The History Of Video Conferencing Moving Ahead At The Speed Of Video

Writen by Lucy P. Roberts

No new technology develops smoothly, and video conferencing had more than its share of bumps along the way before becoming the widely used communications staple it is today. The history of video conferencing in its earliest form goes back to the 1960's, when AT&T introduced the Picturephone at the World's Fair in New York. While viewed as a fascinating curiosity, it never became popular and was too expensive to be practical for most consumers when it was offered for $160 a month in 1970.

Commercial use of real video conferencing was first realized with Ericsson's demonstration of the first trans-Atlantic LME video telephone call. Soon other companies began refining video conferencing technologies, including such advancements as network video protocol (NVP) in 1976 and packet video protocol (PVP) in 1981. None of these were put into commercial use, however, and stayed in the laboratory or private company use.

In 1976, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone established video conferencing (VC) between Tokyo and Osaka for company use. IBM Japan followed suit in 1982 by establishing VC running at 48000bps to link up with already established internal IBM video conferencing links in the United States so that they could have weekly meetings.

The 1980's introduce commercial video conferencing

In 1982, Compression Labs introduces their VC system to the world for $250,000 with lines for $1,000 an hour. The system was huge and used enormous resources capable of tripping 15 amp circuit breakers. It was, however, the only working VC system available until PictureTel's VC hit the market in 1986 with their substantially cheaper $80,000 system with $100 per hour lines.

In the time in between these two commercially offered systems, there were other video conferencing systems developed that were never offered commercially. The history of video conferencing isn't complete without mentioning these systems that were either prototypes or systems developed specifically for in-house use by a variety of corporations or organizations, including the military. Around 1984, Datapoint was using the Datapoint MINX system on their Texas campus, and had provided the system to the military.

In the late 1980's, Mitsubishi began selling a still-picture phone that was basically a flop in the market place. They dropped the line two years after introducing it. In 1991, the first PC based video conferencing system was introduced by IBM – PicTel. It was a black and white system using what was at the time an incredibly inexpensive $30 per hour for the lines, while the system itself was $20,000. In June of the same year, DARTnet had successfully connected a transcontinental IP network of over a dozen research sites in the United States and Great Britain using T1 trunks. Today, DARTnet has evolved into the CAIRN system, which connects dozens of institutions.

CU-SeeMe revolutionizes video conferencing

One of the most famous systems in the history of video conferencing was the CU-SeeMe developed for the MacIntosh system in 1992. Although the first version didn't have audio, it was the best video system developed to that point. By 1993, the MAC program had multipoint capability, and in 1994, CU-SeeMe MAC was true video conferencing with audio. Recognizing the limitations of MAC compatibility in a Windows world, developers worked diligently to roll out the April 1994 CU-SeeME for Windows (no audio), followed closely by the audio version, CU-SeeMe v0.66b1 for Windows in August of 1995.

In 1992, AT&T rolled out their own $1,500 video phone for the home market. It was a borderline success. That same year, the world's first MBone audio/video broadcast took place and in July INRIA's video conferencing system was introduced. This is the year that saw the first real explosion in video conferencing for businesses around the globe and eventually led to the standards developed by the ITU.

International Telecommunications Union develops coding standards

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) began developing standards for video conferencing coding in 1996, when they established Standard H.263 to reduce bandwidth for transmission for low bit rate communication. Other standards were developed, including H.323 for packet-based multi-media communications. These are a variety of other telecommunications standards were revised and updated in 1998. In 1999, Standard MPEG-4 was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group as an ISO standard for multimedia content.

In 1993, VocalChat Novell IPX networks introduced their video conferencing system, but it was doomed from the start and didn't last. Microsoft finally came on board the video conferencing bandwagon with NetMeeting, a descendent of PictureTel's Liveshare Plus, in August of 1996 (although it didn't have video in this release). By December of the same year, Microsoft NetMeeting v2.0b2 with video had been released. That same month, VocalTec's Internet Phone v4.0 for Windows was introduced.

VRVS links global research centers

The Virtual Room Videoconferencing System (VRVS) project at Caltech-CERN kicked off in July of 1997. They developed the VRVS specifically to provide video conferencing to researchers on the Large Hadron Collider Project and scientists in the High Energy and Nuclear Physics Community in the U.S. and Europe. It has been so successful that seed money has been allotted for phase two, CalREN-2, to improve and expand on the already in-place VRVS system in order to expand it to encompass geneticists, doctors, and a host of other scientists in the video conferencing network around the world.

Cornell University's development team released CU-SeeMe v1.0 in 1998. This color video version was compatible with both Windows and MacIntosh, and huge step forward in pc video conferencing. By May of that year, the team has moved on to other projects.

In February of 1999, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) was launched by MMUSIC. The platform showed some advantages over H.323 that user appreciated and soon made it almost as popular. 1999 was a very busy year, with NetMeeting v3.0b coming out, followed quickly by version three of the ITU standard H.323. Then came the release of iVisit v2.3b5 for both Windows and Mac, followed by Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP), version 1. In December, Microsoft released a service pack for NetMeeting v3.01 (4.4.3388) and an ISO standard MPEG-4 version two was released. Finally, PSInet was the first company to launch H.323 automated multipoint services. Like we said, 1999 was a very busy year.

SIP entered version 1.30 in November of 2000, the same year that standard H.323 hit version 4, and Samsung released their MPEG-4 streaming 3G video cell phone, the first of its kind. It was a hit, particularly in Japan. Rather predictably, Microsoft NetMeeting had to release another service pack for version 3.01.

In 2001, Windows XP messenger announced that it would now support Session Initiation Protocol. This was the same year the world's first transatlantic tele-surgery took place utilizing video conferencing. In this instance, video conferencing was instrumental in allowing a surgeon in the U.S. to use a robot overseas to perform gall bladder surgery on a patient. It was one of the most compelling non-business uses in the history of video conferencing, and brought the technology to the attention of the medical profession and the general public.

In October of 2001, television reporters began using a portable satellite and a videophone to broadcast live from Afghanistan during the war. It was the first use of video conferencing technology to converse live with video with someone in a war zone, again bringing video conferencing to the forefront of people's imaginations.

Founded in December of 2001, the Joint Video Team completed basic research leading to ITU-T H.264 by December of 2002. This protocol standardized video compression technology for both MPEG-4 and ITU-T over a broad range of application areas, making it more versatile than its predecessors. In March of 2003, the new technology was ready for launch to the industry.

New uses for video conferencing technologies

2003 also saw the rise in use of video conferencing for off-campus classrooms. Interactive classrooms became more popular as the quality of streaming video increased and the delay decreased. Companies such as VBrick provided various MPEG-4 systems to colleges across the country. Desktop video conferencing is also on the rise and gaining popularity.

Companies newer to the market are now refining the details of performance in addition to the nuts and bolts of transmission. In April of 2004, Applied Global Technologies developed a voice-activated camera for use in video conferencing that tracks the voice of various speakers in order to focus on whoever is speaking during a conference call. In March 2004, Linux announced the release of GnomeMeeting, an H.323 compliant, free video conferencing platform that is NetMeeting compatible.

With the constant advances in video conferencing systems, it seems obvious that the technology will continue to evolve and become an integral part of business and personal life. As new advances are made and systems become more reasonably priced, keep in mind that choices are still determined by network type, system requirements and what your particular conferencing needs are.

This article on the "The History of Video Conferencing" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004 Evaluseek Publishing.

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About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about video conferencing, renting a video conference facility, and which videoconferencing conferencing solution is best for small groups. She has two dogs who are spoiled and one teenager who is not. She does her video conferencing in pink bunny slippers.

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Web Conferencing What Is It

Writen by Diane Parker

Web Conferencing is, very simply, a meeting, conference or seminar that is held over the World Wide Web. Web conferencing can refer to audio, video or text-based conversations and are conducted in real-time.

