General Questions

1. What is TrueConf Online?
2. What video resolution do the TrueConf solutions have?
3. Do I need some special powerful PC for the TrueConf Server?
4. What web cameras should I choose?
5. Can I connect several web cameras?
6. Do my parties need to have a web camera if I want to communicate with them using TrueConf Online service?
7. Can I connect an IP camera to TrueConf?
8. Is there a non-Windows version or Mac version?
9. Why is TrueConf better than Skype?
10. What happens if I call a user whose status is unknown to me?
11. What is virtual meeting? What is a Multipoint Video Conference? What types of video conferences are available from TrueConf?
12. Why does the echo effect appear?
13. How to improve video connection quality?
14. What is the difference between TrueConf Online service plans and TrueConf Server licenses?
15. What is the difference between the TrueConf Online service and TrueConf servers?
16. How can I improve the video connection quality?
17. Does the video connection work over a satellite channels?
18. How and where can I purchase TrueConf software?
19. Can I use my home video camera with TrueConf?
20. Does the video connection work via satellite channels?
21. Can TrueConf work under the Firewall, ICS, NAT or Proxy-server?
22. I have technical problems. What should I do?
23. How much do TrueConf solutions cost?
24. What do I need to get started?
25. Does everyone need to install TrueConf client application to communicate?
26. How do I get everyone in my office on TrueConf?
27. Can a conference Owner leave the video conference without interrupting it?
28. Can the Owner return into the video conference after leaving it?
29. Can a conference Owner, having left one video conference (without interrupting it) set up a new one?
30. Is TrueConf secure?
31. Do TrueConf solutions support Windows family operating systems 64-bit?
32. Can I run TrueConf on Mac OS X?
33. Can the users inside the LAN communicate with the users connected via the Internet?
34. How much bandwidth does TrueConf use?
35. Does TrueConf support multiple monitor configurations?
36. What video codec is employed by TrueConf?
37. In what modes are chat, slide show, screen sharing, whiteboard and file transmission available?
38. What are the minimal requirements to the client computer? And to the server?
39. What is the difference between the $20 Lite plan and the $200 Corporate plan?
40. Is it difficult to tune a TrueConf server?
41. How many people can take part in a conference at the same time?

What is TrueConf Online?

TrueConf Online is an online video conferencing service based on a professional video conferencing communication system. TrueConf Online provides business-quality video conferences even on a low-speed and unstable Internet connection. TrueConf can work over standard Internet channels, including Wi-Fi, and provides you with a video connection no matter where you are - in your office, at home, in a hotel or an airport.

All you need to do is download and install TrueConf Online video conferencing software on your PC or laptop and connect a web camera to it. Now your computer is a fully functional video conferencing terminal.

What video resolution do the TrueConf solutions have?

TrueConf supports the following video resolutions:

• SD (Standard Definition) – 320х240;
• HQ (High Quality) – 640x480;
• ED (Enhanced Definition) – 864x480;
• HD (High Definition) – 1280x720.

By default HQ resolution is used.

Do I need some special powerful PC for the TrueConf Server?

Not at all. Almost any server with the Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 operating systems will do, with Ram RAM memory no less than 512 Mb and a processor no lower than Pentium 4.

What web cameras should I choose?

• To get acquainted with the list of recommended equipment please follow this link: - http://trueconf.com/support/videoconferencing-equipment.html;
• To organize a standard work place it will suffice to have a headset with microphone and a usual web camera;
• To more demanding users we`d recommend a web camera from well-known producers (Microsoft, Logitech, Creative, etc.) and echo cancelling microphones (e.g. http://www.plantro.ru/mcd100m.htm, http://www.plantronics.com/us/product/mcd100?skuId=sku5310019).

Can I connect several web cameras?

Yes, you can do it with the help of additional third-party software like SplitCam or WebCam XP.

Do my parties need to have a web camera if I want to communicate with them using TrueConf Online service?

No, they do not. The following table explains what options you have if you use a particular set peripheral devices.

Can I connect an IP camera to TrueConf?

Yes, you can do it with the help of additional third-party software like WebCam XP.

Is there a non-Windows version or Mac version?

There are versions for Linux and Mac OS X under development at the moment.

Why is TrueConf better than Skype?

• Skype does not provide its video servers and thereby its solutions do not operate on the LAN
• TrueСonf allows to create free multipoint videoconferences 3-on-3
• TrueConf is designed to work on low-speed internet channels
• TrueConf solutions were initially developed for visual communication
• TrueConf software is less resource consuming.

What happens if I call a user whose status is unknown to me?

There are three variants possible:

• If the user is registered and is online at the moment you will be able to call them
• If the user is registered and is currently off-line – they will get a notification about a missed call to their e-mail
• If the user is not registered in TrueConf yet they will get a subscription invitation to their e-mail.

