Videoconferencing Guide for Beginners
Many technological beginners are impressed at the prospect of videoconferencing but they take much of the technology that makes this process possible for granted. At face value it does appear to be an easy enough process that allows individuals at two or even more locations to interact and collaborate on a project together. It’s a bit of a surprise to many but this technology is not new. With the arrival of television technology and the manned space flights, videoconferencing took place as early as 1968. Sometimes beginners speculate about this technology and its influence, use, and idiosyncrasies, and this beginner’s guide to videoconferencing should help you to become familiar with the basics.
1. Two or more parties may take part in a videoconference.
2. The technology that is involved allows for real-time audio and video transmission.
3. The method by which this real-time transmission is made possible is referred to as digital compression. The audio is inputted into the system via microphones, while it is received on the other end via a speaker. The video input is achieved via a video camera, while the output may be received via a computer monitor or even a television set. Sometimes the output may be projected onto room-size big screens. Visual data, such as charts, graphs, and manuals, may be transmitted simply via an Internet connection.
Uses for videoconferencing are almost endless:
- Schools benefit from the ability to have teachers share in videoconferences to keep up with the most recent education innovations, as well as keep up to date on ongoing education credits.
- Students like the idea of connecting with friends from around the country and collaborating on projects and homework.
- The medical profession finds this tool extremely valuable since it allows teams of physicians and researchers to work together. This approach has advanced medical knowledge and research as well as contributing to the saving of numerous lives. No longer must charts and X-rays be mailed or couriered, but they can now be scanned and electronically uploaded and sent while the collaborating physicians are discussing the cases via videoconference.
- The legal profession has discovered this technology to smooth the progress of depositions, and expert testimonies with individuals and authorities from across the globe.
- Politicians have realized the many advantages for this technology.
- Spiritual organizations and churches use this tool of communication since it permits congregations to connect and merge in training sessions.
As you can easily see, while the technology itself is not new, its applications have changed over time and its value has increased exponentially. Advances in technological, such as improved input and output technology have done away with grainy pictures, pixel freeze, and non-matching audio and video streams. Conversations do not stall because a file is slowly uploading and connections are not lost due to telephony drops. In addition to the abovementioned, businesses are able to make deals without having to schedule many meetings and drive or fly back and forth.
It is not surprising that videoconferencing is catching on.
Beginners sometimes wonder why someone would not just make a phone call and perhaps e-mail a file to the person on the other end. Here are some reasons why videoconferencing is a technology sure to stay and continue to evolve:
- Businesses are able to save money that would otherwise have to be earmarked for travel, meals, accommodations, and entertainment expenses.
- Educators no longer have to miss valuable class time in order to attend out of town conferences.
- Physicians are now able to pool resources on cases within minutes, and these minutes may save lives that otherwise would be lost.
- Families enjoy the chance to interact with loved ones across the world. It is finally possible to stay in touch and experience that first birthday, the fiftieth anniversary, or the toast to the bride and groom.
- Law enforcement agencies are able to work together more effectively and arrest wanted criminals.
Beginners are sometimes amazed when they look back at the early days of this technology. It is truly a marvelous journey from the early pictures of 1968 to the fantastic streaming video of 2006.
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