Web conferencing is an incredibly useful resource for anyone who trades within a global market place. It literally allows you to be in two places at once - sitting at home or in your office whilst conducting a meeting with someone one the other side of the world.

In its simplest form web conferencing can take the form of free downloads such as Microsoft NetMeeting or Yahoo Messenger. Subscribers can participate in text-based 'chats', inviting others into their conversations and being able to communication in real-time. Add a simple digital camera to this equation and you have the beginnings of an elementary web conferencing application.

At the other end of the scale, the most sophisticated applications allow seminars and presentations to be made to hundreds of delegates at the same time. Meetings can be fully interactive, allowing question and answer sessions, the sharing of files and documents and slide show presentations to be broadcast.

What Can I Do With Web Conferencing?

How you choose to use web conferencing will very much depend upon your line of work. A webinar (an online seminar) is less interactive than a web meeting, but is a very effective means of presenting sales pitches, performance reviews and delivering staff training.

A web meeting on the other hand, can be fully interactive not only in terms of audio and video but also by allowing the sharing of documents and files and viewing them online.

What is Online Collaboration?

Online collaboration is an excellent resource for project management, especially when team members are located in different geographical locations. Online collaboration provides an advanced level of document management and file sharing. Documents and files can be viewed, modified and updated online and in real time.

What Are The Benefits Of Web Conferencing?

The main benefits of web conferencing are to be found in terms of time and money savings. The need for travel is greatly reduced, and therefore so are the associated costs of travel - tickets, accommodation, subsistence, to name but a few. Employees spend less time waiting for flights, travel or just generally being away from their desk and therefore have more time to spend productively.

Enhanced communication is another benefit of web conferencing. Where colleagues could perhaps only meet face to face a few times a year, for example, web conferencing allows them to meet on a daily basis, if required. With people talking more, work gets done more efficiently and more accurately.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of web conferencing depends on how sophisticated an application you need. Low-level, one-to-one systems can be set up these days for virtually nothing. The most advanced systems, unsurprisingly, can run into thousands of dollars. Careful research, however, and thoughtful analysis of what you need from a web conferencing system can allow you to budget accordingly and match a system to your needs. The chances are, if you are spending money on travel then you will recoup the cost of your web conferencing software over time.

Diane Parker is a web content writer who specializes in internet related topics. Her conferencing articles include: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Video Conferencing Courthouses Are Making The Change

Writen by Harold German

In the wake of the tragic shootings that took place in an Atlanta courthouse in 2005, it is unequivocally clear that there is now a widespread effort by numerous counties to significantly enhance courtroom security. Most counties are addressing the security issue through technology, and the type that appears to be implemented the most is video conferencing. Already in use by legal systems throughout the world, video conferencing is revolutionizing the way cases are tried in America today. By simply installing one video conferencing system at the courthouse and another at the jail, incarcerated defendants can participate in all legal procedures without the municipality enduring the costs and dangers associated with jail-to-courthouse prisoner transport.

The monetary savings to a county become clear when one considers that costly resources need to be allocated, such as: several policemen, a vehicle, courthouse security, gasoline and tolls, among others. Depending on several factors, among them the distance of the courthouse to the jail and geographic location, these costs can sometimes reach into the thousands, even for just one trip. Over the course of a year, the result is a hefty bill that video conferencing aims to eliminate. In October of 2003, the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance, at the request of the Badger State Sheriff's Association, which represents sheriff departments in various Wisconsin counties, initiated a study into the possible time and cost-saving benefits of video conferencing. The study revealed a savings of about $2.7 million if all counties used the technology. That data, along with the obvious security benefits, was enough for Wisconsin's Green County to move 'full speed ahead' with video conferencing.

Like many courthouses, Green County's proposed video conferencing system had been in the planning stages for quite some time and the incident in Atlanta proved to be the spark needed to move the project forward. In an interview featured in an article by Brian Gray of the Monroe Times, Green County Circuit Court Judge James Beer said, "video conferencing is the wave of future. It shows the court is moving into the 21st century." The equipment will enable doctors to appear at mental health proceedings and people who are serving time in prison to appear remotely. "The benefits are limitless. It saves the county a great deal of money and also increases security here at the courthouse."

Video conferencing in the court room also has other uses. In Pennsylvania's Montgomery County, large police departments such as Abington (92 officers) use the technology not only to handle on-camera arraignments for smaller departments in the county but also to digitally process and transmit photographs and fingerprints into criminal databases. In minutes, police can have fingerprints and photographs matched with a defendant's criminal record. In an interview featured in an article by Harry Yanoshak of the Bucks County Courier Times, Montgomery Deputy Chief John Livingood said, "Because it has such technology, Abington and other large departments serve as a central booking center for defendants. Video arraignments are time savers because defendants never have to leave the police station to see the judge. If we had to take a person to see the judge in person, it would effectively take two officers out of service for at least a couple of hours," he said, noting the length of time could be longer if the on-call judge is located across the county.

In Montgomery County, police and deputy sheriffs, rarely constables, shuttle defendants to the county prison, said District Judge Paul Leo, whose court in Hatboro has used video conferencing for about two years. While the technology enables a judge to do work from home, that's not how it's being used in his courtroom, he said, noting how the courts should remain open to the public, regardless if the proceeding is captured on a computer screen.

Video conferencing equipment manufacturers, for their part, have responded to the demand by introducing a series of products aimed at this sector. TANDBERG, a leading manufacturer of video conferencing products, recently introduced the TANDBERG Justice Package, which is an integrated video solution designed specifically for the courtroom environment. As a component of the Justice Package, the 'Judicator' conferencing system allows for simple video and audio control directly from the judge's bench. The Judicator enables: arraignments, remote visitations, parole and mental-health hearings, depositions, medical appointments, sensitive witness and expert testimonies, attorney consultations, among others.

While manufacturers are providing the product, solution providers such as IVCi are providing the education and support. From courthouses to jails, and prisons to law firms, solution providers, who have been preaching the many benefits of video conferencing, are finally being heard. "Now is the time to introduce video conferencing into your department," said Robert Swing, president and founder of IVCi, LLC. "It's the best way to increase your productivity and reduce or eliminate transportation costs while ensuring top-notch communication between all parties involved in the legal process." Due to recent happenings, it's becoming clear that this technology has become much easier to justify.

Copyright © Harold German, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

For many years, Harold German has been recognized as a knowledgeable source for information on corporate branding methodologies. Mr. German is a renowned author and contributor, with appearances in noted international publications such as The Economist, and on news stations such as CNN. Mr. German is a former director of IVCi, LLC, is the director of marketing at Innovative Stone, and is proprietor of Wainscoting Long Island.

Phone Conferencing Equipment

Writen by Alison Cole

With the advent of Phone Conferencing, taking your business global is quite an easy task. With the installation of powerful Phone Conferencing Equipment you can establish contact with anyone in any part of the world. With Phone Conferencing equipment it is possible for many people to speak and listen on a single phone handset.

The Phone Conferencing Equipment consists of microphones and speakers that transfer voice signals, like a speakerphone. They are made in such a manner that many people sitting in one room can hear and speak with ease. This equipment is portable, so that it can be placed at the center of a room, connected with a regular phone cord. New and advanced Phone Conferencing Equipment is generally equipped with a few additional microphones for better sound quality. This technology has actually set new standards for communication, since the barriers of distance have ceased to exist. In fact, by seeing its sudden popularity and enhanced use, many companies have jumped into the arena for providing good and powerful equipment.

