VRI Set Up

By Armondo Bilancione

Want to optimize your VRI setup? 

Here are a few things* to consider… 

Computer: 

Device: Desktop? Laptop? Avoid mobile (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

Prioritize RAM (memory) & CPU (number of cores and GHz speeds)

Are your apps - especially your webcam & OS - fully updated?

Background wallpaper light/bright? Consider a darker background

How often do you reboot?

Internet Connection:

What are your Upload and Download speeds?

Pro tip: use fast.com to check your speeds

Both are equally important for VRI work, not just download speeds 

My preferred (safe) minimum recommendation: 300/300 Mbps

Picture:
Device: Webcam? Built-in camera? Cell phone via remote connection? Digital camera?

Is “Enabled HD Video” enabled in your Zoom settings?

How many lights are you employing? 

How’s your shadow-mitigation?

This should go without saying: wear solid colors that contrast with your skin tone. 

What’s your backdrop?

Darker gray is neutral/safe … Painted wall > bed sheet/curtain

Is “Auto-Focus” on? Turn it OFF

Tools:

Do you have a way to quickly write down a note, like a name sign? (notepad, 

whiteboard, post-it notes, etc.)

Communication Platforms:

What can you use while on your computer (iMsg, Signal, WhatsApp, etc.)

Is Zoom chat available?

Or is disabled… or are direct messages blocked? What’s your backup plan?

MS Teams - do they have direct messaging enabled, yet?

What about an ‘ad-hoc’ shared Google Doc for real time chat?

*this list is not exhaustive; merely some things to pique your interest and get you started 🙂