Intelligent HD Video Conferencing Tools

Back in the old days, landline phones were the main means of communication, followed by beepers. These in turn gave way to mobile phones. While at first, mobile phones were a communication tool used by individuals with higher incomes or by those with absolute need for one, nowadays one cannot leave home without bringing one with them. As the Internet became more and more sophisticated, snail mail was slowly replaced by e-mail. Just like the way food has changed to being prepared in an instant, instant communication has become the way of the world. Among the changes in the speed of our lifestyles, the availability of video conferencing has gone from belonging only to the biggest companies to accessible for individuals all around the world.

At one point or another, many have had a chance to do video conferencing with different online platforms. In a survey conducted by the Pew Internet Project in April 2009, 20 percent of Internet users had tried video conferencing and the following year, this number increased to 23 percent. The same survey also showed that more often than not, 25 percent of individuals between 30-49 years old have used video conferencing and significantly decreased to 15 – 16 percent if older. Slightly higher at 29 percent, individuals between 18-29 years old have tried video conferencing. As one can see, the younger generations who have been hooked on the Internet and social media would be the first to use video conferencing more often than the 50-year-olds since they have been exposed to this technology early in life.

Three Ways to Set Up Video Conferences

There are three ways to get started with video conferencing. Most Internet users have probably tried the computer-based system since the software generally offered comes free over the Internet, and if the computer you are using comes with a webcam, whether it comes as a separate tool or embedded on your laptop, you can start your video conference anytime. Keep in mind though, that this system is only good for person-to-person contacts since most individual webcams can only capture a limited area; it’s mostly good for one computer user alone.

A slightly better option is the desktop system, which comes with dedicated software that can be downloaded onto the computer system. An improvement over the computer-based system is that it allows for small group of participants to join in the conference, and because it uses dedicated software, the quality of the video and audio is crisper than the first, similar to what Blue Jeans video conferencing can offer.

The studio-based system is the best of the three and allows for multiple users to log in to the video conference at the same time while still hearing and seeing everyone clearly during the meeting. The system comes with control systems, overhead camera, document switchers, window switchers to allow users to zoom in on the video or the presentation, and of course, slide viewers. Usually this system is used in large universities and companies who can afford to pay for the price of the system.

Level Up with HD Video Conferencing

HD video conferencing is now the best thing about this system, but as expected, the cost becomes a huge consideration especially for individual users and small-scale startups. As bigger companies and institutions with a larger budget generally purchase this system, there are several components to consider. This includes HD-capable equipment including cameras, video device, cables and interfaces, projectors or monitors that can support HD functions and definite quality bandwidth to allow a smooth run of HD video conferences. It’s similar to buying an HD capable TV where users get a life-like experience all the time. If one or more of these components are not up to par, that is the time you may encounter delays in transmitting audio and video components of the presentation or meeting. These are instances when we can potentially see simultaneous conversations happening, especially if it is the type of meeting where participants get to exchange ideas in real time. Admittedly, not all participants may be using HD-capable equipment unless most participants can be co-located in the same building where such equipment is readily available. That being said, there are still systems out there such as 4CIF and 4SIF which are not true HD systems but nonetheless come with improved technology that can provide as close to HD-like experience as possible.

With improvements in HD video conferencing going by leaps and bounds, one can potentially expect changes in pricing as companies start getting more competitive in this department. At the end of the day, the benefit of employee productivity that can be harnessed from video conferencing outweighs most of the drawbacks or challenges offered by the use of HD video conferencing. Many companies, both big and small, have started using services like Blue Jeans video conferencing and have seen improved communication during meetings to meet business goals.