What is virtual meeting? What is a Multipoint Video Conference? What types of video conferences are available from TrueConf?

TrueConf offers 4 types of video conferences:

• point-to-point video conference or 1-on-1 video call HD
• Multipoint Video Conference (or Symmetric Group Conference) with up to 16 participants all of whom are able to see and hear each other
• 3-on-117 virtual meeting in which up to 3 participants can broadcast their video and audio simultaneously to the rest of the group and the broadcaster's role can be handed over to any other user according to the established rules
• asymmetric group video conference or video lecture allows to connect up to 16 participants so that all of them are able to see and hear only the speaker, while the speaker in his turn can see and hear all the participants of the video conference;

Why does the echo effect appear?

The sound coming out of your speakers gets into the microphone and your party on the other side hears himself/herself.

How to improve video connection quality?

The following simple advice will help you improve your video communication quality and make it more comfortable:

• use quality webcams
• use good microphones and speakerphones
• make sure your provider offers you quality and high speed Internet connection
• make sure the same is seen to by the other conference participants.

What is the difference between TrueConf Online service plans and TrueConf Server licenses?

These are principally different things. The tariff plans are used for TrueConf Online service and are meant as payment for the use of TrueConf Online, TrueConf Online Pro and TrueConf Online Corporate for one or several users, for the period of 1 to 12 months depending on the plan.

TrueConf Server license gives the right to use the TrueConf Server for one year or unlimited period depending on the license, together with TrueConf Client applications which are supplied together with the server.

What is the difference between the TrueConf Online service and TrueConf servers?

• The server is installed on your company network, and is it you who gets full control of it, signs up users, manages access to the service. You can install the server in an isolated network or encrypt your video signals. Besides, there are additional features available with the server: the number of symmetric group conference participants comes up to 16 users, and in an asymmetric – up to 100, enabled scheduling, delimitation of user rights, support of UDP Multicast, integration with Active Directory/LDAP.
• The service does not require you to install your own server, it will suffice to download and install TrueConf Online client application. And though its capabilities yield to those of the TrueConf Server dedicated servers it is an ideal solution for private use and small businesses.

How can I improve the video connection quality?

• Use quality web cameras
• Use good microphones or speakerphones
• Make sure your provider has supplied you with high quality and fast Internet connection
• Make sure every conference participant has good Internet connection

Does the video connection work over a satellite channels?

Yes, it does. For more details please contact our specialists.

How and where can I purchase TrueConf software?

You can buy it directly from our website.

Can I use my home video camera with TrueConf?

In addition to the most popular cameras meant specifically for work on computers TrueConf is compatible practically with any camera or video source supported by your PC including cameras which can be connected through sVHS, FireWire, and other video capture cards. Any camera with an RCA port, converted for USB with the help of a video capture cable such as e.g. Belkin RCA to USB.

Does the video connection work via satellite channels?

Yes, it does. For more details please contact our specialists.

Can TrueConf work under the Firewall, ICS, NAT or Proxy-server?

Yes, it can. TrueConf client software works from behind the corporate networks and does not require a leased IP address. To use TrueConf through a proxy server you’ll need to enter its parameters into the application network settings.

I have technical problems. What should I do?

You can refer to the Support Section and look through the list of questions about technical problems in the Useful Advice Section. You are most likely to find the information you need among the answers available. If not, you can submit your technical support request by filling in a special form in the section for registered users or contact us at support@trueconf.com

How much do TrueConf solutions cost?

TrueConf software solutions can undoubtedly be called low-cost in comparison with the traditional video conferencing systems.

Price for the basic TrueConf Server 3.3 server package is just $2,495. Meanwhile you can always get a free 14-day trial version.

We have a very flexible pricing: you can yourself define the features you need and the period for which you want to get them. To learn more about the prices for TrueConf products please visit our website.

With TrueConf Online service you can also enjoy our solutions for SaaS without installing your own video conferencing server. All video calls in TrueConf Online are free of charge and the use of multiple options, including creation of group video conferences will cost you just 20$ per month for one user.

What do I need to get started?

All you need to establish a video connection is any modern PC under a Windows operating system, connected to the LAN or the Internet, TrueConf client application, a webcam and a headset (or microphone with speakers). You don't need to buy any additional equipment. Please learn more about the system requirements here.

Does everyone need to install TrueConf client application to communicate?

Yes. To take part in a TrueConf video conference you need to install TrueConf client application.

TrueConf Server client application is called TrueConf Client and is supplied together with the server.

TrueConf Online service client application is called TrueConf Online and can be downloaded from our site anytime.

How do I get everyone in my office on TrueConf?

Just give them a download link to TrueConf client application. Having installed it they will need to get authorized either on your TrueConf Server or in the TrueConf Online service.