There are primarily three things that should be kept in mind while choosing any Phone Conferencing Equipment. These are business size, compatibility and sound quality. If you're a big corporate house then you must go in for Phone Conferencing Equipment that has a remote control or wireless microphones. This gives you the chance of walking while you're talking. Compatibility comes next on the priority list. It's just not any other plug and play equipment that you can take for granted. It has been noticed that many companies install digital phone system are not often compatible with conferencing equipment. So keep an account of what system is used by your company, and whether it's an analog or digital system. This would form the basis of choosing your phone equipment.

Another important factor is sound quality. Always ensure that your system offers clear sound quality. Look around, weigh the options available in the market and test the equipment before buying, as the wrong Phone Conferencing Equipment can hamper your conversation and conferencing.

Normal Phone Conferencing Equipment for a small business or room usually ranges from $400 to $600. But if you're a big corporate house then the equipment is going to range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. However, do not mind shelling out those extra bucks, as this solution is sure to land you more business.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

Web Phone Conferencing

Writen by Alison Cole

Web Phone Conferencing has emerged as a powerful tool used by corporate houses to be in constant touch with their clients. This low-cost but effective communication technique has become the communication lifeline for many businesses. Web Phone Conferencing gives them the chance to hold a group meeting with people who are geographically separated. This modern and effective tool is constantly used for presentations, video or visual sharing, demonstrations and more. With minimal equipment requirements and relatively low costs, Web Phone Conferencing makes for a popular means of communication for businesses.

In Web Phone Conferencing the participants sit at their computer and are connected via the Internet. The people involved in Web Phone Conferencing can actually see each other. This technology has gone a long way toward bringing the world closer. The Web Phone Conferencing is offered as a service, with the control in the hands of the user. You can use this service in two ways. First is on a usage basis, charged per user per minute. Secondly, there is a service that involves a fixed fee. But now, many vendors are making licensed conference software available so that the user can install it in their own servers.

With Web Phone Conferencing technology you also have the option to either download or save your meeting and conversation. This gives you the chance to view the entire conversation again, so that you can mark important points and information. But make sure that the Web Phone Conferencing is fully equipped with the emergency support service so that you don't have to scurry around at the time of the conference.

With people expanding their businesses and taking them on the world stage, the Web Phone Conferencing is proving to be an efficient yet cost-effective tool. With the majority of people looking to cover a long distance in one leap, the Web Phone Conferencing provides them much-needed support. It won't be wrong to say that this technology has actually made distances immaterial.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

Video Phone Conferencing

Writen by Alison Cole

Video Phone Conferencing generally refers to a two-way communication system in which two or more persons at different locations engage in face-to-face communication. It's a kind of video as well as audio conferencing, in which both the people can view as well as hear each other. Earlier Video Phone Conferencing was supposed to be a costly affair, and only the big corporate houses were able to afford it. But now prices are on the way down, because with the Internet anyone can afford Video Phone Conferencing. This makes it possible for the two businesses to discuss any deal or product.

Video Phone Conferencing generally acts as a bridge between two persons who are geographically separated. This technology is not only used for business meetings but also used for conducting interviews or giving lectures. Video Phone Conferencing is also used within the organization with the help of LAN for an immediate telepresence. If we go into broader terms, then Video Phone Conferencing can be divided into two types: point-to-point conferencing and multipoint conferencing. Point-to-point Video Phone Conferencing is the communication link within one location, whereas multipoint conferencing is a link between any two locations.

Video Phone Conferencing connects people and ensures successful communication between them. While planning a Video Phone Conference there are several points to be kept in mind. These points can range from technology to clothes to the way of talking. Try to avoid all the unnecessary and distracting actions, as it can act as an obstacle between the ongoing conversations. If possible, make sure that the mike, speakers, camera and all necessary equipment are in proper shape and without any flaws. As it is a very straight and formal communication, try to set the questions in advance so that there is no wasting time. Another important point is to wear clothes that are not too dark or too light. Avoid wearing intense colors, as they can give a very jarred image.

Video Phone Conferencing is the technology that helps you talk to a client sitting on the other side of the globe. It has proved to be a boon for the corporate houses who want to take a slice of the world business pie, and take their business to next level.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

The Magic Of Video Conferencing

Writen by Harry Rockwell

Video conferencing facilitates learning by allowing remote or distant learners to meet regardless of their location. Students can take classes at multiple universities. In essence classes that are not available at one location may be available at another through video conferencing. Video conferencing can also benefit non traditional students who are not able to attend classes during normal hours.

There are various types of videoconferencing; which is suitable for your application will depend upon the IT structure available and what it is that you actually want to achieve. Video conferencing has in the past been relatively expensive, but prices are coming down and it is possible for anyone with a fast enough internet connection to operate a video conference.

There are excellent quality video conferencing systems out there. Many of them are well worth the dollars that they cost. And, because technology continues to grow, you'll find that prices for video conferencing will become more competitive. It is the way of the future. Is your company in the future? Using video conferencing can help to insure that it is there.

Most video conferencing terminals also require what is called a codec or Compressor/Decompressor interface. This piece of equipment helps compress information being passed from audio to video to make transmission of materials feasible over the Net. Without this piece of equipment most files would be too large to send from one computer to another. The process of compression data using a codec machine is often referred to as decoding and encoding information.

Finally, a computer and reliable internet connection are also necessary to facilitate video conferencing. A high speed connection is recommended to make the video conferencing experience not only endurable but also enjoyable. The actual computer you have is not as important as the size of your display. Remember that when using video conferencing equipment, the larger your display the better your picture and the more easily a time you will have 'conferencing' with other people on the Web.

Conferencing - Providing conferncing information. Learn about web conferencing, audio coferencing, video conferencing, etc. Find out about web data conferencing & web exchange conferencing here.

Audio Conferencing Company Provides A Great Way To Build Relationships With Your Audience

Writen by Roy Copeland

See what happens when you pull apart something that seems very complicated as the first. It then becomes very simple right? The same goes for teleconferencing technologies. Once you get setup with a system that suits your needs, your ability to build relationships become that much more enriched.

Let's not forget one thing- though we live in the digital age, in practice it's only done and continuing to do ONE thing, and that is to bring people closer and allow informal communities of individuals to be created as well as deeper bonds with your clients and within your own personal circle of friends.

So why don't you schedule a time within your busy schedule to who incorporate video teleconferencing within your home business or whether you're working for a medium to large size company. If you're a manager of a department it can definitely be a great asset to your day-to-day operations and will cause you to wonder how you ever lived without it.

So take this advice and get yourself to a quality teleconferencing service straight away. It should not cost much for you and the return on investment is going to be tremendous in comparison. So it's better to just give it a shot and learn as you go rather than hesitating and hiding your head within the digital sand.

If you wanna start with a small-scale operation, then you can invite friends or close acquaintances to help you put together an ad hoc teleconference call. That way you can test out all the bells and whistles as a whole to make sure that you are fully prepared in case of any unexpected surprises when you it comes time to host your real life conferences with clients or other professionals within your field.

Get the advantage today by visiting our site at http://www.totalteleconference.com and checking out our our recommended teleconferencing services for you and those around you. Audio conferencing company listings are available on our site for you to consider incorporating.

Video Conferencing

Writen by Eric Morris

As the demand for conferencing solutions grow, new technologies are developed to meet this demand. One of the pioneer technologies that were developed was audio conferencing, which made it easier and cheaper to conduct business between companies separated by great distances. However, since the inception of audio conferencing, new technologies were also developed, which were aimed at enhancing the conferencing experience between two parties. One of these is video conferencing, which does not only allow parties to discuss business matters in real time, but it also allows the parties to see each other during the "meeting" through the help of video technology.

Other uses

Given the added feature of being able to see the person they are speaking with, this technology has become a popular choice among businesses. However, the use of this technology has not only been limited for use in business. This is because this technology has also been used for other purposes such as for educational instruction, medical collaboration, surveillance, security, and emergency response.

