• A device that supports Zoom. Supported devices include computers, tablets, and smart phones, running either the Apple iOS or Android operating system. The device must have a camera, microphone and speaker. A computer is recommended over a mobile device.

• Microphone and speaker. A microphone and speaker integrated with a computer may be used but a separate headset with microphone may reduce feedback and improve audio quality.

• Camera. The camera should be able to be positioned to show the face, torso and hands of a witness.

• Internet connection. A wired connection to a local area network (LAN) is recommended. A WiFi network is preferred over cellular service. 

• Internet browser or Zoom app. The Zoom app may be used but is not necessary - participants may connect to the courtroom by clicking on the link sent in a Zoom invitation or by typing in a URL (Internet address) in a browser. Participants will also be provided a Meeting ID and Password to access the video session. You do not need a Zoom account to participate.
  • For a computer: Download the Zoom Client for Meeting
  • For a mobile device: Download the Zoom app from the app store for your device (iOS or Android)

• Testing. After downloading the Zoom software:
  • Enter your first and last name in the software settings
  • In a browser. go to the Zoom Meeting Test site (zoom.us/test)
  • If you wish to test the connection with the court, contact the court at hib@hib.uscourts.gov. 

• Telephone .A telephone may ne used to connect to the audio portion of the proceeding. A toll-free number will be provided in the Zoom invitation sent by the courtroom deputy.

• You should join your Zoom video proceeding at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled  time to ensure your equipment and connection to Zoom are operational.
• There are two ways you can connect to a Zoom meeting.
  • Click on the meeting link emailed to you or type the URL (Internet address) into a web browser. 
    • This will launch the Zoom app (or browser plugin), automatically enter the Meeting ID and prompt you for the Password. (If this is your first time using Zoom® on this device, you will be prompted to download the Zoom app or browser plugin. Follow the instructions for downloading the Zoom app or browser plugin, and then enter the Meeting ID and Password, as prompted.)
  • Join your Zoom meeting by opening the Zoom app directly on your device, or by visiting join.zoom.us.  In either case, you must (i) click the button labeled "Join" or "Join A Meeting," (ii) enter the Meeting ID, and (iii) enter the Password.

• After entering the Meeting ID and/or Password, you may be given the option to "Test Computer Audio." If this option appears, click on the "Test Computer Audio" button to test your audio. Upon confirmation that your audio is working properly, click the button labeled "Join audio by computer" to complete your connection to the hearing.

• The "Waiting Room" feature may be enabled when you join the proceeding. If so, you will see a message stating "Waiting for the host to start this meeting" or "Please wait, the meeting host will let you in soon." The courtroom deputy will place you in the courtroom session when the matter is ready to begin..
• If you are connecting to your Zoom video hearing using a computer, you have the option of running the audio portion of the hearing through a separate telephone by following these instructions.
  • Select phone audio in the Zoom app.
    
    1. If you enter the video hearing and you see a button labeled "Join Audio" in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, the Zoom® app has not yet connected you to any audio source.  Click on the "Join Audio" button and selected "Phone Call."  The Zoom® app will display the telephonic connection information.
    2. If the Zoom® app has already connected you to your computer's audio, you will not see a button labeled "Join Audio."  Instead, the button will be labeled "Mute."  Press the "Mute" button to mute your audio.  (The same button will now display as "Unmute.")  Press the upward arrow button just to the right of the "Unmute" button to display the audio options menu.  Select "Switch to Phone Audio."  The Zoom® app will now display the telephonic connection information.
  1. Dial one of the telephone numbers provided by the Zoom® app.  When prompted, enter the Meeting ID (followed by the # sign), and then the Participant ID (followed by the # sign).
  2. It is important that you enter the correct Participant ID to ensure that your video and audio feeds are "synched."
  3. When complete, the Zoom® app will indicate that you have successfully connected (or switched) to telephonic audio.

Participants using the Zoom® app on a computer will notice a menu bar at the bottom of the screen, as shown below. Participants using the Zoom® app on a tablet or smart phone will have similar controls, although they may appear differently.

1. Join Audio – This selection allows you to select your audio connection (i.e., through your device or a separate telephone connection).  Once an audio connection is established, this icon will change to that of a microphone.  Pressing this selection will permit you to mute or unmute your audio feed. Clicking the up arrow next to the headset (or microphone) icon will allow you to open and adjust your Zoom® audio settings.
2. Start Video – This selection will allow you to start or stop your video feed (i.e., your camera). Clicking the up arrow next to the camera icon will allow you to open and adjust your Zoom® video settings.
3. Participants – This selection displays the number of participants. Clicking the up arrow next to the people icon will open a list of participants in the hearing.
4. Chat – If a judge permits the use of this feature, clicking the icon will enable you to chat with one or more participants.  This function may be disabled.  Even when it is enabled, you should never use this feature to communicate with the judge.
5. Share Screen – If a judge permits the use of this feature, clicking this icon will allow you to share your desktop or application window with all others participating in the hearing.  This function may be disabled.  Even when it is enabled, you should never use this feature without prior, express permission of the judge.
6. Reactions – If a judge permits the use of this feature, it allows you to communicate your reaction to others in the hearing by way of an icon: either clapping hands or a thumbs up.  This function may be disabled.  Even when it is enabled, you should never use this feature without prior, express permission of the judge.
7. Leave – Selecting this button will cause you to leave the meeting.
         
8. View – Depending on your Zoom® screen, there will be an option to toggle between "Speaker" and "Gallery' views in the upper right-hand corner. The "Speaker" view displays only the active speaker. The "Gallery" view simultaneously displays the tiles of all meeting participant.

1. You should test the video and audio capabilities of a computer or mobile device in advance of the hearing (i.e., at least one day in advance).  
2. If you intend to speak at the hearing, please ensure you are situated in a quiet place.
3. If you are connecting to a hearing using a wireless device, please confirm in advance that there is a strong wireless signal.
4. In order to minimize background noise, you should mute your audio until it is your turn to speak.
   
   1. If connected to the Zoom® audio feed by telephone, you may mute or unmute your connection by pressing *6 on the phone.
   2. If connected to the Zoom® audio feed through your device, you may mute or unmute your connection through the Zoom® app.
5. You should say your name when first speaking and each time you speak after someone else has spoken. This may seem awkward but is essential to making a good court record. The only part of the hearing being recorded is the audio. If a transcript is requested, it is sometimes difficult for the transcriber to know who is speaking.
6. When participating in a Zoom® video hearing, try to avoid having a window or bright background behind you.  (This may cause you to appear as a shadow.)  If you cannot avoid a bright background, try using a desk lamp or other light source to brighten your face.
7. If you intend to connect to the Zoom® video feed by computer, but connect to the audio feed by telephone, be sure to connect to the video feed first.  (For more information, see paragraph 5 above, under the section entitled "How to Join a Zoom® Video Hearing.")
8. You should, at all times, remember that Zoom® video hearings are official court proceedings, and you should act accordingly.
   
   1. Please wear attire consistent with the decorum of court proceedings.
   2. If you choose to use a virtual background to safeguard your privacy, please avoid any background that is offensive or distracting.
9. You are permitted in the Zoom® app to specify a display name.  Please provide your complete name to assist the Court in creating a record of the proceedings.

For more information and instructional videos see the Zoom® Help Center at the link below:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us