The Aim of Video Conferencing

There was a time we had to send a telegram so someone will receive our message. Eventually, the telephone was invented until we now have a web. As you can see, the development of technology has made it easier for us to communication which happens to be also the aim of video conferencing.

But what is video conferencing? It is a technology that enables users to see and hear one another in real time so people can convey their message and get a response. For this to work, you will need a camera, microphone, speaker, a processor and the software. You can buy each one separately or get a set that offers this in one package.

The aim of video conferencing is different depending on what industry this will be used in. For instance, those in education use this medium to promote distance learning to those who can't afford to attend regular classes to get a degree.

The justice department has used this to get the testimonies of witnesses so they no longer have to be brought to court to testify against a suspect. Hospitals use video conferencing to talk about the condition of a patient so something better can be done to help them recover from an injury or illness. While corporations use this medium to make business decisions.

Firms that conduct market research can tabulate the responses that have been given out by the respondents so the results will be released quickly.

Surely, you have heard of online dating. But video conferencing takes it another step forward as you get to see and talk to people that have potential instead of just reading their profile and looking at their picture.

Aside from talking, you can also do file sharing so two people can view the same document and make changes instantaneously. If something is unclear and you have to write it down, you can use the white board thus making this technology work for you as a virtual board room.

But in order for more people to enjoy video conferencing, more research has to be done to make it better than it was before. You have to remember that 10 years ago there were not that many people who were interested in getting it because it was too expensive to purchase. Now, you can get a reasonable package for less than $10,000 and use it as often as you need.

Just to show you how far video conferencing has gone, people can now use it to playback previous sessions, browse the web, send SMS messages and view slide presentations.

Regardless of how it is used, the aim of video conferencing is still the same and that is to get in touch with someone that could be in another state or country. It builds and fosters relationships, increases productivity and reduces the cost often incurred when an employee has to travel on a business trip that costs the company money.

Given that it video conferencing has benefits those who have not taken advantage of this technology must do so but this can only happen if they are able to determine the aim of video conferencing that is applicable to their setting. If they don't want to buy one yet, they can try it out as some places offer this for use to the public.

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Online Video Conferencing

Online video conferencing can only work after you set up your computer with an Internet connection and a few other items. These include camera, microphone, speakers and teleconferencing software so you are able to talk to each other and send data files.

The ability of this technology to share data enables both sides to see the same thing and input revisions instantaneously. This is known as document sharing or collaboration that happens to be a standard feature in most online video conferencing packages today.

For those who want more than point to point document sharing, there is multi- point document sharing. This means having three or more participants work on the same thing all at once. The best part with point to point or multi-point is the fact that the users do not have to stop what they are doing during file transfers so they can carry on with the rest of their work.

Another feature with online video conferencing is real time chat. You may already be familiar with this if you have ever used IRC or yahoo messenger in the past as it allows you to send short text messages. If you are speaking to one party and have to respond to someone else, you can use this without cutting anyone off.

Similar to document sharing or collaboration is whiteboard. Here, you can share documents, edit texts, make graphical diagrams and a whole lot more. You can make corrections by clicking or writing something so everything is accurate.

Other features of online video conferencing programs include online directories, special dialing options, and address books. Again, this depends on the package you choose to get if your company is willing to invest in such a system.

The most expensive thing to buy when you are looking for an online video conferencing system is the audio and video system. This is because you want to see and hear the other person clearly. Also, the more expensive versions don't use that much of your computer's processor.

When searching for the ideal system, talk to different companies and providers. This will enable you to compare their prices and what comes with their packages.

The best part about online video conferencing is that it is easy to use after it has been installed. Just be sure that your processor surpasses the minimum requirement so the software is able to run properly without any glitches.

As for your network connection, make sure the company is using LAN (local area network) or a high speed cable modem. After all, you want to talk to the other party in real time as well as send and receive files.

Last but not the least is the online video conferencing software you will be using. If you choose one system, make sure it is compatible with those provided by other companies so there are no limitations to what you are using.

Surprisingly, compatibility issues extend to the hardware category as well so keep that in mind when you are shopping.

Online video conferencing allows you to work from different locations without having to pay for airfare and travel expenses that cost a company thousands of dollars a year. If you are not sure yet about getting such a system, you can check out venues that offer this kind of service.

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Video Conferencing Tools

What is the difference between video conferencing equipment and video conferencing tools? When we talk about equipment, we are referring to the hardware and software that is used to make this happen. But when we talk about tools, these are things that you can add to enrich the video conferencing experience.

How do you enrich this experience? By using software programs that can do more than just let you see and hear the other person.

A good example is when you are talking to someone and then another person comes along. You don't want to end one conversation just to begin with another so the best thing for you to do is to chat with the other party by sending text messages.

Another tool is the ability of the program to have an interactive whiteboard so both sides can see the same document and make changes instantaneously. This is useful when you are finalizing the paperwork of any project that will be submitted.

Sometimes, you want to express to people how you feel and instead of seeing this in your face, you can do this by using emotional icons or emoticons.

It will also be cool to have a video conferencing tool that allows you to surf the web. This will be useful when you need to put in additional information or have suddenly found new ones that should also be mentioned.