Advantages

Given that it has been able to serve various purposes, it can be expected that video conferencing provides a number of benefits and advantages to those who use it. One of the most obvious advantages is that it has provided business people with the ability to meet with their clients based in distant locations without having to incur huge costs that are associated with face to face business meetings. In addition to this, using the technology for educational purposes has also made the transfer of first hand information easier and more convenient. Lastly, this technology has also made it possible for the average Joe to have contact with other people in different countries without having to board a plane.

One of the more popular conferencing technologies is video conferencing because it allows people to not only hear the people they are speaking with but also see them as well. This is because apart from the added video feature, the way by which it can be used for other purposes such as for educational training has also contributed to the popularity of this technology.

Conferencing provides detailed information on Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Audio Conferencing, Video Conferencing and more. Conferencing is affiliated with Online Conference Centers.

Teleconferencing Technology

Writen by Michael Russell

Teleconferencing technology has provided businesses with an entirely new way of communicating over long distances. In fact, it helps business save money on travel expenses and has also helped business owners increase the productivity of their business by providing them with the ability to communicate via telecommunication methods. Finally, as more businesses catch onto the teleconferencing technology wave, people will see more and more businesses reaping the.

Teleconferencing technology gives businesses the ability to have meetings over long distances, conduct business briefings, employee training sessions, workshops, seminars, lectures and more between individuals who might not otherwise be able to easily get together. So what exactly is teleconferencing technology and how does it work?

First, there are different forms of teleconferencing technology. For one thing, teleconferencing is not only available to businesses; it is also available to individuals in their homes. The most simplistic version of teleconferencing technology can be identified in the use of three-way calling, a simple technology that allows several individuals to talk at one time while they are all located in different locations. Many people make use of this on a daily basis, to communicate with friends and family and thoroughly enjoy the ability to all talk together.

As well, businesses and corporations make effective use of such technology. Every day, businesses conduct conference calls that make information exchange between offices, employees, or from one business location to another far simpler than in the past when they relied on special mailing and meetings to share such information.

Thus, serving both the individual and businesses, teleconferencing technology appears to have a promising future indeed.

Teleconferencing can also be conducted online, along with other types of online conferencing services. Alternative, yet similar, to teleconferencing are the web conferencing techniques that are also available. With the Internet, companies can use both live web feed and audio to conduct meetings and make business plans. Further, with various web conferencing features, businesses can benefit from the use of special software applications like that in Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and can transmit various images from one place to another within a matter of moments. Conversely, a simplistic method of web conferencing includes using instant messaging systems and privately designed chat rooms in which businesses can conduct discussions, meetings, planning of projects and more.

In the end, the benefits of teleconferencing and web conferencing are tremendous. Businesses and individuals can communicate with relatively little expense and just a little bit of planning. Plus, travelling is not required to keep employees or other individuals up-to-date and informed about important events. Likewise, for the individual, both teleconferencing and web communications offer a unique way for people to keep in touch with one another. Thus, in saving of precious time, equally precious money, and in the ease with which communication is established and maintained, teleconferencing and web conferencing provide unique benefits to all individuals that choose to embrace and utilize the technologies afforded to them.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Teleconferencing
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Necessary Audio Conferencing Equipment

Writen by Steve Valentino

For a web-based audio conference, you will need a computer with an Internet connection, a way to hear and be heard, a video camera for being seen; and the software chosen by the conference moderator.

Your Web browser must be Java-equipped, and your Internet connection must be 56 kbps or faster. Any cable or DSL hookup is good (never use dial-up for web conferencing.)

Audio Conferencing Phones

For your audio linkup, you can either use an Internet-based technology called VoIP, or a telephone, depending on the software your conference is using. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is like a telephone, but instead of being sent analogically through the phone lines, audio is sent digitally via the Internet, at a cost much lower than traditional long distance. In either case, it is recommended that you utilize a comfortable headset with earphones and a microphone. That way, your hands will be free, you will be more comfortable, and your face will be seen by the web cam.

Audio Conferencing Cameras

To be seen by the other users in the web conference, you will need a web cam. Test out the angle and lighting in advance to make sure you are showing up well. Be sure to wear a suit, just as you would in the real world. Relax and smile.

Audio Conferencing Software

Your software can be any of a number of audio conferencing programs. Every user must have the same program or "interface" in order for it to work. Microsoft NetMeeting and GnomeMeeting are two such programs.

Audio Conferencing the Old Fashioned Way

The other way to do audio conferencing is in a group situation. There is a television, a speakerphone or some other communication device, and perhaps some collaborative software. As personal and office computers become more and more powerful, and now that employees or group members have access to such gadgets as web cameras and headsets, audio conferencing will continue to shift to this more economical way of conferencing.

Audio Conferencing Info provides detailed information about audio conferencing services, equipment, software, companies, plus online audio conferencing, and more. Audio Conferencing Info is affiliated with Original Content.

Phone Conferencing Solution

Writen by Alison Cole

Big corporate houses, small businesses and individuals all want a solution through which they can be in constant touch with the people anywhere in the world. The perfect answer to their needs is Phone Conferencing, which helps them to be in touch, whenever and wherever they want. Phone Conferencing has made the world smaller and has reduced the gaps between people. With the advent of this stupendous technology, communication has become much easier and more effective. Now in a matter of minutes you can be in touch with a person who is far away from your place.

There are two main Phone Conferencing Solutions. First is the reserved automated Phone Conferencing, in which you hold the Phone Conference without operator assistance. The user in this case is provided with a number and password that he can use for outgoing calls. The second Phone Conferencing Solution is operator-assisted; the operator greets you and briefs you about the conference agenda. Here you get the benefit of constant vigilance from the operator, as he makes sure there are no technical problems with the conference.

Phone Conferencing Solutions are equipped with many added features now. One of the most basic and popular features is the recording feature. This gives you the advantage of pausing, starting and resuming your Phone Conferencing. Yet another feature that helps the users is the mute feature. This is useful in case of an emergency, and can also obstruct background noise. This gives the users the chance to have an obstruction-free conference.

The popularity of Phone Conferencing as an answer to the communication problem has resulted in many new companies joining the bandwagon and providing services in this realm. Due to the number of companies providing Phone Conferencing Solutions, you can get this service at a very competitive rate that suits your budget. So if you want to take your presence to the global level and be in constant touch with your clients, opt for the Phone Conferencing Solution.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

The Benefits Of Using Conference Calling For The Psychotherapist

Writen by Tom Parker

Conference calling can save you time and money. For those who are psychotherapists, time is extremely important. Not only do you need the time to talk to your patience, but you need to confer with other doctors as well. Conference calling can do many things for you. You can find these benefits to make your job simpler, allowing you more time to make it profitable and beneficial to the patients. All the way around, conference calling is a great product to have. Here are some of its benefits to the psychotherapist.

First of all, conference calling can lock you into a conversation with many people. This means that you can plug in several associates or even a group of patients for a group session. Assuming that you use it in this way, you are saving yourself quite a bit of time and expense, but you are also getting a one on one experience to all of those individuals included.

Consider the cost savings. If you need to have even just one secretary sitting into a meeting, you are paying too much. With conference calling, you save money because you can have the call recorded.

If you need to use group therapy with your patients, consider using conference calling. Of course, many individuals will prefer that they can listen into a conversation and not have to have others see who they actually are. This can help people to open up, to divulge what they need to and to begin to heal with your direction. Because everyone has the ability to communicate with everyone else, they may just feel more comfortable doing so without having to face the person directly.

Using Conference Calling

Using conference calling in your profession can be quite easy. You can talk to a group of people from the same area, from the same state or even across the world. This makes it easy to get a group of doctors together to talk about an issue. It helps to bring together people from across the country for the same cause. And, it is time and money saving to you by cutting your costs considerably.

