Disclaimer: Any recording of a court proceeding held by video or teleconference, including “screen-shots” or other audio or visual copying of a hearing, is absolutely prohibited.

Zoom Account and Software

  1. Participants: If you do not already have a Zoom account, set one up at https://zoom.us. A paid Zoom account is not necessary for any interaction with the court. Attendees do not need a Zoom account.
  2. Log into https://zoom.us/profile and set your name, phone and email. Including a photo will help identify you when connecting. Attendees do not need a Zoom profile or to provide any identity information.
  3. Install the latest Zoom Client for Meetings at https://zoom.us/download. Although Zoom can be used in a browser only, it is not suitable for participating with the court. The full Zoom client is required for best functionality and best experience with the system. Attendees may use the browser version of Zoom, but it is limited.
  4. Always keep your software up to date! The Zoom Client automatically updates itself upon launching the software, but you can also update it manually.
  5. If you will like to watch a quick tutorial on how to join a Zoom meeting, please click HERE.

Settings

Zoom has many settings, and as the Zoom system evolves, certain aspects or features may change. Below are a few Zoom settings recommended by the court to improve your video conference.

  • General: Ask me to confirm when I leave a meeting: ON (Helps prevent unintended departures)
  • Video: Enable HD: OFF (Helps prevent poor video performance, and usually looks just as good as HD)
  • Video: Always display participant names on their video: ON
  • Video: Always show video preview dialog when joining a video meeting: ON (Final check before your video displays to others)

Recommendations

  1. Mute your phone and mute all sounds from all other applications (email notifications, chat messaging, etc.).
  2. Avoid using a mobile device if possible. Although tablets (iPads) and smartphones can be used, they are very limited, and the performance is inferior.
  3. Avoid using WiFi if possible. Connection via a hard-wire Ethernet cable will always be faster and more reliable than WiFi. If you must use WiFi, make sure you’re in close range.
  4. For home networks, if possible, avoid sharing your internet service with others during the session.
  5. Avoid noisy and echoing locations. Use of a headset will improve audio quality when this is unavoidable.
  6. Avoid distracting real or virtual backgrounds.
  7. Avoid poor camera positioning (if possible). Try to frame yourself so you take up most the screen, at eye level.
  8. Avoid running any unnecessary applications besides Zoom, to conserve your computer’s processing power and networking.

Before Every Court Session using Zoom

  1. Connect your device to power.
  2. Make sure your internet connection is good. Click HERE to test.
  3. Test your video.
  4. Test your audio.
  5. Turn off all audio disruptions (phones, messaging alerts, email alerts, etc.)
  6. Run a quick test at http://zoom.us/test to connect with another Zoom user or use the Zoom test.