Majority of the video conferencing tools can be found online and downloaded into your computer. Some offer a 30 day trial and charge around $20 to $30 monthly.

Some examples of these include Acrobat Connect Pro formerly known as Breeze, Horizon Live Classroom, WebEx, Microsoft Live Meeting and Marratech. You can try your luck to see if there are freeware tools around as well so you can use these tools for free. Some examples of these include Web diagnostics, AB Cam, Motion Detection and Instant Translator.

Since there are quite many and it is really hard to pick one, narrow down your choices by asking friends and family who have used this before or read reviews that have been posted. Eventually, you will be able to find the right software that has the video conferencing tools you are looking for so can get the most out of this system.

When downloading any of these tools, make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements that are needed to make it work. Otherwise, you are wasting your time getting something you can't use in the first place.

Many people perceive video conferencing as a virtual trip that can take you to different parts of the globe. This is perhaps because you connect with people not only in the US but also in other countries making distance no longer an obstacle.

The video conferencing tools mentioned can do a lot for those that use this medium to finish a project, conduct in house training or make a business decision. Of course these tools will not function on their own since you have to learn how to use them. The best part about any of these is that they all user-friendly so you don't have to attend a class to learn how to use the system. You just have to be patient and eventually, you will be able to use this to its full potential.

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Video Conferencing Facilities

As more people are using video conferencing to do conduct brainstorming, meetings and trainings so too are the number of video conferencing facilities all across the country.

Some of these video conferencing facilities can be found in hotels and universities. You have the option to use 3 ISDN lines to connect to another party even if it is possible to do so using just one or two. The reason why three are used though is to enhance the audio and visual quality that is assuming that whoever you are talking to can accept all three.

The video conferencing facilities in some cases are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and charge on an hourly basis.

The rates vary depending on who will be renting the place so if you are a student, it going to be much cheaper than the one that a corporation has to pay. Weekday rates are also much cheaper than during weekends.

With the price you pay, you also get a technician to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This person will come in handy should you be interacting with more than three sites simultaneously as he or she will make sure that there is a bridge connection.

People who will be renting a video conferencing facility should reserve early so no one else will take their scheduled time. To avoid paying for the slot allotted should there be a cancellation, you are advised to inform them.

To maximize the time in any video conferencing facility, someone should be designated as moderator so the lecture or the objectives of the meeting are not interrupted.

The setup of video conferencing facilities varies at each location. You will have the basics like a camera, microphone, screen but the processor or codec available depends on what they have chosen to buy and serve to the public.

If you are worried that people outside will hear what is happening inside, no need to worry because most of these facilities are soundproof.

For those who are happy with the video conferencing facility they have rented, you can ask the administration if there is a discount should this be used on a regular basis. Some give this generously while others don't.

As for payment for the use of video conferencing facilities, the bill will only be given to you after the conference has been concluded. This is because although they know how long you will be using it, there are times that you may have to extend beyond this time which they can honor as long as no one else will be using it.

Given that there are a lot of video conferencing facilities around, what should the basis be for choosing one venue over another one? Aside from price, you should check what kind of equipment they use, if this is compatible with the version that the party is using, if you are able to send and receive data as well as the ability to record the meeting so this can be later reviewed.

If the video conferencing facility is up to standards, then you can see how things work out and decide whether or not to use them again in the future. If you are not content, look in the directory or surf online because there is sure to be another venue that can offer something better so you can maximize the time you have during your video conference.

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Learn How Video Conferencing Can Save You Money

Depending on the tools that you use, video conferencing allows large numbers (and small numbers too) of people to communicate at the same time and share information, ideas and generally collaborate, irrespective of their location. It is possible to share computer desktops and view whiteboards, much as you would in a normal business conference. This without the cost of hosting one in the real world of course!

Here are some of the main advantages of video conferencing over face to face conferencing:

* Cost. The overheads when running video conferencing are miniscule compared to the actual cost of physically delivering people from all sorts of locations to a specific destination. Taking into account the cost of travel itself, accommodation for those from out of town, meals etc should be enough to convince you. When you actually include the cost of lost man hours travelling then there is no contest in my mind.

* In this day and age, people keep most of their work information on the computer. Obviously, if you are at home in a video conference, all of this information is readily to hand. There is no danger of leaving an important document at and airport if you never have to leave home for the meeting.

* Should you need to call upon people outside of your organisation; experts in various matters for example, it is far easier (and cheaper) to organise as a video conference than in a face to face meeting. Especially if the people involved have to travel any distance.

* It is possible to record video conferences, so that they can be re-run at a later date. This kind of thing can be an invaluable training aid as well, so that your staff can improve presentation skills for example.

* Things can happen much more quickly with video conferences. What I mean by this is that you can action things quickly and save project time by doing things with video conferences.

Communication via video conferencing is certainly better than shared telephone calls for example. Watching and studying other people in the same meeting can be quite an eye opener. It is certainly something that is not possible via a phone conference.

As technology improves, then prices come down. You get better quality video conference for less money. Now is definitely the time to consider moving to video conferencing for your meetings.

Learn the advantages of video conferencing, and how business voip can save your business money.

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