Are you concerned that it will be too expensive? Concerned with it being too hard to use? If so, you do not need to worry. All the individual calling into the call will need to do is call a specific number and enter a code that you provide to them. It is that easy. They can then talk to you, talk to others on the call or simply listen. Virtually anyone from around the world can be included. Lastly, conference calling for the psychotherapist is quite affordably priced. For even those on a limited budget, it can be easy to afford. It is much less expensive than having to travel from place to place or paying fees for a meeting room. Conference calling is a great tool for any psychotherapist to use in their daily practice!

Tom Parker has put together a website to help people who want to have a conference call and made it affordable for everyone! http://www.affordableconferencing.com is your place for reliable, affordable, reservationless teleconference lines for easy hosting. Go and check out the rates and get your conference started today! http://www.affordableconferencing.com

How Video Conferencing Works Multimedia Interactive Communication Across The Miles

Writen by Lucy P. Roberts

You may think you understand video conferencing pretty well until someone who isn't at all familiar with it approaches you for a simple definition. When they ask, "What exactly is video conferencing?" you could suddenly realize you're at a loss for words.

The simplest definition of how video conferencing works is simply by the integration of video, audio and peripherals to enable two or more people to communicate simultaneously over some type of telecommunications lines. In other words, you are transmitting synchronized images and verbal communications between two or more locations in lieu of them being in the same room. How video conferencing works is a little bit harder to explain than answering the question, "What is video conferencing?"

Millions of people use video conferencing every day around the globe, but very few people know just how the technical aspects of the process work. The main ingredients of successful video conferencing are video cameras, microphones, appropriate computer software and computer equipment and peripherals that will integrate with the transmission lines to relay the information.

The analog information recorded by the microphones and cameras is broken down into discreet units, translating it to ones and zeros. A Codec encodes the information to a digital signal that can then be transmitted to a codec at the other end, which will retranslate these digital signals back into analog video images and audio sounds.

The theory's the same, the transmission has changed

In the earlier days of video conferencing, T1, ATM and ISDN lines were used almost exclusively but were really only practical for room-based video conferencing systems. These dedicated lines were expensive and only large corporations tended to have the facilities and money to invest in this type of set-up.

As the Internet became more a part of the everyday lives of all businesses, however, it changed how video conferencing was conducted. The TCP/IP connections of the Internet are much less expensive and can carry large quantities of information, including video packets for conferencing, relatively easily. Because of this, video conferencing has become much more prevalent in small businesses and in desktop packages that can be set up with software for computer-to-computer networking.

Compression makes video transmission practical

The problem that arises when you convert analog to digital for transmission is the loss of clarity in an image. Analog signals are a continuous wave of amplitudes and frequencies showing shades and ranges of color as well as depth and brightness. When you convert to digital, which is strictly 0's and 1's, you then need to develop a grid to represent values, intensities and saturations of different color values so that the image can be interpreted and reformed at the receiving end.

This vast amount of digital information requires huge bandwidth and means that the time it would take to transmit video images would be impractical for most applications. That's where compression is crucial. When determining how video conferencing works, one of the most important elements is the compression ratio.

The higher the compression ratio, the more quickly the information is capable of being transmitted. In many cases, however, this also means some loss in clarity or audio/video quality. For instance, a compression ratio of 4:1 would be terribly slow but have a fantastic picture quality. But by the time it was transmitted, everyone at the other end would probably have left the room for a cup of coffee. Lossy compression discards unneeded or irrelevant sections of a signal in order to transmit only the essentials, speeding up the transmission time significantly but sometimes resulting in loss of quality.

Compression can either be intra-frame or inter-frame for material that is repetitive or redundant, such as that wall behind the conference participant. Since the wall remains static and never changes, this image is redundant and can be eliminated from transmissions to an extent with proper compression. Intra-frame compression assumes the redundancy will be present in parts of a frame that are close to each other. Inter-frame compression assumes that there is redundancy over time (i.e., like that wall). Either of these can achieve a fairly high degree of accuracy and reduce the bandwidth needed for transmittal of signals.

A newer version of compression/decompression is SightSpeed technology, developed by Cornell University. SightSpeed compresses only images considered essential and eliminating what is considered 'filler,' relying on the brain to fill in the decompression at the other end. Based on an artificial intelligence model, SightSpeed achieves compression of about 90:1, compared to the typical 15:1 for video conferencing.

Any video conferencing session you use will provide compression of the transmission signal. The key is determining the balance between speed and video picture quality that is right for your needs.

Point to point video conferencing

Point to point video conferencing is just what it sounds like – a link between two different points on the planet, or two different video conferencing terminals. It could be between an office in New York City and a conference room in Munich. Point to point video conferencing can easily be initiated by someone on one end contacting the other end as though making a standard telephone call. There are no special arrangements to be made other than knowing that the participants will be there.

Multipoint conferencing is more complex

Multipoint conferencing is more complicated because it has to coordinate several different locations simultaneously. Since you can't be in direct contact with several places at once while they are all in contact with others, you need one source that will tie them all together. In video conferencing, this is called a multipoint bridge or multipoint conferencing unit (MCU).

An MCU enables multi-location video conferencing by providing a sort of "central processing center" for all of the locations through which all the information flows. The MCU receives all information from the various locations and then sends it out to each location. In some cases the MCU is located on a particular PC, and in other cases it is located on a remote server (the most common structure, particularly for more powerful MCU networks).

Audio is usually sent and received simultaneously in all locations with an MCU with no problem because of the relatively small bandwidth needed for transmittal. It is broadcast in what is called "full duplex" mode, meaning everyone can talk and hear at the same time with no cutting off when one person or another speaks.

Video transmission, however, can be broadcast in a number of ways with an MCU depending upon the quality of the software and the complexity of the system. Some common types of video transmission for video conferencing include:

• Continuous Presence video conferencing, which allows up to four conference sites to be seen simultaneously on split screens. This is usually used if you have a small group or individuals in separate locations and will primarily be seeing close-up shots.
• Universal Control video conferencing is controlled by the initiating conference site. The primary site determines who sees what at all other sites.
• Voice Activated video conferencing is by far the most common type used today. The image with these systems shifts to the site that is currently activating the microphone so that you can always see whoever is speaking. However, if there is a good deal of background noise participants should mute their microphones when they aren't talking in order to avoid the image jumping about needlessly.

Overcoming the language barrier

Obviously, communicating through video conferencing can't be achieved unless both ends of the conference are "speaking the same language." That is, whatever is being transmitted electronically will need to be reassembled properly and heard and seen clearly at the other end. The Codec system (Coder-Decoder) is useless if both ends aren't using the same virtual language to interpret the signals.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) developed a set of standards in 1996 dubbed H.323 to outline specific guidelines for Video Conferencing standards and protocols so that compliance and support across networks would be easier to achieve and maintain. Since then, many manufacturers and developers of video conferencing tools have adopted the H.323 guidelines as their own.

Web conferencing solutions such as Click to Meet, Lotus's SameTime, and WebEx also offer corporate solutions that are based on Internet video conferencing. These systems have shared protocols that can be downloaded and used anywhere at any location for subscribers through the Internet. These are becoming more popular with companies who like the convenience and user-friendliness. They will no doubt become more and more refined over time, vying with and perhaps surpassing the H.323 standards.

Overcoming firewall issues

There are, of course, obstacles to overcome when you take a look at how video conferencing works. After all, you're sending vast amounts of translated data either directly or through a gatekeeper system (the MCU) that is switching and transferring information between a variety of computers. Just about any business these days has a firewall system to provide security and protect the system from potential viruses. Trouble is, many firewalls also block the transmission of data for video conferencing.

