Video Conferencing Equipment

The need for video conferencing equipment is increasing as individuals and corporations adapt to the global market.   Large companies often have multi-national or at least multi-regional operational centers and are aware that communication is a critical component to a well run business.

Individuals are becoming increasingly networked to others in remote locations, this has spawned a wave of collaborative efforts and even star-up operations and partnerships between people who’s skill sets match, but have never met face to face.   

First the telephone, then chat rooms and later more advanced technologies such as instant messaging and file sharing filled a stop gap role in the development of these technologies.   As computing becomes more prevalent in society the need for instant response and rapid sharing of data and information has moved to the forefront of the competitive advantage that the internet offers.    

Video conferencing equipment is the next stage of the natural evolution.    A number of companies are carving out there own niche in the market place.    Companies which have a strong foundation in this area, each with their own area of expertise, unique strengths and weaknesses as well as costs have entered into the arena.   Each has their own price points and degree of capability, with their own targeted sector.

For now we will simply list these companies and products as an avenue for future research, as each is worthy of their own article and place in the conference software and hardware games.

Video Conference Leaders

Skype
Nesfis
Polycom
Webex
Spiderbox
Tandberg
Vidyo
Net Meeting

Communications companies have entered into the fray as bandwidth allows video telepresence to shine through the nets.   First it was text, then voice, and as wireless, satellite and fiber optic systems have been deployed, live streaming video capability is the natural next step in the evolution.  

Telepresence

Major Players in the Telepresence game are the providers of the backbone of internet services.  They include giant technology companies such as:


Cisco
Verizon
ATT

Video Conference Equipment

The hardware requirements for video conference equipment varies with the size and operational security needs of the operation.    Anything from a full on data center down to the bare minimal equipment can get the job done.   Traditionally video conferencing not only enables visual presence and sound, but the ability to share files or even actively work within the same files.   Specialized software may be individually installed or hosted in the clouds from a central computing resource.    Device integration may include anything from a conventional computer to a laptop, a blackberry, a virtual conferencing suite or a corporate data center with full back end support and integration.  

Serious companies realize the need for deeper integration of data structures and the cost savings that are associated with having fully integrated hardware as well as software technologies.

For the basic end user of teleconferencing technologies the following equipment is pretty much the basics.   The highest variable costs for the individual user is the meeting software.   The cost of this software may range from essentially free to several thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars per user.    

Hardware Requirements

Computer

This can be anything from a netbook to a workstation.  Smaller portable devices can have a degree of integration and advanced prototypes of entirely new modes of data management are in development at various corporate research facilities as well as universities such as MIT.   The requirement is that the computer has enough capacity and power to handle the operating environment and the ability to transmit the data.   This may be through a wireless card, or an encrypted data stream on a  secured hardline, depending on security requirements.

Web Camera

Some form of video equipment is needed, whether it is as simple as a webcam or more sophisticated hardware such as high definition video cameras.   The camera must be compatible with the system it is designed to plug into.

Meeting Software

Meeting software varies from glorified text chat to full on data sharing and information access control technologies.   Video conferences often require a degree of security and encryption is a common feature of these technologies.

Microphone and Headset

The user needs to have technology which enables them to both hear the conversation and provide active feedback.    Microphones and headsets may be the same unit or entirely separate units.   Quality and compatibility are key features.

Headphones and Speakers

For privacy headphones are advantageous, speaker systems with full room projectors and conferencing equipment are more suitable for meetings involving larger groups of people.   Video face time is easier to control for providing focus.   Most systems will allow multiple conversations and the ability to monitor or keep private individual streams of communication.

Atmosphere | Backdrop

An often overlooked portion of the video conferencing age is the fundamental shift in presence that the video element brings into play.   A well chosen or superior design of backdrop can give an edge in maximizing the ability to personally project strongly.    Even if you are conferencing out of a home office, consider the impact of your background on your presence.  There is a reason that television sets are elaborately constructed, they provide authority and prestige by virtue of the surroundings to the commentator.    Always strive to project the image that is desired for the purpose of the meeting you are attending.