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Young guy! Video conferencing hasn’t grown this much since the 1927 Bell Labs videophone?
But, to begin with, what is video conferencing?
Read on to find out.
What is video conferencing?
Videoconferencing is a technology that simulate a face-to-face meeting between two or more participants and places. In addition, it transmits text, audio, video over the Internet through a platform or tool.
It happens in real time, through a high-definition video and audio signal/connection.
Sounds complicated?
For simplicity, think of it like a phone call; only you can see the other person this time.
There is more:
You may or may not require a conference bridge and specialized equipment depending on the type of solution you’ve chosen (more on that in a bit).
The great thing about video conferencing is that attendees don’t have to go to a specific location.
You can use it to:
- Job interview
- one on one training
- product show
- team meetings
- webinar
A few decades ago, only large companies could afford to use this form of communication. The system was expensive to implement and those who could not afford it had to deal with audio conferencing.
Today there has been so many inventions that made it easy to get your hands on. Some like VoIP are free!
By the way, this form of data transfer happens different namessuch as video telephony, video conferencing, video-based meetings, and telepresence. We will use the terms interchangeably throughout this text.
Now:
Let’s take a look at how it works.
How does it work?
We can best describe how a video conference works by following two steps:
Below is a brief description of each of them.
Compression
Participants input their voice through a microphone and video through a camera. At this point, it is an analog audiovisual (AV) and in the form of amplitudes and continuous waves.
Conference software converts analog data to digital. The codecs then assemble the information into UDP packets. “Packaging” is a common word that refers to the process.
Even the software compress packets so they move faster over broadband or Wi-Fi.
To transfer
The system then transmits the input over a network. Codecs then decompress it, allowing the person on the other end to see it on a screen and hear it through speakers.
Bandwidth and compression ratio determine the quality of communication during video conferences. The higher the ratio, the better the clarity. For example, 100:1 is lighter than 5:1.
To limit echoes, programs use acoustic echo cancellation. The approach also ensures that there are no delays in sound.
Types of video conference
There are many types of conferences:
Multipoint videoconference
Multipoint is also called group video conferencing. It involves synchronizing signals from more than two locations. It can be extremely difficult, but sophisticated resources make it possible.
This is what I mean:
It is based on a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU), which acts as a bridge. For real-time data transmission, Multi-point also requires specific LAN network settings. They are both super expensive.
Integrated video conferencing
Integrated video conferencing occurs when codecs and hardware are in a central location. It is suitable for group meetings, where team members can meet in one room.
External video conferences
This mode of communication is suitable for contacting suppliers and customers.
Thanks to it, you can be present in situations that would otherwise be impossible to face face to face. Video conferences involve external stakeholders, who helps build lasting relationships.
Point-to-point video calls
This type of video-based meeting covers only two locations. It’s does not require a jumper, therefore more convenient. All you need is a network and web conferencing equipment at both sites.
It is one of the oldest configurations in the industry and is still a popular choice today. Skype is a great example.
Video Conferencing as a Service (VaaS)
An operator usually has control over what happens in these types of conferences.
Once you have signed up, the service provider does the rest. This includes making sure there is a good signal or that the network is working.
What equipment do you need?
So do you have everything you need to make video calls online?
Let’s double check:
- Microphone
- Camera
- video conferencing software
- strong internet connection
- Speakers
- Screen (computer or TV screen)
- conference phone
Everything’s fine?
What are the benefits of video conferencing?
Video communication is a must for any forward-thinking business looking to improve communication. Have A lot of advantages versus travel for meetings, emails, or calls. Are here:
is more attractive
Telepresence draws attention and attracts attention as it is as if you are with the other person or people in the same room. Your team can also follow non-verbal cues, which can be difficult to distinguish from written or telephone conversations.
Plus:
Unlike audio conferencing, its visual appearance makes it difficult for recipients to put you on speaker because “uh-huh” and “okay” with you. It is not uncommon for people to do this as they focus on other tasks.
It is convenient
Cost reduction is of the utmost importance of video conferencing in business. On average, organizations around the world spend close to $800 per person each day on a business trip. With a videophone, attendees don’t have to leave their office or home for a face-to-face conversation.
On the other hand, web conferencing software is much cheaper, with packages starting at $5 per month! Additionally, the cost of the equipment ranges from $10 to more than $20,000. The good thing here is that the price of the hardware is unique, so you will save some money in the long run.
Simplify collaboration
Collaboration occurs when two or more people come together to work on a project. But it’s never easy to get people in different departments, especially in dispersed teams, on the same schedule.
Enter video call.
Make it easier for people to collaborate with tools like screen sharing, chat function, file transfer and live streaming. With him, you can too pre-registration sessions that your team can see later. The latter is useful for teams with different time zones that can’t join a meeting at the same time.
Improve communication and relationships.
There is always a feeling of disconnection in remote teams.
But:
Video conferencing saves the day in this regard. This is because it is the closest thing to working together in person and helps maintain human connections.
When people communicate more effectively, they do boosts morale and Commitment. The result is a team that trusts one another, so they are likely to work in harmony toward the goals of the organization.
In addition, effective communication increases customer satisfaction. If it flows smoothly within the organization, there will be no chance of customers getting conflicting information.
improve productivity
With a video communication system you can have discussions, ask questions and get answers in real time. Successively, decision making becomes faster.
So you can get on with your project right away instead of waiting days and days for, say, an email response.
Therefore, team members can funnel the waiting time to complete their tasks. In other words, it’s improve efficiency which leads to profitability.
Simplify usability
Responding to emails and messages to different people can become overwhelming if you are a global company with thousands of employees.
But a video screen can simplify all this. You just need to schedule a conference call with your team members as well have a single discussion instead of hundreds of separate ones.
To wrap
Conference technology has become more practical with globalization for small and large organizations. It certainly eliminates constant travel, which would otherwise be costly and time consuming.
The use of technology can also help improve productivity, relationships, collaboration, and ease of use. It’s also more engaging than other types of business communication, such as conference calls, emails, or text messages.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is videoconferencing and examples?
Video chat is an Internet-based audiovisual meeting between two or more parties. It is suitable for team meetings, interviews, webinars, product demos, or training.
How does the video conference work?
Users capture audio using a microphone and video through the camera. The data is in frequencies and amplitudes and includes brightness, color, sound, depth, and hue.
It is then compressed by a codec to limit bandwidth requirements as it passes through the network. It also goes through decompression at the receiving end.
But wait:
What is a videoconferencing codec?
codec means cocompressor deccompressor or encoder-decoder and can be hardware or software.
What are the types of videoconferencing?
The following are types of video conference:
- Point by point
- multipoint
- Integrated
- based on service
- External
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