Video Conferencing

What is video conferencing?

Video conferencing is a real time and interactive tool for companies to communicate via audio, video and computer technology across time zones and locations. Essentially, it is a live connection between people in separate locations that provides full-motion video images and high-quality audio. Meeting participants see and hear each other during the conference, and can concentrate on the images and interaction among the participants.

Video conferencing technology typically includes access to a network (ISDN and IP are the most common), conferencing equipment (monitor, camera, microphone and speakers), an audio system, and a codec (an acronym for coder/decoder). Through this device, video, audio and data signals are compressed during transmission.

Video conferencing benefits

The benefits of video conferencing are numerous. Video conferencing saves travel time and money, it urges participants to reach decisions that may not come as easily in a face-to-face meeting, and it gives participants the chance to see others' body language and facial expressions, which are important factors for a board meeting.

Video conference meetings are most successful when the participants have met before, and when they meet on a regular basis. It can also be used to deploy employee training in a lecture format that is both creative and interactive for greater learning and retention. Also, since the attendees must see the speaker, they in turn will stay focused on the speaker's presentation.

Video conferencing plays the role of helping participants communicate fully with remote participants and it gives access to participants who are limited by their physical location. This technology connects groups with their ideas, and it is beneficial for a company's bottom line, and its goals.

More Benefits

Video Conferencing Increases Productivity

Used effectively, video conferencing has a dramatic effect on the way people do business and the productivity gains they can derive. So, how are these improvements achieved? Today, video conferencing systems transcend the simple "talking heads" on a screen. The ability to easily share any type of information has added another dynamic to video communications, often previously not even possible in a local meeting. Decisions are made faster; bringing products or services to market quicker; and enabling you to stay ahead of your competitors.

Video Conferencing Saves Money

Although productivity increases are the most valuable, an additional tangible effect of using video is that you start saving substantial money due to reduced travel. In today's environment, where many employees are concerned with the safety and time-related issues with traveling, video conferencing will benefit your company in ways you would never have imagined.

Video Conferencing Saves Time

Video conferencing can be used to achieve significant benefits beyond increased productivity and reduced costs. Notable examples are reduction of "downtime" and increased "quality of life" for traveling personnel, and shortening hiring cycles for key employees. Video conferencing should also be viewed as a telephone and travel enhancement—a way to strengthen bonds with remote colleagues and customers between personal visits and telephone calls.