Recent innovations have largely circumvented these problems by designing firewall solutions that recognize video conferencing signaling requests and allow the information packets to bypass the firewall or router without disabling the firewall protection for other traffic. Even with this, however, there may be occasions when packets are dropped because of heavy traffic on the system, so investing in a firewall system that can handle substantial traffic is essential to quality video conferencing performance.

How video conferencing works will certainly evolve over time and improve in the coming years, but a basic understanding of what it is and how it works now will help you make the best choice for you when you're ready to begin using video conferencing yourself.

This article on the "How Video Conferencing Works" reprinted with permission.
Copyright © 2004 Evaluseek Publishing.

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About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about video conferencing, video teleconferencing, and desktop video conferencing. She has two dogs who are spoiled and one teenager who is not. She does her video conferencing in pink bunny slippers.

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Creative Uses Of Web Conferencing Part 1

Writen by Dan Richmond

Web conferencing has so far been used mostly in business-based applications. However when people start to realize that they can overcome all geographical barriers with online conferencing, then some really creative uses of this technology will begin to sprout in all areas of life.

In fact this is already happening and here are a few examples of how conferencing is making what was impossible yesterday, possible today.

When Nebraska resident Cindy Holsing found out that her two daughters would be graduating from two different colleges on the same day last spring she became depressed.

"My heart just sank," Holsing said. "I thought: It is what it is. We can't do anything about it." At first she thought that the best way she could "attend" both commencements would be to get video tapes of the ceremonies which she would watch together.

However, when she put in a request for a video tape to the Midland Lutheran College, one of the college's staff tried to find a better solution. He helped the Holsing family set up video web cameras at the two commencements and watch them through an online conferencing set-up that cost less than $100.

On graduation day, Mr. and Mrs. Hosing each went to one of the ceremonies and watched the other one on laptops which were logged onto a video conferencing link. Both parents and both girls were satisfied.

Attending a Wedding From Afar

A similar dilemma was faced by an ailing mother in Pittsburgh whose daughter was getting married in Florida. Monica Fournier, a cousin of the bride said, "When I realized that my cousin's mom in Pittsburgh, who is awaiting a lung transplant, could not attend her daughter's wedding in Florida I began to search for solutions."

"I had heard about video conferencing on the Internet, but had never tried it and had no idea if it could work for this occasion. It was a real stab in the dark!" Monica added.

On the wedding day, both the wedding ceremony and the video conference were successful and "my cousin was thrilled her mom could participate in her special day from hundreds of miles away," concluded Monica.

These are just two examples of how video conferencing can allow people to be in two places at the same time and to take part in important family events regardless of any obstacles.

As web and video conferencing become more popular, there will be lots more stories of this type. In the next article I will look at more ways how online conferencing is about to transform communications both at home and in the business place.

Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web & video conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more information, please call 818.783.4311 or Visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com.

Web Conferencing Software

Writen by Thomas Morva

With the increasing popularity of Web conferences, ICT departments of companies are now taking charge Web conferencing and ensuring standardization on single platforms. However, the jury is still out whether it is better to buy Web conferencing services or host the conferencing software application internally.

Using Web conferencing software and hosting the service internally has its own set of advantages. Web conferencing service providers usually price their services in terms of number of seats and charge for each conference and this can prove to be rather expensive in the long run. Although the initial costs for Web conferencing software may be high, the payback is quick if the number of Web conferences organized is large in terms of their frequency or the number of participants. Having its own Web conferencing software also allows the company to brand it with its own marketing messages so that anyone dialing in receives the marketing communication.

The main disadvantage of hosting the service internally is that the company has to continually keep track of the latest technological developments and keep upgrading the software. It is prudent to opt for a total cost of ownership analysis before making any kind of purchase decision.

While purchasing Web conferencing software a few important factors can have a significant bearing on costs. It is important to specify exactly what users' conferencing requirements are. Cutting down on bells and whistles, which are not really being used, can help in reducing costs significantly.

An ideal approach could be to begin with a Web conferencing solution available in both externally hosted and internally hosted versions, so that customers who wish to initially use the services of an external conference service provider, and then migrate the conferencing software over time to on-site, can do so without user and IT training.

Web Conferencing provides detailed information on Web Conferencing, Web Conferencing Services, Web Conferencing Software, Web Conferencing Solutions and more. Web Conferencing is affiliated with Live Web Cam.

Web Conferencing Finding A Service Provider That Meets Your Needs

Writen by Mike Spencer

With the vast amount of service providers that are available today, it's not always easy to find the one that best fills the bill for your particular web conferencing needs. Each one claims to be the biggest, best or least expensive, and all will try to convince you that their particular plan is the one that makes the most sense for your business. Sometimes you'll be the victim of a hard sell by those who are skilled in the art of diverting the attention away from your questions and, before you know it, the focus is on a set of features that you may have no use for at all.

In other cases, there are hidden fees that are peppered throughout the contract which you might not readily notice until you've fallen into the buy-in trap. How, then, are you supposed to find the best service provider to handle your web conferencing? Here are some handy tips that you should keep in mind when you go shopping for such services.

Multiple Location Participants – If you have key people in distant lands that will need to come into the web conferencing loop, remember to keep this in mind when shopping for a web conferencing package. If a service provider attempts to impose strict limitations on this type of scenario, then this isn't the one for you.

Compare Prices – Since most web conferencing providers utilize the same software or equipment from the same manufacturers, it stands to reason that the pricing structures should be similar. If one or more of them come in way above the mark, this should tell you something about the integrity of the company. In short, move on to another provider.

Review Pricing Plans – Though many providers require to be paid on a rate-per-person schedule, there are those who will offer the same web conferencing services for a flat rate. This is ideal for companies with a number of participants. If you're given the option of paying a flat monthly fee for unlimited web conferences, so much the better.

Investigate the Features Being Offered – Whether your needs include online presentations that don't need to be interactive, or interactive online meetings/webinars, the right service provider can meet those needs. Check to see what other features are offered, as well, before committing to making a decision.

Many companies, for instance, have the need for features such as multiple presenters, polling and surveys, desktop remote control, live video, online chat with questions and answers, documentation presentation, application sharing, record and playback features and browser sharing. Service providers who don't offer any of these commonly used features should be put aside in favor of those who are less technologically challenged.

The best approach to taken when shopping for a web conferencing service provider is to go armed with a list of relevant questions and a detailed description of which features are pertinent to your business. Keeping in mind that you may have to investigate a number of providers in order to find the one that best suits your needs, exercise patience and don't be too quick to jump on the web conferencing bandwagon by choosing one that's simply popular or has the catchiest advertisements. There are plenty of good providers out there – it's just a matter of finding the one that has what you need, for the best possible price.

Copyright 2005 Octocat Ltd

Mike Spencer reviews various business services to help small and home office businesses get the best value for money in communicating with the outside world. Read more about Mikes reviews by his visiting his website here: http://www.web-conference-reviews.com

Audio Conferencing

Writen by Alison Cole

These days, when businesses are going global and everyone wants to have a cutting edge over their rivals, Audio Conferencing is very useful. Due to this technology, people can now communicate with clients situated anywhere in the world. Audio Conferencing is generally used to hold group meetings or live presentations through audio channels. The Audio Conferencing can be conducted with the conference function in a PBX or multiline telephone. A number of geographically separated parties can come together for a discussion anytime and anywhere, with the Audio Conferencing system.

Audio Conferencing has proved to be a boon for big corporate houses and small and upcoming businesses. This helps them to be in constant touch with their clients and with their employees in different branches. Millions of companies are currently utilizing this Audio Conferencing, as it keeps them abreast of changes. With Audio Conferencing becoming all the rage, the key is to find the right service. These days the market is flooded with service providers offering various facilities and options, but the key is to do research before choosing a service provider. Voice quality is the prime consideration in Audio Conferencing as weak or uneven voice levels, noise or disturbance can hamper your business.

