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Video Conferencing - An Introduction

With videoconferencing people can interact as if they were talking face to face with both images and sound relayed in real time. This article is designed to guide you through the various options to arrive at the system type best suited to your purpose.

There are various types of videoconferencing; which is suitable for your application will depend upon the IT structure available and what it is that you actually want to achieve.
Video conferencing has in the past been relatively expensive, but prices are coming down and it is possible for anyone with a fast enough internet connection to operate a video conference.

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The Many Benefits of Video Conferencing

Almost everyone is familiar with video conferencing today, and for good reason. Video conferencing is convenient. Video conferencing saves money. Video conferencing makes money. And it is so much easier than it used to be.

I know because I installed one of the first video conferencing systems for a former employer when I ran the information systems department of a large company. In those days that meant a very substantial investment in equipment and installing a dedicated ISDN line (that was when 56kpbs was considered blindingly fast!). At first it wasn’t easy to convince people to sit in front of a 25-inch TV for a 30-minute video conference instead of traveling and giving up those nice travel reimbursements, but soon they realized the many benefits. The rest is history.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is similar to the popular video phones where you can call anyone around the world and not only speak with them, but see them on your computer or television screen during the conversation. The difference is that video conferencing is intended to work for larger conferences rather than serving the needs of individual consumers, often using closed circuit television.

While many businesses have taken this technology under wing as a useful tool, there are advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing which must be considered before you decide if it will work for your meeting needs or not.

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How to Determine the Best Bandwidth Solution For Video Conferencing & Multi-Media Applications

Your business intends to make extensive use of video conferencing and multi-media applications. How do you determine what bandwidth solution (T1, DS3, OCx/Sonet, etc.) would best meet your needs and incorporate that decision into your network cover these applications?

I’d say that it depends on what kind of service and QoS you are looking at. For example, when you say “video” you mean video conferencing and not something like VoD. The Bandwidth requirements will vary according to your service requirements.

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Business Communications Revolution - Video Conference Technology

Video communication has always promised a diverse array of powerful, tangible, immediate business benefits - empowering face-to-face interaction with anyone, anywhere, anytime - instantly.

Fast, measurable cost savings, enhanced productivity and operational efficiencies, greater staff rapport, work life balance and job satisfaction. Even a reduced carbon footprint. Make no mistake. When it comes to video, the eyes well and truly have it.

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Benefits of High Definition Video Conferencing

Unlike video conference systems of old, high definition video conferencing does not need a significant investment in equipment and space. Videoconferencing can be extremely easy to use. We are all used to entering phone numbers in to mobile phones or fax machines where there is an on screen display of the number being dialled. With video conferencing there is no wasted travel time and no hotel expenses to pay for as there would be for actual meetings. Video conferencing should pay for itself very quickly, and will be very cost effective if business owners take a long term view. With this thinking ComReg calculated a charge of $0.39 per month for shared access - 96% lower than the previous charge of $9.00. This would be the lowest price in Europe.

New technology enables meeting participants see and hear each other during the conference, and can concentrate on the images and interaction among the participants. Video conferencing technology typically includes access to a network (ISDN and IP are the most common), conferencing equipment (monitor, camera, microphone and speakers), an audio system, and a codec (an acronym for coder/decoder). Meeting guests are also able to enjoy desktop/file sharing without actually having to upload any files. Conferencing allows two people to communicate at a distance. They may be separated in time or in location, or both. Conferencing is also for emergency hearings, if there is no time to organise a face-to-face hearing.

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Video Conferencing - How to Find the Right Video Conferencing Camera For Your Business

Video conferencing is fast becoming an essential activity for businesses because it makes communication easy for people in different offices and countries. Before you can start video conferencing in a meeting, you need a good webcam that can deliver a high quality image to satisfy your needs.

Nowadays, you can easily find webcams in the market. Webcams can range from very cheap to few hundred dollars or more. I know that sometimes it is very confusing for you to decide the best webcam for your needs. Do not worry. In this article, allow me to share with you some tips to find the best video conferencing camera for your business:

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