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Video Conferencing FAQ |
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Videoconferencing is the hottest thing to come along in this millennium! It is now possible to be in two places at the same time - and SEE who you're talking to.. Depending on your needs, there are different products (with associated costs) that will allow you to get face-to-face with anyone, anywhere. Following is a review of the types of video conferencing platforms and uses. If you have further questions on a particular application, please feel free to contact us for assistance. Kinds of Videophones Set-top Videophones - called 'set-top' since it sits on "top" of a television set. It has a built in camera and uses the television for video, and a separate attached handset. Desktop Videophones - a stand alone unit that can fit on your desk, which has a built in camera, phone handset, and LCD monitor for viewing. Most can also be attached to an external television as well. Types of Videophone Transmission types Modular - uses a standard telephone line, with a built in modem (33.6bps). The voice is carried by phone and the video is transmitted over the data side. Any country that has local analog phone service can use them. Broadband - typically called an "IP Phone". Uses broadband connection such as DSL, Cable, or ISDN to connect to other users with an IP address.. Applications for Videophones Personal Communication Uses (Talking with friends or family) Suitable use with a modular video phone over a standard telephone line. Features: Has fair video quality and settings to manually adjust video speed Provides an affordable means of video conferencing (units starting at about $300 each) Does not require any additional services (other than a standard phone line) It's portable and convenient (can take on trips, and plug into any standard phone jack) Considerations: Does not provide fast television-like quality (if excellent video quality is your priority, then this is not for you) Connects one person to another (not suitable for multi-user conferencing) Requires identical units on both ends. Business Communications (professional video conferencing) Suitable use with a broadband connection for high speed video transmission Features: Much faster than modular videophones, with higher frame rates and clarity Ability to transmit voice over data line (does not require telephone service) Higher end units have capability for multiple users connected simultaneously Considerations: More expensive (products from $1000 per unit and up) Requires special compatible broadband connection for use Other Video Conferencing Applications and Uses Security Standard modular videophones and broadband phones have been used by many to monitor their businesses and residences. For this to be effective, it requires a built-in "auto answer" feature, and the same technology must be at both ends. It is not particularlly the most practical solution for this type of activity. Since you can not hook up multiple cameras, and switch between them - and there is always the chance that someone else could call it and monitor as well (not secure by any means). Video security is best achieved using alternative methods, such as a security surveillance system that transmits audio/voice over the Internet - and uses password protection. This method will also require a high speed connection and a personal computer set up on each end. Video Broadcasting Since modular and broadband phones are intended for point-to-point connections, it is not suitable to use them for multi-user video conferencing (i.e. over the Internet). To achieve this, it is best recommended that a high speed Internet connection be used, along with video conferencing software. This can be one of the most expensive methods of video conferencing, since the connection required will need to support the bandwidth requirements from a number of users connected to the video stream. You will also need a personal computer server and have to configure the connections as well. Here are some links for video conferencing products that we carry. Modular set-top and desktop videophones IP Broadband Videophones Video security systems |
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