Videoconferencing
|
|
A videoconference (also known as a video teleconference) is a meeting among persons where both telephony and closed circuit television technologies are utilized simultaneously. Video teleconference communication is multi-way and synchronous, as it would be if all parties were in the same room.
| Contents |
Requirements
- video input: video camera or webcam
- video output: computer monitor or television
- audio input: microphones
- audio output: usually speakers associated with the display device or telephone
- data transfer: telephone network or the internet
History
On_Line_System_Videoconferencing_FJCC_1968.jpg
The major expense in establishing a video conferencing system is in the video technology, which requires a video camera, video display, and a fast data connection. Because of these requirements, video conferencing has been quite expensive until recently.
In recent years, IP (internet protocol) based video conferencing has been overtaking traditional ISDN-based systems. Internet video conferencing has the advantage that it is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a webcam. In addition, it becomes possible to integrate live video with web conferencing, allowing for a much richer multimedia environment for live meetings and presentations.
Impact on business
Video conferencing can be used as an imperfect substitute for many face-to-face meeting requirements where the cost or time required for physical transportation of parties is undesirable. For instance, interviews with job applicants, business meetings, and lectures can be conducted effectively via video conference.
For business purposes, the current preference is for the use of private or virtual private network connections for video teleconferencing which guarantees better performance and transmission security. Local area network infrastructure provides for high-bandwidth communication suitable to the application of video conferencing technology.
Impact on the general public
As fast internet connectivity has become widely available and the cost of video capture and display technology has decreased, personal video conferencing systems based on web cam, personal computer and broadband internet connection have become affordable for the general public.
Impact on education
Video Conferencing provides students with the opportunity to learn by participating in a 2-way communication platform. Video conferencing can provide students with information from all over the world. Students from diverse communities and backgrounds can come together to learn about one another. Students are able to explore, communicate, analyze and share information and ideas with one another. Through video conferencing students can visit another part of the world to speak with others, visit a zoo, a museum and so much more. Video Conferencing can enhance any classroom environment and motivate students to learn.
Vendors and Products
- Comprehensive resource list of video conferencing vendors, products, & services (http://thinkofit.com/webconf/video.htm)
Equipment manufacturers
- LifeSize Communications (http://www.lifesize.com)
- Codian (http://www.codian.com)
- Polycom (http://www.polycom.com)
- Tandberg (http://www.tandberg.com)
Operating companies and Solution Providers
- Access Grid
- MegaMeeting.com (http://www.megameeting.com/)
- Camfrog Webcam Chat (http://www.camfrog.com)
- First Virtual Communications (http://www.fvc.com/index.htm)
- iVisit (http://www.ivisit.com)
Software
- AOL Instant Messenger (official site) (http://www.aim.com)
- GnomeMeeting (official site) (http://www.gnomemeeting.org/)
- iChat AV (official site) (http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/ichat/)
- iVisit (official site) (http://www.ivisit.com)
- MegaMeeting (official site) (http://www.megameeting.com/)
- NetMeeting (official site) (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/)
- SeeNx (official site) (http://www.seenx.com/)
- SightSpeed
- Tlen
- Virtual Room Videoconferencing System (VRVS) (official site) (http://www.vrvs.org)
- Yahoo Messenger (official site) (http://messenger.yahoo.com)
External links
- Videoconferencing Atlas (http://www.savie.com/)
- ViDe Videoconferencing Cookbook (http://www.videnet.gatech.edu/cookbook.en/)
- Video Conferencing (http://www.conferencing-guide.com/video-conferencing.php) online resource for learning about video conferencing