Audio Conferencing usually costs between 5 to 30 cents per minute, largely depending upon the features and facilities selected by the consumer. It is of prime importance to utilize an Audio Conferencing service that makes use of reliable and technologically advanced hardware and software. It can be very frustrating and annoying to have technical defects amidst an important Audio Conference. The best aspect of using Audio Conferencing is that it helps in improving and raising the standards of the organization of the employees. So if you're looking for real boost in profits and want to capture the big corporate fish, then Audio Conferencing is for you.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

Directory For Cheap Conference Calling Dont Be Greedy

Writen by Roy Copeland

The most basic form of the teleconference, and one that is probably shared by at least 90% no more of all the teleconferencing services on the market today incorporate some degree of audio and the main delineation would probably be the quality of the audio.

The quality of the audio as well as the capacity for how many numbers of individuals It can support at any given time is dependent on the quality of the connection settings of the conference call members. For instance, if someone has a T1 line, versus someone who uses a 28.8 baud modem- there will be inconsistencies in the quality relative to each of the conference calling members.

However with the latest developments in the telecommunications industry, and more specifically with and teleconferencing supplies and equipment, this issue is being addressed more and more so that there can be more uniformity as well as an overall increase in noticeable audio quality across all the conference services.

Okay so now that you have a bit of background on the types of basic teleconferencing technologies available. Let's play with some scenarios. Okay, so let's say that you have made a decision to go with something more audio or graphic in nature. In that case, you might want to decide and check out to see if you have the appropriate third-party software such as PowerPoint and other types of word processing and document processing software packages.

Once you've determined whether you have that you must decide whether your employees or your executives will actually spend the time to actually use audio graphic presentations in the lions share of their teleconference sessions because if you think about it if you aren't going to use a lot of the audio graphic type tools like PowerPoint, and things of that nature than what's the point really if all you want to do is just touch base once in a while just to check on progress?

A directory for cheap conference calling will help you shop around (http://www.totalteleconference.com/) and find out what features you need and what you can save up on.

Conference Call Services

Writen by Eddie Tobey

Businesses today are growing at an exponential rate, and business operations have become global. There is a pressing need for you to stay in constant touch at all times. Conference calling is one such revolution in the communications industry. Through conferencing, participants can share live, two-way exchange of information. Conference calling services connects people without investing in expensive equipment.

There are essentially two types of conference calling services available: reservationless service and operator-assisted service. Reservationless service is idyllic for your everyday business needs. It provides conferencing 24-7 without making a reservation or depending upon the operator. It's a toll-free, pay-per-use conferencing service. It's easy and quick; just give the invitees the date, time, toll-free call-in number and entry codes. Many pre-selected services offered by the conference call company are used by an operator-assisted conference call. Operator-assisted conferencing can come in handy when your company needs extra help to manage large or important conference calls. It provides fully assisted conference support for large-scale conference calls of up to 2,500 participants.

These services help you better manage your conferencing budget. Many advanced features such as global dial-out, record and playback, security pass-codes, conference lock, group mute/unmute, roll call and more are available. Along with these regular services, conference call providers also provide various value added services like toll-free dial-in numbers, toll-free customer support, priority scheduling, recording, telephone playback of recorded conferences, download of recorded conferences, and conference transcription.

Conferencing services are affordable, as conference calling is generally priced per minute, per person. A 6-person, 45-minute call will typically run about $125. Customers with high calling volume can benefit from the flat rate monthly pricing offered by some services. Generally reasonably priced, conference calling services are available in pre-paid and by-the-minute rates. As the rates may vary greatly, check with different service providers to select one.

Such advances in communications and transportation have facilitated this move and have enabled companies to operate all over the world. Now, company representatives can travel equipped with business proposals and make connections from remote places.

Conference Call provides detailed information on Conference Call, Conference Call Services, Audio Conference Call, Conference Call Providers and more. Conference Call is affiliated with Cheap Conference Calling.

Video Conferencingthe Value Of

Writen by Leon Chaddock

Why should you have video conferencing? Is it worth the investment? There are many reasons why you should utilize video conferencing software. The simple fact is that it is quite reliable and quite handy. But, that is not usually enough to have you open your wallet. Yet, there are other reasons why this may be the next investment that you make for your business. Video conferencing is an excellent means of communication.

Besides being a very high quality way of communicating, it also opens the door to live, clear understandings of what is being said. There is little doubt that in a video conferencing situation that you will not know and understand just what the other person is saying. Your message is delivered with a full awareness of your means simply because seeing is believing. Yet, this too is only one reason to consider it.

Video conferencing is also very capable of connecting you with other establishments. If you can not manage your company in one place because you are managing it someplace else, video conferencing can keep you connected. By doing this, you can effectively be in two places at once.

There are excellent quality video conferencing systems out there. Many of them are well worth the dollars that they cost. And, because technology continues to grow, you'll find that prices for video conferencing will become more competitive. It is the way of the future. Is your company in the future? Using video conferencing can help to insure that it is there.

We highly recommend bringing your company up to date and to use this pioneering technology. It doesn't need to be expensive, or difficult to set up if you contact specialists in this area. There are many information portals now devoted to the subject and we reading about it at one of these. Try googling for "video conferencing info" and you will be surprised by the abundance of information on the subject.

For more information please see http://www.video-conferencing-info.co.uk My video conferencing site

4 Reasons You Should Make Webconferencing Part Of Your Business Today

Writen by Richard Martin

1) It is cheap. The prices on webconferencing services have come way down in recent years. What used to cost literally hundreds of dollars has since deflated down to extremely affordable prices. Snoop around the web and you will find that decent webconferencing services can be had for as little as $20 per month. Buyer beware should be the rule as usual but this stuff isn't only for $100 million dollar businesses anymore.

2) The productivity boom. Webconferencing can drive your business to be more productive. No doubt. More than half of my day used to be wasted going to and from meetings. Cutting out just 15% of travel time can make a huge difference. Wouldn't you rather be doing something else besides waiting to go to meetings? Webconferencing can significantly cut down on your wasted time and can help your business become more profitable also.

3) The technology is there. The technology has piggybacked the broadband revolution. What used to be choppy video in a 3 inch by 4 inch square has turned fully interactive, multiuser, and full screen. Webconferencing is big, stable, and enjoyable. This part of the internet has come a long way since 1999.

4) Webconferencing is good for environment. Another bonus is that webconferencing allows you to save commuting time and therefore we use less fossil fuels. Everyone could deal with less global warming. The computer time used to webconference must be amortized in here somewhere as making and running a computer isn't exactly fantastic for the environment. However, the few hours it takes to webconference surely outweigh the environmental damage that 5 people running their cars does to our planet.

Check out webconferencing. You'll be amazed how far it's come and how far you could go with it!

Richard Martin is a contributing writer at http://www.LegalClips.com LegalClips.com has Vioxx and injury lawyer articles. This article may not be altered and links must be kept live.

Virtual Humans In A Virtual Real World

Writen by Ken Rigby

Virtual Real Worlds define a new interface for networked multimedia applications. The experience of 'being there' in the Virtual Real World is a necessary requirement for collaborative activities involving multiple remote users working with social interactions. Using virtual actors within the virtual environment is necessary to for the feeling of 'being there'.

Software technology and the increasing performance of hardware and networks enable the establishment of more and more complex interfaces for networked multimedia applications. A networked Virtual Real World provides a natural shared environment, by supporting interactive human collaboration and integrating different media in real-time in a 3D surrounding. Its strength comes from the fact that it aids awareness of and interaction with other users; and it also provides an appropriate mechanism for interaction with the environment by aiding the visual and audio mechanisms for information sharing and protection.

