The 86-year-old Australian entertainer is accused of the indecent assault of young girls and women. The prosecution and defence teams have agreed to what is reportedly England's first trial by video.

Harris watched from a remote location on Monday as potential jurors were asked to walk in front of a camera and stand for a few awkward moments at Southwark Crown Court, so the defendant could check whether he knew them.

During the process they got a good look at Harris, shown on a TV screen on the courtroom wall. He was sitting at a desk wearing a dark suit and muted patterned tie.

Members of the potential juror pool had been asked whether they knew Harris, and Judge Alistair McCreath also asked if they, or a close friend or family member, had ever worked with the BBC or a radio station on which Harris had appeared or had involvement with.

They were also read a list of more than 100 potential witnesses.

The trial proper is due to start on Wednesday, when the jury will be sworn in and the prosecution will deliver its opening address. The trial is expected to last up to six weeks.

Judge McCreath gave the jurors – currently a group of nine women and six men including three "reserves" – a stern warning that they should reach their verdict only on the evidence they heard in court.

If they did their own research they could create a "dysfunctional, corrupt trial", he said.

He also explained to the jurors why Harris was appearing by video link, telling them it was "only unusual because we're so behind the times".

"Finally, we in the courts are waking up to the reality that we live in a digital world," he said. "We can very happily try Mr Harris without him having to be here. He's not a young man and it actually makes a lot of sense for him to attend his trial remotely."

Harris has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of indecent assault, and one alternative count of sexual assault, against seven women and girls, one aged under 13, between 1971 and 2004.