Video Conferencing – A Pros And Cons Decision
The downside to videoconferencing exists. Despite its many advantages, it still depends on technology and human interaction. Therefore, errors glitches in technology, and inefficient use of this exist. Video conferencing is a pros and cons decision; once the cons are identified, you can attempt to learn how to troubleshoot these issues.
The desktop videoconferencing industry as a whole has had a few false starts. The main problems up to now have included proprietary hardware and software incompatible software packages, bandwidth constraints, and difficulty of use. Of all these challenges, insufficient bandwidth has been the most prominent. Decent video requires a lot of bandwidth, which means some form of broadband connection. Until recently, the average user did not have access to broadband.
A little understanding how the technology works is the best way to illustrate the downside of videoconferencing. The majority of videoconferences take place over an ISDN or IP-based network in a point-to-point call between two machines or a multipoint call between three or more video endpoints. ISDN calls are usually made at a data rate of 64K, 128K or 384K bit per second using the H.320 protocol. The higher bandwidth used means better call quality. ISDN uses the public switched telephone network and not the Internet. The downside of the technology is that one has to be located at least 18,000 feet from a local phone office. If the distance is further, requiring additional equipment and specialized lines drives up the cost.
IP-based conferencing uses a standard Ethernet connection and the H.323 protocol for connecting endpoints to a network. It is becoming more the standard for videoconferencing. Connection speeds can go as high as 768K bit per second. In the past, it was a dial-up world. Not many people had access to IP technology.
Now, of course, IP is relatively inexpensive and Ethernet connections can be found in most corporate settings. It still has its problems when used with videoconferencing. Network congestion is becoming a major issue. Experts advise planning your videoconferences early in the day when the Internet is least crowded. Alternatively, you can hire a gate keaper. Gatekeepers can be used to reserve and set up conference calls. These services have network backbones dedicated to video conferencing traffic, minimizing the potential disruptions and keep individual call quality high. Keep in mind that flawed connections can create jittery images, dropped calls, delay and other problems in the videoconference. This is particularly true for conferences over the public Internet.
Firewalls are crucial to any companys system. Corporate firewalls may block its traffic coming in or out of the local-area network. Before any videoconferencing can take place, a port must be found to allow the connection to take place.
Another downside of video conferencing is the cost. A connection between conference participants is only part of the equation. The videoconferencing endpoint can also have an impact on the overall call quality. Endpoints range from a pair of $50 web cams connected to PCs running Microsoft NetMeeting to $50,000 boardroom-based systems that have multiple cameras and microphones.
There is cost involved in the service as well. Service providers have network backbones dedicated to videoconferencing traffic, minimizing the potential disruptions. Using a service provider and dedicated lines can provide for a better connection and overall experience, but can be expensive if videoconferencing is only used on a limited basis.
Basically, there are two pricing models. A subscription per month usually ranges from $25 to $150 per month for up to twenty people. There are usually steep fees for setup. The other model is to charge a per minute fee per participant. Rates vary from 12 to 40 cents a minute for local calls. Long distance and international calls of course run much higher. It is decidedly cheaper than business travel, but the monthly fees can be a downside if your organization only holds two or three meetings a year.
Finally, there is the people factor to consider. People must actually attend these meetings, whether in real time or via a taped session. Also, the benefit of person-to-person interaction cannot be duplicated by even the most sophisticated and expensive video conferencing system. A firm handshake, a sincere smile, the easy conversation over a business lunch all go far in establishing trust and cementing good business relations.
