FAQs / exploring the myths

At AuDeo, we haven't heard all the questions and certainly don't have all the answers. This business technology is however, bringing benefits to business efficiencies - whilst more importantly, at the same time it is reducing the hassle and stress of business travel. Perhaps some things have no good answers yet, at AuDeo our goal is to dispel myths and explore with our clients just how to best utilise this technology. If you have a question, we would like to have a go at answering it with you.

Video conferencing is a live connection between people in separate locations for the purpose of communication, usually involving audio and often text as well as video. Videoconferencing in its simplest form transmits static images and text between two locations. Sophisticated video systems today can transmit full-motion video images and high-quality audio between multiple locations.

Each site participating in the videoconference will require, as a minimum, a camera, a codec, a microphone, a speaker and a monitor. The camera and microphone capture the image and sound, the codec converts the video and audio into a digital signal, encodes it and sends it out. The codec at the other end decodes the signal and distributes the video and audio to the monitor and speaker.

A video conferencing system can cost anything from £2,000 at entry level to £20,000 for an integrated system. Expensive compared to what? A photocopier? A few international flights? A Car? It is better to ask whether it is cost effective.

Absolutely, a waste of money! This is a common experience but so are the hours of queuing, driving, flying, waiting on platforms, in lounges, reception areas. Just because the idea wasn't implemented properly, it does not have to follow that it is a bad idea. It is better to ask is modern video equipment more useable and can staff be trained successfully.

This is like saying "I don't go to the cinema - I've seen one in my friend's house" because professional Videoconferencing equipment is just about as far away from web-conferencing as the Odeon is from the a 42 inch flat T.V. With the evolution of High Definition technology, video conferencing today is approaching the same value as face-to-face meetings.

This is not surprising and is probably the biggest use-ability issue. With a little planning, a little training, and some expert help - video calls do now get through about 19 times out of every 20. Better comments - "I get through on video better than I do by fax or mobile phones, or more often than I get a clear run on the M25, or I don't have a train/flight delay".

The majority of opinion about video conferencing is based on old experience. Video conferencing technology has improved considerably over the last few years. Acceptance is also hampered by confusion between proper video tools and hobbyist toys on the Internet; the quality and user experience between these is vast.

Of course! - Videoconference facilities only add an alternative way of getting in front of your colleagues and associates - we use the telephone, and video increases the richness massively. Maybe we can get by on video for 3 meetings out of 4 - the face-to-face then becomes more meaningful - it can become a treat instead of a bind!
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Glossary

In video conferencing cameras are used to scan and transmit visual images.
A codec is a piece of hardware or software that compresses and decompresses digital audio and/or video, ready for transmission.
High Definition is the newest set of standards for high quality video conferencing. High Definition standards have been defined by the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) as picture resolutions of 720p and 1080i/1080p. High Definition has a refresh rate of 24,25,30,50, 60 frames per second and a resolution image of 1280x720 pixels or 1920x1080 pixels. The higher number of pixels translates into sharper and clearer pictures. The higher refresh rate results in less flickering to the human eye. High Definition uses the progressive scan format rather than interlacing, treating the entire video image as one frame and does not suffer from jagged edges in the picture.
Polycom HD Voice delivers over twice the clarity of ordinary phone calls for life-like, vibrant conversations. Polycom HD Voice products have wideband technology for over twice the clarity of ordinary phone calls. Polycom's patented Acoustic Clarity Technology 2 combines next generation industry leading full duplex, echo cancellation, and noise reduction with advanced voice processing.
AuDeo's engineers are highly skilled in incorporating video conferencing technology into the design of your room. Bespoke A/V walls and furniture are available, plasma screens can be mounted on walls and cables run out of sight for an impressive look to your room.
Videoconferencing is a live communication between people in separate locations. It usually involves audio and text as well as video. Videoconferencing in its simplest form transmits static images and text between two locations. Sophisticated video systems today can transmit full-motion video images and high-quality audio between multiple locations.
Video conferencing solutions comprise of everything you need to enable video communication between people in separate locations. Video conferencing systems can range from simple desk top systems for one-to-one video calls through to a sophisticated system, fully integrated into the design of your room for a video call between many people at a number of different locations.
A conference conducted via the internet.