VoIP Video Conferencing
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Businesses large and small are benefiting from VoIP video conferencing technology. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, involves using the internet to make telephone calls. This technology involves taking a phone call and breaking it down until it becomes digital units that can be transmitted via the internet and then reassembled at their destination point. As long as there is enough bandwidth to support the call, VoIP quality should remain high and able to keep lag time to a minimum. When insufficient bandwidth is the case, the quality of these transmissions can suffer. As companies explore the many possibilities of this technology, hosted IP telephony is becoming more and more popular. Advances in this technology are beginning to eradicate concerns over quality. The equipment that is needed for Voice over Internet Protocol includes special software that can be used with a personal computer. The computer will need an internet connection that has a high bandwidth such as DSL or cable. Other equipment could include a speaker, a head set or microphone, and video equipment such as a webcam, a computer monitor, or a television or projection device.
Some of the benefits of VoIP video conferencing are that it can bring people who are in different locations together and allow visual as well as audio contact. Whether the conference involves only two individuals or large groups of professionals on each end of the conversation, participants can share information, documents and displays, as well as conversation, as if all participants were in the same room. The ability to conference in video is not a new development. Videoconferences that used closed circuit television have long been possible and are almost as old as television itself. Mobile links using satellites have also afforded similar opportunities for years. Many of these older technologies were hampered by quality issues. The difference in Voice over Internet Protocol is the use of the internet as a means of connection. The concept of using digital technology to place telephone calls did not originate until the 1980s. Using Internet Protocol to stage a videoconference did not occur until the 1990s. Now, large meetings can be held face to face using this technology, or individuals can communicate visually using their own desktop computer.
Professional systems that make these internet based videoconferences possible can be quite expensive. For this reason, many small companies who wish to take advantage of this technology are outsourcing the expense of such a system through hosted IP telephony. One of the issues that must be handled in order to make VoIP video conferencing successful is echo cancellation. Sound delays can sometimes cause a speaker to hear the echo of their own voice. Echo cancellation handles this problem by constricting the scope of these sound delays. Trained professionals can create video conferences that can bring together three or more remote locations. A multipoint control unit is necessary for conferences that include a number of groups. The Bible describes the voice of God as a very powerful thing. "The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters." (Psalm 29:3)
Since audio conference calls have long been possible and come at a considerably smaller cost than hosted IP telephony, what are the qualities of the video conference that make it worth the expense? Eye contact is generally considered a major benefit of visual communication compared to communication that is only audio in nature. The ability to visually gauge other individuals in a business setting is seen as a valuable tool by some. A possible drawback to the visual approach could be an increased awareness of appearance and the lack of comfort that individuals might feel because of this. But as the popularity of this technology continues to grow, many of these issues may become a thing of the past. Overall, multimedia approaches to conferences, meetings, and collaborations are quickly becoming the norm. The availability of hosted IP telephony is making this technology a reality for many small businesses.
Not only is the business world benefiting from this technology, but private individuals are increasing using the home computer for similar purposes. That is not to say that ordinary telephone conversations or simple e-mails have become pass. Basic audio or written communication is still very useful tools and should remain so long into the future. But VoIP video conferencing can be a very useful in the business setting. The transportation costs of pulling together individuals from a number of remote locations can be quite high. The cost of setting up a video conference rather than pulling all participants together in one physical location can generally seem quite small by comparison. There are also occasions when live, face to face communications are necessary. Those with hearing disabilities can find great benefit in this technology since it opens the door for the use of sign language.
Companies that are interested in this technology, but are gun shy about the expense that could be involved, should look into hosted IP telephony. When shopping for a provider of this technology it is generally best to go with a firm that serves only business users. The amount of bandwidth that is necessary is another important concern. When a number of users will be taking advantage of this technology, professional installation of this service is a must. Installers that are on site can also provide useful training to employees and can help companies get the most out of the service that they are purchasing.
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