Campus Audio
From NMC-Campus
Contents |
[edit] Using Audio on NMC Campus
Within Second Life all comunication is done by text- chat and instant messaging. However, audio communication can greatly enhance the experience and this can be done using outside technology. NMC Campus does offer an audio server technology (TeamSpeak) that is described in detail below.
For any audio via a computer, we highly recommend using a microphone/headset combination (USB headsets with microphones can be found for as little as $20). Using a built-in microphone and speakers often creates undesirable audio feedback.
[edit] Audio Options for Small Groups
- Simple telephone conference call. Just use a phone with speaker and microphone works great for one on one. You can also find web services that offer free conference calling if you want to have group conversations.
- Internet Audio Chat. Connect via a service that provides Voice Over IP communication, such as:
- Skype
- Gizmo Project
- Yahoo! Messenger
- MSN Messenger
- Apple iChat (Mac OS X)
[edit] NMC TeamSpeak Server
TeamSpeak is an internet client/server application that supports audio via the internet. NMC Campus has set up our own TeamSpeak server to support audio communication, and it features several different "channels" to have conversations associated with specific campus areas.
Communicating via TeamSpeak requires pressing and holding a key while you talk (like walkie-talkie radios). As a general rule, make sure your push to talk key is released when you are done. It is possible for more than one person to speak at the same time, so be aware of overlap.
To use TeamSpeak, you will need to download and install the free TeamSpeak client (http://www.goteamspeak.com/index.php?page=downloads) and make sure your computer is set up for a headset with a microphone.
[edit] Setting up TeamSpeak for Windows
- Launch TeamSpeak.
- Right-click on "Servers" to create a new setting for NMC Campus. You can create any Label to identify this connection
- Enter the Server Address 208.67.227.231
- Enter in your name or your avatar's name under Nickname
- Select the button for Anonymous
- Enter the Server Password: nmc_campus
- From the Settings menu, choose Sound Input/Output Settings. Under Voice Send Method, be sure Push to Talk is checked; if it is not, check it.
- This is the most important step- you must select a key to press that will serve as your "talk" button, and this should be one that will not interfere with your activity in Second Life. You may try the TAB key, or a function key. To select your key, click the Set button and then press the key you wish to use.
- Click the Close button.
- Now click the Connect button. You should now be connected to the NMC Teamspeak server and see a list of channels as shown below. The name you entered above will appear initially in the "Lobby" audio channel and a green button indicates you are connected. When you press your key to talk, the button will change to a blue color to indicate it is active.
- To change channels, e.g. to take a conversation elsewhere, simply double-click on the name for the channel.
[edit] Setting up TeamSpeex for Mac OS X
- Launch TeamSpeak.
- Select Preferences from the TeamSpeex menu.
- Click the HotKey tab.
- You must select a key to press that will serve as your "talk" button, and this should be one that will not interfere with your activity in Second Life. You may try the TAB key, or a function key. To select your key, click the Push to Talk button and then press the key you wish to use.
- Close the Preferences window.
- From the main application window, click Connect.
- Enter the Server Address 64.241.75.131
- Enter in your name or your avatar's name under Nickname
- Select the button for Anonymous
- Enter the Server Password: nmc_campus
- Click the Connect button.
- You should now be connected to the NMC Teamspeak server and see a list of channels as shown. The name you entered above will appear initially in the "Lobby" audio channel and a green button indicates you are connected. When you press your key to talk, the button will change to a blue color to indicate it is active.
- To change channels, e.g. to take a conversation elsewhere, simply double-click on the name for the channel.
[edit] Other Solutions
- Ventrilo is another client-server solution that "is best known for it's superior sound quality and minimal use of CPU resources so as not to interfere with day to day operations of the computer or during online game competitions. It is also preferred for the simple user interface that any first time computer user can very quickly learn because the most commonly used features are immediately visible and can be activated with a single click of the mouse."
- See Voice Chatting with Ventrilo for Educators in Second Life by Pathfinder Linden
- Vivox "Vivox Precision Studio delivers high quality, massively scalable, real-time voice communications to MMOGs. Precision Studio is an innovative solution that empowers game developers and publishers to provide an immersive gaming experience, that is unrivaled in today's online world, with robust, integrated and customizable communication tools."
