Videoconference Basics

I’m often asked to train clients in distant locations.  To enable ongoing face-to-face training for individuals in locations throughout the world, I use online videconferencing.  Since clients sometimes ask for instructions or recommendations of equipment, I will be writing a series of blog entries on this subject.  I’ll begin with general guidelines in this article, and continue the series with profiles of equipment and services, starting with the ones I use in my business and recommend to my clients.

 You really only need four things for a successful internet videoconference:

• internet access (high speed is best) 
• a webcam
• a headset
• a conferencing service

Most applications that allow you to conduct a videoconference are simple and easy to use; many of them are free and readily available.  Both parties involved in the conference will need to have the same software. 

While any webcam will work, you will find that a small investment in higher quality will produce much better results when image quality is important.   A glass lens and automatic lighting correction will produce crisper, brighter images that enhance your professional appearance (or enable children and grandparents to see one another clearly — this is just as important for home use as it is for professionals).  Look for a camera that offers 30 fps (frames per second) video for more natural movement.

 Although many webcams have a built-in microphone and can be used with computer speakers, you will get better sound quality from a good headset.  The webcam microphone is good for quick chats when sound quality isn’t all that important or when several family members want to gether around the computer at the same time.  Using your computer speakers will allow multiple users to hear the chat, but you have less control.  When audio quality is important, I recommend a digital headset with microphone.  Yes, you’ll be wearing a headset when the person on the other end sees you, but they’ll be able to hear you much more clearly this way.  In my industry, audio quality is extremely important, and I wouldn’t be caught without a good headset.

 To get started with online audio or video chats, try the free service from Skype.  The software is a quick download with no adware or spyware.  The service is free to use to call other Skype users, and you can also use it to call telephones around the world for extremely low rates if you choose.

This entry was posted on 9. October 2007 at 11:33 and is filed under Videconferencing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.