FAQS

Please find below answers to frequently asked questions for The Engineers: Re-Engineering the Future event. 

If you require any additional support, email contact@big-ideas.org

What do I need to join the digital audience for this event?
You will need to download Zoom to attend the webinar. 

As well as Zoom the audience are invited to join the new BBC Virtual Audience System (VAS) which will record all reactions and comments in the room at the time of recording. If you laugh or clap, for example this will be recorded and shared with the rest of the audience and later be available for broadcast as part of the recording of the event.  To use your VAS link, you will need to download Chrome and to listen to the event on headphones. You will receive your VAS link the day before the recording. If you are not able to download Chrome or do not wish to be recorded on VAS you are still welcome to attend The Engineers event. 

How do I download Zoom?
The event will be held on the virtual meeting platform, Zoom. In order to attend the event you will need to download Zoom to your laptop or desktop. 

In order to install Zoom, go to: https://zoom.us/support/download

  1. This should prompt a download to your computer, which will appear in the bottom bar of your web browser. 
  2. Click on this download (normally entitled ‘ZoomInstaller) and a popup should appear. 
  3. Wait for the download bar to reach 100%. Zoom should then be installed on your computer and ready to use once you have signed in.

If you already have Zoom installed on your computer:

Please ensure that your Zoom application is version 5.0 or higher, this should be an automatic process but if you need to update you can do so here: https://zoom.us/download

Where is my Zoom link?

You will receive the Zoom link and password the day before the event takes place.

How do I access Chrome?
You will need to use Chrome, a web browser, in order to access the BBC Virtual Audience System. 

If you do not already have Chrome installed on your laptop or desktop, head to: https://www.google.com/chrome/ to get started.

On a Windows laptop or desktop:

  1. Download the installation file.
  2. If prompted, click Run or Save.
  3. If you chose Save, double-click the download to start installing.
  4. Start Chrome: Windows 7: A Chrome window opens once everything is done. Windows 8 & 8.1: A welcome dialogue appears. Click Next to select your default browser.

On a Mac laptop or desktop:

  1. Hit Download Chrome for Mac
  2. A new window will appear asking you to agree to the Terms of Use. If you agree, click on Accept and Install. 
  3. When the Chrome for Mac download is finished, open the file called googlechrome.dmg and go through the installation process
  4. Drag the Chrome icon to the Applications folder when asked — the last step before you finally have Chrome on Mac
  5. Launch Google Chrome from Applications or straight from your Dock
  6. Remove the Google Chrome download for Mac from the Downloads folder by dragging it to the Trash
What is the Virtual Audience System and how do I access it?
The Engineers: Re-Engineering the Future event is a world first international recording using the new Virtual Audience System (VAS), which will allow the BBC to be able to record your audio reactions throughout filming and enhances the webinar experience.

The link in your confirmation email will take you to the VAS. This link must be copied into an up-to-date version of Google Chrome.

You will need to use headphones/ earphones that are connected to your laptop or desktop, and be positioned in a quiet area throughout the recording. Once your headphones are plugged in and you are connected to the VAS, the BBC will be able to hear and record sounds that you make and the sounds around you for the duration of the recording.

Things to note when using the Virtual Audience System:

  • We want to hear you react in the same way you would in a theatre – laugh, applaud and react whenever you want to, and we will mix everything together to bring us all together despite circumstances under social distancing
  • Your reactions will also be heard live by other audience members. Please don’t say anything that might cause offense
  • You must be able to listen using headphones with a microphone. Please join us from a quiet area so that any ambient audio does not interrupt the recording.

Where is my VAS link?
The link is included in your final confirmation email, which will be sent to you the day before broadcast. 

What is the privacy policy for this event?