video conferencing has come a long way since its early days (as early as the late 1920s and early 1930s, when AT&T was experimenting with the new TV technology that was being developed). Perhaps the simplest sort of audio visual conferencing is afforded by a basic Skype camera connection, giving both picture and sound transmission across the world. However, this is fairly basic when compared with the sophisticated telepresence video conferencing systems that are now available. These are usually employed by big corporations that need to communicate with personnel in other locations – often in foreign countries – and give a higher degree of fidelity and reliability than simpler systems.
Whilst individual users might get on ok with an internet camera system and speakers for casual chatting – indeed, these are now frequently built into even the cheapest devices, such as netbooks – and wealthy corporations may make use of state-of-the-art systems, there are alternatives in between. Midrange video conferencing equipment still affords excellent sound and picture quality, and for several parties to use the facility at the same time. One application of these systems is communication by sign language with the deaf or hearing impaired. Then there are the videophones that are beginning to become viable after a bad start a few years ago.
The various options have to be weighed up for your particular requirements, and there are many variables to consider. Obviously, there is the cost of the initial equipment. This can go from almost nothing for point-to-point internet calls to many thousands of pounds for the most cutting-edge telepresence technology. Alongside this, there is the quality of transmission. The reproduction of sound and picture given by a Skype phone and camera might be fine for two people talking informally, but it’s not enough for a multinational corporation organising an important conference between many different team members, perhaps spread over the world. Then there is the bandwidth required by the different options and, related to this, the cost of use.
So, depending on the nature and requirements of your company or individual needs, you will need to consider many different variables. Telepresence video conferencing is the pinnacle of this technology, giving an ‘immersive’ experience between many different users with extremely high levels of sound and video quality. On the other hand, simple video conferencing facilities can be gained cheaply with common computer peripherals. Between these extremes there are other kinds of audio visual conferencing equipment at varying costs and degrees of sophistication.
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http://www.edgevision.co.uk/
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