In the first case the server administrator will need to open a separate account for every new user in the TrueConf Server Manager application configuration. TrueConf Server administrator can automatically authorize all the users through the Active Directory service.

In the second case you can register on our site or directly in the TrueConf Online application and get your login and password.

Can a conference Owner leave the video conference without interrupting it?

Yes, he/she can. When leaving the video conference he/she gets a dialog "End the session for the other conference participants?" If the answer is "no", the session isn't be interrupted. It should be noted that in this case the conference Owner role cannot be handed over to any of the remaining participants.

Can the Owner return into the video conference after leaving it?

Yes, he/she can. If a person wants to get back into the ongoing group conference where he/she previously acted as an Owner he/she can create than another group conference and he/she automatically returns into the previous one, if it is not yet over.

Can a conference Owner, having left one video conference (without interrupting it) set up a new one?

No, if the Owner tries to set up any other conference he/she automatically returns to the previously established one.

Is TrueConf secure?

Absolutely. TrueConf uses its own proprietary video codec and transport protocols, all connections are protected by SSL, and audio and video streams get scrambled on-line. All the above allows us to state that no video conference and no video call will be overheard and seen by the uninvited guests. Moreover access to every user`s personal information is protected by their own password.

As for administration of the TrueConf server software, its use is no less secure. To start working on TrueConf Server 3.3 server the administrator will only have to open one port. As for the client applications, they can work both inside the LAN and VPN, as well as via the Internet. You DON`T NEED to have direct IP addresses.

Do TrueConf solutions support Windows family operating systems 64-bit?

Yes, they do. 64-bit version of Windows family operating systems is supported by the TrueConf client applications.

Can I run TrueConf on Mac OS X?

Currently TrueConf software only works under the Windows family operating systems. Nevertheless, you can run TrueConf application on Mac OS X PCs by using virtualization for emulation for Windows. You can make use of VMware Fusion, Parallels for Desktop for Mac or Apple BootCamp software.

Can the users inside the LAN communicate with the users connected via the Internet?

Yes, they can, if the users inside the LAN and those from Internet are able to connect to the same TrueConf Server 3.3 server.

How much bandwidth does TrueConf use?

Thanks to the TrueConf Cyclon unique proprietary codec our users can enjoy business-quality personal video calls at a speed as low as 128 Kbit/s, and at 256 Kbit/s for group conferences, even when using a connection with unreliable bandwidth. Besides, a video stream with a resolution of 480x360 and more is transmitted from every participant connected through the LAN.

Does TrueConf support multiple monitor configurations?

Yes, it does. You can communicate online with your colleagues on one monitor and at the same time work on another one or open a presentation there.

What video codec is employed by TrueConf?

Currently TrueConf solutions use codec VP8 which provides high quality of audio and video transmission. TrueConf uses its proprietary codec Cyclon on slow channels with unreliable bandwidth.

In what modes are chat, slide show, screen sharing, whiteboard and file transmission available?

1. Chat, file transmission and whiteboard functions are available for all users connected to the network through the TrueConf client application;
2. Slide show and screen sharing are available only to the TrueConf Server users and the paid TrueConf Online service subscribers.

What are the minimal requirements to the client computer? And to the server?

Recommended TrueConf system server configuration:

• Pentium IV processor, cash - 512 kb;
• DDR RAM 512 Mb;
• 40 Gb hard drive;
• Ethernet with a speed of 100 Mb/s;
• MS Windows Sever 2000/2003/2008 operating system.

Recommended TrueConf system client computer configuration:

• Pentium III processor - 1800 MHz;
• 256 RAM and 10 Mb free on hard drive;
• Accelerated graphics card, min.16 Mb of VRAM;
• Windows 2000/XP/ Vista operating system;
• Direct X 7.0 and newer;
• Internet connection speed more than 256 kbps in both directions;
• Full-duplex sound card;
• Headset/microphone to avoid echo effect;
• A web camera connected to a computer, supported by Microsoft DirectShow (it
• has WDM drivers).

What is the difference between the $20 Lite plan and the $200 Corporate plan?

Subscribing to the Lite plan you get access to TrueConf Online software for one user only. With the $200 Online Corporate you purchase access to TrueConf Online for as many as 6 users who will be able to enjoy such features as common address book, ability to create asymmetric video conferences (virtual meetings and video lecture) and a special group administrator's account for moderation.

Is it difficult to tune a TrueConf server?

That is really easy. Usually it takes from 5 to 15 minutes to do that. In the Administrator`s guide, which gets installed together with the application you can find a section "How to get started?"

How many people can take part in a conference at the same time?

1. In a symmetric conference - up to 16 participants;
2. In an asymmetric conference - up to 16 participants;
3. In a virtual meeting - up to 120 users (by means of the UDP Multicast technology - up to 250);