September 2008 Vol. 13 Issue 3
Be heard using Adobe Connect

Can you hear me now?

Yes, we have all seen the commercials and probably can relate when using technology. There is nothing more frustrating than when you have a question or comment during a meeting and cannot be heard.

In the online world of Web conferencing with Adobe Connect your microphone becomes a vital link between you and your fellow participants. By following a few quick and easy steps you can make sure that you will be heard loud and clear:

Install the add-in

One of the most common mistakes people make when using Adobe Connect is not installing the add-in. You probably already have plug-ins installed for your Web browser. If you can open PDF files in your browser, you have the Adobe Reader plug-in. If you can view moving weather maps, you probably have the Java plug-in.

Adobe Connect requires a similar plug-in to function.

For instructions on how to install the Adobe Connect plug-in, follow the instructions in this Quick Start Guide.

Adobe Connect uses the latest Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology for audio transmission. To take advantage of this technology, everyone connected to the meeting needs to have this add-in installed on their computers. If you are a host or presenter the add-in will allow you to share documents, share your screen, and upload content.

Adjust Flash Player settings

Most of you know how to adjust the audio settings on your computers, but you also need to adjust the settings in your Flash Player plug-in.

By adjusting the Flash Player plug-in settings you can reduce echo by testing your microphone. As you know, having an echo while you are speaking is very distracting and makes it very difficult for people to understand what you are saying.

For instructions on how to test your microphone and reduce the chance for an echo, follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide.

Use the audio setup wizard

Adobe Connect’s audio setup wizard is a quick and easy way to ensure your microphone is ready for the meeting.

Before each Adobe Connect meeting it is a good idea to take two or three minutes to run through the wizard. This will make sure that your microphone is working properly.

Consult the Quick Start Guide for instructions on how to use the audio setup wizard.

Remember, make sure you will be heard. Download the detailed instructions and keep them handy for your Adobe Connect sessions. If you still experience technical problems after using the Quick Start Guide, contact the AgIT Call Center at:

Alan Ward, alanward@purdue.edu

Do you want On Target to cover a topic that interests you? E-mail your ideas to Kevin Leigh Smith.