About the Author
For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website 1VideoConference.com
Pseudo-3D Video Conferencing with a Generic Webcam (Chris Harrison, Scott Hudson) – ISM ’08
|
|
Polycom PVX V8.0 Application for Single User [Old Version] $149.99 POLYCOM PVX V8.0 APPLICATION… |
|
|
Logitech 720p Webcam C905 $32.99 Experience superior video with true 1.3 Megapixel images and crystal-clear conversationGlass lens: Enjoy superior image clarity with a glass lensRightLight 2 Technology: Automatically produces the best possible images in any light conditionsIntegrated microphone with RightSound TechnologyLogitech Video EffectsUltra-wide field of view and intelligent face tracking12-inch eye-level desktop stand: Br… |
|
|
Logitech 720p Webcam C905 $60.58 Make high-clarity video calls home with the best travel webcam for road warriors. The travel-size 2 MP Portable Webcam C905 goes where lesser mobile webcams don’t–smooth, razor-sharp full-screen video. High-precision Carl Zeiss optics, ultra-smooth AutoFocus, and light-correcting RightLight2 Technology work together to make your video calls look so real, it’s like being in the room with your spou… |
|
|
VOIP/SKYPE Handsfree Stereo Headset w/ Microphone $8.02 This Hands Free overhead VOIP / Skype headset is great for internet phone, conference calls, video games. Fully compatible with: VoIP Skype / MSN / Yahoo / ICQ / AOL or internet calling. Stereo headset offers great bass and treble sound quality. Adjustable head band and foam ear pads offers comfortable fitting. Features with adjustable volume control on the cord. Plugs into standard 3.5mm audio ja… |
|
|
Warpia SWP700 StreamEZ Wireless HDMI Streaming Kit – Full 1080p – Gloss Black $209.49 The StreamEZ enables users to wirelessly stream audio and video content via an HDMI output to any HDTV. Connect the StreamEZ to your PC/Laptop or any device with an HDMI port such as Cable/Satellite boxes, Blu-Ray/DVD players and game consoles to enjoy wireless high definition streaming. The StreamEZ is truly plug & play. Simply connect the transmitter and receiver an… |
|
|
Apple MacBook Air 13.3 Laptop Product Features 1.6 Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB shared L2 cache; Intel GMA X3100 video processor with 144 MB shared memory Thinnest, lightest MacBook ever includes multi-touch trackpad, built-in iSight webcam, and up to 5-hour battery life One USB 2.0, built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n draft plus 802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Micro-DVI video output with adapters Preloaded with Mac OS X 10.5 Leo… |
|
|
Apple MacBook Air 13.3 Laptop Product Features 1.6 Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB shared L2 cache; Intel GMA X3100 video processor with 144 MB shared memory Thinnest, lightest MacBook ever includes multi-touch trackpad, built-in iSight webcam, and up to 5-hour battery life One USB 2.0, built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n draft plus 802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Micro-DVI video output with adapters Preloaded with Mac OS X 10.5 Leo… |
|
|
Webcam Magic: The Transformance Guide to the Art, Technology & Psychology of Perfecting Your Video & Chat Persona $5.95 SUMMARY/REVIEW: Webcam Magic explains how to produce specialized effects in real time for video chat, live webcasts, and virtual meetings, effects normally reserved for post-video production or Photoshop. Improve, completely alter your appearance, posterize yourself, even obscure your identity entirely, if you wish. The author- a cognitive psychologist, therapist, business consultant & former acto… |
|
|
Barbie Digital Camera $26.99 Join Barbie and embark upon a photo journey with this girl-sized digital camera. It has all the features of a digital camera, plus stylish Barbie graphics. Features:26-picture capacity for VGA resolution (640 x 480)107-picture storage capacity for QVGA resolution (320 x 240)Memory: 8MB SDRAMTwo 7-segment digital LCD for picture counter and status indicationBeep indicators to let you know that a pi… |
|
|
4-in-1 Electronic Professional Digital Telescope w/Remote This Electronic Professional Digital Telescope is a traditional telescope that functions as a digital telescope, web camera and digital camera! See more distant objects in much greater detail with 525x normal magnification and 100x with digital magnification. Features include altitude scale and Aziumth scale for easy location readout and an adjustable compass. You can even capture still pictures o… |