
CU-SeeMe is a video conferencing system that was developed in the 1990s.
It was initially designed for remote virtual reality research and was first released in 1994.
This system allowed users to connect with each other over the internet, creating a virtual meeting space.
CU-SeeMe used a combination of audio and video streams to enable real-time communication.
The system was widely used in academic and research settings.
It was also used in some commercial applications, such as online training and education.
CU-SeeMe was notable for its ability to handle multiple video streams simultaneously.
This made it a popular choice for virtual meetings and collaborations.
The system was also relatively low-cost and easy to use.
It required a minimum system configuration to run, including a 486DX2/66 processor.
CU-SeeMe was a pioneering technology in the field of video conferencing.
It paved the way for more advanced systems that are widely used today.
Despite its limitations, CU-SeeMe played an important role in the development of remote communication technologies.
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CU-SeeMe Basics
CU-SeeMe is available for free from Cornell University under copyright.
You'll need a Macintosh or PC Windows platform to run CU-SeeMe, with a Mac being required for audio.
CU-SeeMe displays 4-bit grayscale video windows at 160x120 pixels or at double that diameter.
Receiving requires only a computer with a screen capable of displaying 16 grays and a connection to the Internet.
Sending requires the same plus a camera and video capture capability.
CU-SeeMe was the first and may still be the only software available for personal computers which supports real-time multiparty videoconferencing on the Internet.
You can decide to be a sender, a receiver, or both with CU-SeeMe.
Adding a camera and digitizer can cost as little as $100 to send video.
CU-SeeMe is intended to provide useful conferencing at minimal cost.
The Getting Started guide compiled by M.Sattler and Jher is a good resource to understand CU-SeeMe's icons and menu choices.
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Getting Started
You can get started with CU-SeeMe by downloading it automatically to your desktop, or by using FTP to obtain the software, including readme files, software for Mac, Windows, and Reflectors, and miscellaneous other information.
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To download CU-SeeMe automatically, simply follow the link to download it to your desktop. To use FTP, you'll need to read the readme files and obtain the software for the relevant platform.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to download CU-SeeMe via FTP:
- Read the readme files
- Download software for Mac, Windows, and Reflectors
- Obtain miscellaneous other information
Once you have CU-SeeMe installed, you're ready to connect to conferences.
How Do I Get?
Getting Started: How Do I Get CU-SeeMe?
You can download CU-SeeMe automatically to your desktop.
If you prefer a more manual approach, you can use FTP to obtain CU-SeeMe.
To use FTP, you'll need to access the CU-SeeMe files, which include readme files, software for Mac, Windows, and Reflectors, and miscellaneous other information.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect to find:
- Readme files
- Software for the Mac, for Windows, and for Reflectors
- Miscellaneous other information
How do I connect to conferences?
Connecting to conferences is a breeze with CU-SeeMe. To get started, launch CU-SeeMe and pull down the "Edit" menu.
You'll need to edit the nicknames to create a nickname for the conference, such as SPARTAN 201, and enter the IP address of the reflector.
Pull down the "Conference" menu to "Connect" and select the conference you've created. Next, pull down the "Participants" menu and make sure you've selected the conference window.
If you have a "Talk" menu item, pull it down to "Show Talk Window" and type in a question for the scientists.
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Windows - Win16

To get started with CU-SeeMe on Windows - Win16, you'll need a few essential components. The recommended processor is Windows 3.1 or Windows For Workgroups.
You'll also need a Windows Sockets compliant TCP/IP stack, known as Winsock. This is a must-have for a smooth CU-SeeMe experience.
A 256 color (8 bit) video driver is also required, supporting resolutions like 640x480, 800x600, or higher. You can choose any resolution you like, but 256 colors is the minimum.
To capture video, you'll need a video capture board that supports Microsoft Video For Windows. You can find a list of compatible boards in COMPAT.TXT. Don't forget to get a video camera to plug into the board.
For audio, you'll need a Windows Sound board that conforms to the Windows MultiMedia Specification, or better. Sound Blaster is a good example of a compatible sound board. You'll also need speakers or headphones and a microphone for full functionality.
Here's a quick rundown of the hardware requirements:
Installation and Usage
To get CU-SeeMe up and running, start by loading it onto two machines in your office. This will give you a chance to test the software before moving on to more complex setups.
You'll need to connect the two machines directly using their IP addresses, which can be found in the bottom right corner of the main window.
This will allow you to test the connection between the two machines.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Load CU-SeeMe onto two machines in your office.
- Connect the machines directly using their IP addresses, found in the bottom right corner of the main window.
- Connect both machines to a reflector to try communicating from machine to machine.
CU-SeeMe Consortium
The CU-SeeMe Consortium is a group of universities, non-profit, and private organizations working together to make real-time videoconferencing technology more accessible.
Formed to support the rapid deployment and use of affordable, real-time conferencing technology, the Consortium aims to stimulate creative experimentation among the Internet community.
The Consortium is led by Cornell University and is open to any organization interested in supporting the rapid diffusion of low-cost, desktop conferencing software.
With the goal of enabling widespread experience that will generate knowledge useful in creating the next generation of network infrastructure, the Consortium provides resources to the CU-SeeMe project.
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The Consortium relies on membership contributions to supplement existing grant funding to respond to the growing needs of the CU-SeeMe user community, as the demands from the user community continue to outpace project resources.
The Consortium is planning to update and reorganize its site in the near future, and if you're interested in being listed, you can contact [email protected].
Troubleshooting and Q&A
CU-SeeMe can be a bit finicky, but don't worry, I've got some tips to help you troubleshoot.
If you're experiencing audio issues, check the audio levels on both your computer and the remote site's computer. Make sure they're not muted or turned down too low.
If you're still having trouble, try adjusting the audio settings in the CU-SeeMe control panel. You can find this by clicking on the "Settings" button in the top right corner of the screen.
It's also a good idea to check your internet connection, as a slow or unstable connection can cause audio issues. If you're using a dial-up connection, you may want to consider switching to a faster connection.
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If you're experiencing video issues, try adjusting the video settings in the CU-SeeMe control panel. You can find this by clicking on the "Settings" button in the top right corner of the screen.
If you're still having trouble, try closing and reopening the CU-SeeMe application. This will refresh the connection and may resolve any video issues.
CU-SeeMe is a real-time video conferencing tool, so it requires a stable internet connection. If you're experiencing frequent disconnections, try restarting your router or modem.
If you're still having trouble, check the CU-SeeMe system requirements to ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements. You can find these by clicking on the "Help" menu in the top right corner of the screen.
System Requirements
CU-SeeMe can run on the Macintosh with audio, and the PC Windows platform without audio, using an IP network connection.
To receive video, you'll need a Mac with a screen capable of displaying 16 grays and a connection to the Internet.
Sending video requires the same as receiving, plus a camera and digitizer, which can cost as little as $100 to add on.
CU-SeeMe is designed to be a low-cost conferencing solution, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to CU-SeeMe?
CU-SeeMe was acquired by Radvision Ltd. in 2005 and later became part of Avaya after Radvision's acquisition in 2012.
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