Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Videoconferenceservice

BigBlueButton (BBB) is an OpenSource solution, hosted by the CMS of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Some users might want to make doubly sure that certain video and audio transmissions are especially secured. BBB can be used for such cases, where particular protective needs have been ascertained (e.g. job interviews, committee work).

A device for audio output, a microphone, a webcam, and an up-to-date web browser. A fairly current PC, Mac or mobile device is recommended - about 4-6 years after market introduction should suffice. A desktop client or mobile app is not provided.

A BBB conference has to be created by a registered HU account. Participating in such a conference does not require a HU account or a registration. This includes guests which are not part of the Humbildt-Universität zu Berlin. An exception to this rule exists when you are responsible for a Moodle class. Then you can create BBB sessions inside the class module.

No. An official HU account is required. Except when you are responsible for a Moodle class. In that case, you can create BBB sessions inside the corresponding module.

A BBB session can handle up to 300 persons. However, only 20 persons can send audio/video data at the same time for the meeting to remain stable. Depending on how high the quality of the audio/video is, this number can be lower. It is recommended to reduce the amount of senders and/or the quality, should the session show any performance issues.

Sign-in to BBB and click on the desired room. Under "Invite Participants" you will find a link. Copy this link and send it to the participants. The participants click on the link, choose a name for themselves and enter the session.

The organizer of the conference has to provide you with a link. Click on the link and follow the instructions on screen.

If you are using a HU account, you cannot do this by yourself. Please contact us instead. If you are a guest click on the invitation link, and you can choose a name on the landing page, just before you enter the session.

Sign-in to BBB. On the overview site, click on the card "+ Create a Room". Provide an unambiguous name and set the rules for this room. Click on "Create Room" and the new room will be available. With the exception of the very first room, every room can be deleted at any given time. You can use the three dot menu for that.

Sign in to BBB. On the overview site you can find a collection of cards showing the rooms that were created by you. Click on the three dots inside such a card and select "Room Settings" to set the rules for this room or "Manage Access" to give another HU user privileges for this room.

Yes. Inside a session, click on "Share Webcam". Inside there, you can choose from different virtual backgrounds in the lower row of the window. Currently, you cannot add your own backgrounds.

No. BBB sessions run as long as you like and the rooms stay as long as you refrain from actively deleting them.

Inside a BBB session, click on the name of a participant and choose "Remove User". A new window will open and you can (optionally) set a checkmark to permanently ban the user. This option persists until the entire session is ended and started anew.

Yes. Inside a running session, open the public chat and scroll to its top. There you will find a telephone number. Use this number to participate via phone. It might be a good idea to ask the organiser beforehand, or another participant during the conference, to send you the number.

Our BBB instance runs on servers of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Thus it is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

BBB sessions are encrypted during transport. However, not end-to-end.

Please deactivate your VPN connection. Whenever possible use a cable bound internet connection. If that is not possible, reduce the distance to the WiFi access point. Close all other applications that tax your bandwidth.

Wrongly configured audio devices can produce such echoes. Asking all participants to use a headset can prevent the occurrence of echoes. Furthermore, please ask the participants to mute their microphones when they are not talking. Checking and correcting the settings of the audio devices inside the operating system can also help.

Normally you will be asked whether you want to activate your camera and/or microphone at the beginning of each BBB session. It is possible that you have disallowed this permanently. Please check the browser's security settings. In some cases browser extensions can be the culprit. In this case, please ask your local aministrator for help or try to temporarily use a different browser.