Video / Audio Equipment / Software for Presentations and Conferencing: Video conferencing has become a staple for doing business. It allows you to connect and work with colleagues and customers around the world in real-time. Read on to learn what you need in order to set up and hold your own video conference. Get connected with your partners and clients with the help of Network Telecom. If you need to upgrade your current conferencing equipment or you are looking for advice on purchasing new equipment, contact the telecommunications experts at Network Telecom today.
What Is a Video Conference?
Video conferencing is a technology that allows users to make video calls over the internet. During a video conference, you can interact with colleagues in different locations all over the world at the same time through live video. A video conference allows you to simultaneously transmit and receive video and audio signals from two or more geographic locations. You can also share documents, various presentation materials, whiteboards, flip charts, and similar group presentation visuals during the call.
In order to do a video conference you require 3 basic components:
- hardware
- software
- internet connection
1. Video Conferencing Hardware
There is a wide range of hardware that will allow you to video conference, ranging from a simple app on your mobile phone (such as iPhone’s FaceTime or Google Hangouts) to much more complex and high-end equipment such as high-definition cameras and video screens designed to track and frame speakers.
A simple form of a video conference can be achieved by using an app on your mobile device
The following is a breakdown of the basic hardware components required for a video conference that will give you the combination of video, audio, and presentation capabilities:
Computer or Video Conference Device
You can choose to run your video conference either from a computer or video conference device. A video conference device is easy to use as it includes all of the necessary accessories such as the video, audio and software for presentations required to run the call. If you use a computer, you will need to make sure that you also have a webcam, headset or microphone, display device, and web conferencing software to achieve the same effect.
Avaya’s Scopia gives you high-quality, interactive face-to-face meetings using almost any video-equipped device over any type of network
Webcam or Camera
If you are using a computer, you will need to have an external USB webcam. If you have a built-in webcam, you won’t be able to use it as it will only be able to film the recording technician, not the speaker. The type of camera that you use can be anywhere from a good quality webcam to an orbital camera that you can move and focus using your accompanying software. You don’t have to have the most expensive webcam to get a good result. A 640 x 480 resolution will work well. If you can get one with an automatic light control that will be very helpful.
Monitor
If you are the only person on the conference call at your location, you can use your computer monitor or even your cell phone or mobile device to participate in the call. If there are multiple participants, then you will need a larger monitor or projector in order for everyone to view the conference.
You can even video conference on your mobile phone – Image Source: Avaya
External Microphone
If you are the only person at your location on the call, you can use a personal headset as an effective and inexpensive microphone. If your group is larger then you will need omnidirectional microphones. This type of microphone is the best way to record and transmit dialogue as it can pick up sound with equal gain from all sides or directions. The benefit of an omnidirectional microphone is that whether someone speaks from the front, back, left, or right, from further away or close to it, the microphone will record the audio with the same amount of gain.
2. Video Conferencing Software
Video conferencing can offer you more than just a face-to-face conversation with your colleagues. The highest quality video conferencing services come with effective presentation features that allow you to:
- share your screen with the other participants
- remotely access each other’s desktops
- chat through text messages both privately and as a group
- exchange files
- use a digital whiteboard
- broadcast to large groups of passive viewers
- interact with your customers in real time through webinars or other marketing events
There is a wide range of video conferencing software available
Top Video Conferencing Software Choices
There is a wide range of video conferencing software on the market to choose from. Many of them give you a free trial period so that you can test them out before purchasing. Here are some of the top choices according to PC Magazine:
- RingCentral Office – 30 Day Free Trial
- Intermedia – 30 Day Free Trial
- ClickMeeting – 30 Day Free Trial
- Zoho – 14 Day Free Trial
- Cisco Webex – 14 Day Free Trial
There are so many options for video conferencing software and price ranges on the market, it may be a bit overwhelming to know which one is best for you. If you are not sure and would like help in choosing the best solution for you, contact Network Telecom. We can sit down with you and talk through what you actually need and don’t need to help you develop a customized video conferencing solution that is perfect for your situation.
3. High Speed Internet Connection
In order to have a high-quality video conference, it is best to do it over a high speed internet connection at each of the participating sites. This will ensure that you don’t have any lags in communications. You can do your conference with lower speeds, but you will find that it will quickly become very frustrating as the video stops and starts and the audio is slow to come across. Some good options for video conference connections include:
- Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)
- Cable
- Fibre Optic T1 lines
The professionals at Network Telecom can help you choose the right video conferencing solution
Trust Network Telecom for Advice on Video/Audio Equipment/Software for Presentations and Conferencing
If you need to update your current video conferencing system, partner with Network Telecom. We provide full video conferencing hardware sales, installation, service and technical support. As with all of the products we sell, we offer same day parts, labour and technical support for all of your video conferencing needs. Whether you are looking to have a new system installed or your current system updated, you can trust Network Telecom to offer you the expert advice you require.
You have been forward thinkers, always keeping us up-to-date with the latest telecommunication equipment.
– Bob S, Diversco
Network Telecom can help you with video conferencing solutions that will meet your business’ particular needs. In addition, if your phone system is not working as it should, our trained technicians are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We carry a huge selection of parts in order to quickly solve any components issue you are experiencing. If you are having a telecommunication or networking issue, we can resolve it quickly and professionally.
In addition to our accredited and certified technical expertise, we offer:
- Consultative Sales
- Cloud Services
- Ongoing Support
- Voice Mail Systems
- System Design + Consulting
- System Admin + User Training
- PA Systems
- VoIP Specialist
- Network Cabling
Contact us today for all of your telecommunication questions and concerns; we’d be happy to help you.
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