Verified Videoconferencing Test Sites: 2016 Edition

UPDATE: LDV has published an updated version of this post for 2017.
Please click through to see the current list of verified videoconferencing test sites.

In troubleshooting, there is a concept called the “known good.” The known good refers to a system that we know to be working. We can use this system to test another system that we suspect might not be working correctly.

For example, if you are trying to make a video call from a newly installed system to another site and the call fails to connect, you might suspect that your system or network is not working right, but it could also be an issue with the site you are calling. To prove it out, both endpoints can call a system that you know to be working. Hopefully, that will allow you to quickly identify which system is mis-configured, and you can focus on just the endpoint or or network where the problem lies.

It sounds basic, but people often fail to use a known good. Recently, I had a call from someone who could not connect from their videoconferencing unit to a public bridging service. They had made calls to another system on their internal network to prove out that their system was working, but had not made a call to a known good public system. We had a unit on the public internet that we knew was working, and they were not able to connect with that system, so we quickly narrowed the issue down to a recent change in the local firewall.

Not everyone has access to a “known good” video system on the public Internet with which they can test. Luckily, there are several public H.323 and SIP test sites with which you can test.  Over the years I have compiled a list of test systems, and below is the latest iteration. All of these sites have been tested and verified to be working (dates of verification are below). Also I have added some cloud-based sites and included the source of the information about the test site.

Some of these sites will provide you with a loop back of your video (not audio), so that you can make sure that you are sending video through your network, while others will just show you the current camera image or a looping video. Please note that some of these sites are very busy, especially the dedicated test sites set up by Gary Miyakawa which are extremely sophisticated test sites that will even call you back!!

H.323 and SIP Test Sites

System Name: AARNet: HD MCU

Last Verified On: 12/1/2015
Dial String: 202.158.196.141
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Codian MSE 4510/4.0
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: For High Definition (Codian) testing: dial 202.158.196.141 and navigate to the conference named “AARNet HD Test (61262112650)” , or by entering conference ID 61262112650#. You will see a playback of a video on a loop.
Location: Australia
Source: Email from Jason B. on Jan 20, 2012.

System Name: AARNet: SD MCU

Last Verified On: 12/1/2015
Dial String: 202.158.196.20
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Codian MSE 4520/4.0
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: For Standard Definition (Codian) testing: dial 202.158.196.20 and navigate to the conference named “AARNet SD Test (61262112650)” , or by entering conference ID 61262112650#. You will see a loopback if you are only one in a conference or others in that conference.
Location: Australia
Source: Email from Jason B. on Jan 20, 2012.

System Name: Cisco TAC

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 111@199.48.152.152
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Unknown
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes:  Loopback if you are only site dialed in, or other test participants
Location: US
Source: https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12441541/videoconferencing-test-ipsip-addresses

System Name: Cisco: Webex SIP

Last Verified On: 12/1/2015
Dial String: test@webex.com
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Unknown
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: Loopback of your video
Location: US
Source: Blog comment at The FreeRangeTechnologist.

System Name: CSIRO Test

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 0262463194@csiro.au
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Unknown
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes:  Video as well as h.239 presentation video
Location: Australia
Source: https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12441541/videoconferencing-test-ipsip-addresses

System Name: GoldSeal

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 66.244.181.76
MAX Bandwidth: 1024K
CodecType: Polycom VSX8000 Release 9.0
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You will see a video playing.
Location: US
Source: http://us.collaborationpoint.westcon.com/content/vendors/goldseal  

System Name: Imago ScanSource

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 89.105.107.135
MAX Bandwidth: 2048K
CodecType: Polycom
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You will see a video playing.
Location: UK
Source: Email from Pete T. at Imago

System Name: MORENET VS4000 Test Site

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 207.160.135.202
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Polycom VS4000 Release 6.0.5
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You might see a video featuring figures from Missouri history, or a server room.
Location: US
Source: https://www.more.net

System Name: Northwestern University

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 129.105.223.154 (H323)
MAX Bandwidth: 1024K
CodecType: Codian
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: Enter the Testing conference. You will see a video playing and it will also provide H239 content!
Location: US
Source: https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12441541/videoconferencing-test-ipsip-addresses

System Name: Parrot at BlueJeans

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 111@199.48.152.152
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Unknown
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes:  You will see an odd animation of a blue parrot.
Location: US
Source: https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12441541/videoconferencing-test-ipsip-addresses

System Name: Polycom: HDX 8000

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 140.242.250.205
MAX Bandwidth: 1920K
CodecType: Polycom HDX 8000
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes:  You should see a looping video about polycom.
Location: US
Source: Polycom.com

System Name: Polycom: HDX 8000 Lab

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 140.242.250.203
MAX Bandwidth: 1472K
CodecType: Polycom VSX8000 Release 9.0
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You might get to talk to someone or see a server room. Excellent quality.
Location: US
Source: Polycom.com

System Name: Polycom: HDX 9000

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 140.242.250.201
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Polycom HDX 9004
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You should see a looping video about Polycom.
Location: US
Source: Polycom.com

System Name: Polycom: RealPresence Group 700

Last Verified On: 12/11/2015
Dial String: 140.242.250.204
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Polycom HDX 9004
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You should see a looping video about Polycom.
Location: US
Source: Polycom.com

System Name: Polycom: VS4000 Test

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 140.242.250.202
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Polycom VS4000 Release 6.0.5
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: You should see a looping video about Polycom.
Location: US
Source: Polycom.com

System Name: Sony North America

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 65.196.27.201
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Unknown
Verification Results: Verified as Codec
Notes: Camera of demo room.
Location: US
Source: https://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/assets/files/cat/vidconfdev/solutions/PCS-GSeriesFAQ.pdf 

System Name: VTCTest: Produced by Gary Miyakawa

Last Verified On: 12/1/2015
Dial String: 71.14.2.158
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Polycom HDX 9004
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: VTCTest not only checks video and audio [in both directions]it also checks for H.239 (Dual Video) and also offers a call back!!
Location: US
Source: http://vtctest.pointsofdata.com/

System Name: VTCTest: Produced by Gary Miyakawa

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 71.14.2.157
MAX Bandwidth: Unknown
CodecType: Polycom HDX 9004
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: VTCTest not only checks video and audio [in both directions]it also checks for H.239 (Dual Video) and also offers a call back!!
Location: US
Source: http://vtctest.pointsofdata.com/

Lifesize Cloud Test Sites

Note: These can be called from any SIP system.

System Name: Fisk Tank

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 506387@lifesizecloud.com
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Location: US
Source: https://community.lifesize.com/thread/2032

System Name: Butterflies 2

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 807607@lifesizecloud.com
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Location: US
Source: https://community.lifesize.com/thread/2032

System Name: Test Call

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: testcall@lifesizecloud.com
Verification Results:  Dedicated Test Site
Notes: Will record your video and play it back.
Location: US
Source: https://community.lifesize.com/thread/2032

System Name: Video 1

Last Verified On: 12/10/2015
Dial String: 368004@lifesizecloud.com
Verification Results: Dedicated Test Site
Notes: Playback of Video
Location: US
Source: https://community.lifesize.com/thread/2032

If you have others sites that should be on the list, please comment below or send me an email at jscottchristianson@mac.com or a tweet at @JScottMO.