Putting away the Polycom ViewStation FX

• Once you have finished your session, turn off the ViewStation and monitor.
• !IMPORTANT! Place the protective foam collar around the base of the camera of the ViewStation unit.
• Put the microphone back on the cart.
• Unplug the ViewStation's power supply and power cord. Unplug the Ethernet cable. Place them back in the accessories box.
• Unplug the monitor's electrical cable.
• Return the cart and equipment to LH215, and be sure to check the equipment in at the receptionist's desk.

If you have any questions, or need assistance in using the Polycom ViewStation, please ask any member of the CSG staff.