Team MellaniuM has developed a system which supports a networked shared virtual environment (Virtual Real World) that allows multiple users to interact with each other in real time. 3D virtual human actors can represent the users, to serve as agents to interact with the environment and other agents. The agents will be of similar appearance and will have a behavior similar to real humans, this will enable the sense of 'being there' to the users in the virtual real world.

The Virtual Real World will incorporate different media; namely sound, 3D models, facial interaction among users, images represented by textures mapped on 3D objects, and real time videos. Instead of different windows or applications for each medium, the Virtual Real World will integrate all tasks in a single 3D surrounding, therefore it provides a natural interface similar to the real world. The Virtual Real World will work as a general purpose stream, allowing the usage of various models for different applications.

Virtual Real Worlds are the new media by which we will all have to except in the future (resistance to change will be enormous). Those who choose not to accept change will be left behind. This new media will affect everyone and change the way we live; entailing changes to culture, working practices, entertainment, etc.

Ken has been working in this area since leaving the aerospace industry were knowledge is predominately 2D.

See Web site http://mellanium.com/ for more information.

Latest Teleconferencing News You Can Use

Writen by Roy Copeland

In the fast-growing industry of telecommunications, teleconferencing has become a staple of the way we do business as well as a way we keep in touch with those who matter to us the most.

It's no surprise therefore that with the advent of the Internet and with the increasing availability of digital devices, telecommunications and teleconferencing, specifically, has exploded the number of to keep touch, as well as to build rich communications and relationship with people regardless of where they are physically situated.

Just thinking about the technologies tying teleconferencing and telecommunications will boggle even the greatest of minds. What makes these interconnected technologies possible is a complex web of systems consisting of all sorts of technologies, processes, bureaucracies of people and exchanges etc. etc.

There are just so many different inputs into this vast web of technology that makes our lives so much more easier. And yet it's something that we take for granted every single day.

Teleconferencing has come a long way from simply being a specialized phone feature where you would dial into your host parties extension.

On the contrary, it is actually become a much more mature medium for communication supporting all sorts of data feeds, such as audio, video, and traditional telephone, telegraph radio and television and teletype related services.

As you can probably tell by now teleconferencing is a very complicated (behind the scenes) yet very user-friendly innovation. There is so much to be gained from using this for your business or for your home.

Let's say you're on vacation and you want to keep in touch your family from long-distance or if you need to visit your client from a remote site- teleconferencing certainly can bring you closer to the action, as it were.

Learn more about teleconferencing at our site, where you can find the latest teleconferencing technology news and services!

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Surveillance Hidden Bathroom Cameras

Writen by John Francis

It seems we are being spied on everywhere. When the world doesn't feel safe, schools and businesses revert to using electronic surveillance. Generally this consists of hidden cameras. Sometimes there are even hidden bathroom cameras.

Schools are using surveillance more and more frequently. This is supposed to help keep students safe. It also helps to solve crimes that have already occurred. Knowing cameras are there causes students to think before engaging in misbehavior.

Some parents also favor surveillance cameras in the schools. They think it keeps kids and teachers safer. Others view it as invasion of privacy. They are afraid that we will teach kids that monitoring their behavior is normal, that they should expect life to be like that. They think it adds a prison feel to the school.

Bad behavior can happen anywhere, including bathrooms. If cameras are everywhere but bathrooms, then bathrooms can become an unsafe environment as those who want to cause trouble at school do it the only place they can. School officials who use hidden bathroom cameras say that they are not used in showers or stalls. Hidden bathroom cameras aim at places like sinks and entrances. They are not placed in more private areas.

Surveillance is becoming common in other areas as well. Some businesses monitor their premises. Employees are left to wonder if the cameras are really intended to monitor them instead.

Department stores use monitoring equipment to assist with shoplifting prosecution. Shoppers know that there may be cameras in stores and don't mind this because they are made aware of it. What is more disturbing is that hidden cameras have been found in dressing rooms. In many states stores can place them wherever they want, making hidden bathroom cameras legal.

Perform an internet search for hidden bathroom cameras and you will find a number of pornography sites. These sites often claim to have hidden webcams in the bathrooms at various institutions. This means that your daughter, your wife, your mother, or even you could unknowingly appear on camera while in the bathroom stall while others online are watching. If you are inclined to patronize pornographic websites, remember that the ones offering hidden cameras could be hurting your loved ones.

Hidden bathroom cameras can serve a purpose if they are not in stalls or showers. If a business or school that is relatively safe uses them, one must question why. In the quest for safety, we are headed for a world of surveillance in our most private moments. Somehow we must balance our need for safety with our right to privacy. In America, we still have that right. Let's strive to keep it.

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Phone Conferencing

Writen by Alison Cole

Phone Conferencing is the best way to bridge the gap between two or more people who are geographically separated. Being the most widely available service, it makes it easy for you to set up a meeting and have a conversation. Nowadays, most of the corporate houses make use of this service, as this gives them a chance to be in constant touch with their existing as well as potential clients. It is a way for two people to talk to each other across vast distances. Realizing the benefits that accrue from Phone Conferencing, many of the small as well as medium-sized companies have also opted to have Phone Conferencing services in place.

The main reason behind the popularity of Phone Conferencing is that it cuts down on traveling costs and also helps you save valuable time. As technology is taking a leap, there have been new products and advancements in Phone Conferencing. Thus, it is possible to have both video Phone Conferencing and web Phone Conferencing. These new features have made Phone Conferencing an even better deal. Phone Conferencing can be done in two ways. The first one is the normal telephone conversation done in the traditional manner, albeit with a greater number of people conversing. The second way involves computer telephones with the help of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). While using this method, the user generally dons a microphone and the headset is plugged into a computer. The user's voice is transferred via the Internet to the destination.

Phone Conferencing promotes regular yet effective communication. These days, not only big corporate houses but also many NGOs and small firms are utilizing these services, thanks to their low cost and effectiveness. These days, Phone Conferencing comes with some additional features, like operator assistance, greeting calls and recording.

So if you're looking to make your presence felt amongst the colossal corporate world this service is a boon for you. And it won't be wrong to state that with evolving technology Phone Conferencing is becoming all the more customizable and user-friendly.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

Webcams Sciencefiction Becomes Reality

Writen by Jesse S. Somer

One of the most incredible inventions I've ever come across is the web cam and its process of video conferencing. This is just so futuristic I can't believe they really exist and are readily available to anyone with the Internet, speakers, and the right software. I'm not absolutely sure but doesn't this spell the end of telephones? Now we can have conversations with people on the other side of the world, and see their face moving as we hear them speaking live.

Picture this: You're an Antarctic explorer on a solo journey in the middle of the ice and snow on your way to the South Pole. The only living creatures around are the slippery penguins sliding around having fun. You're in your special tent keeping safe from the intense wind from the blizzard outside. As you boil up water on your portable stove you flip open your laptop (with battery recharger, broadband Internet, and in-built speakers) and connect with your family back in Russia. You can see their smiles as you hear them speak. What a magical connection!

Another great aspect of video conferencing is the fact that you can communicate with whole groups of people at once either through networking a group of computers or by form of broadcast. This is a huge step forward for both companies and for schools. I've heard corporations have saved a lot of money and time, and students are enjoying learning this way much more than from a textbook. Informed people can talk to classes and help them learn, where otherwise they wouldn't be able to because of time and distance restrictions. This is also a bonus for children who have different learning styles. E.G. The more visual types who understand better when they can see what they're working with.

Feasibly, a surgeon in Japan could watch an operation in Australia and even ask the doctor in progress questions about procedures. It's obvious that video conferencing will both help humans evolve further through the sharing of knowledge as well as keep loved ones more connected when they are far from home.

A lot of people who are either fascinated or obsessed with sex will also tell you about the benefits of this technology for their voyeuristic purposes, but I'm not going to go there. Science Fiction has once again turned to reality, and I hope we can truly make the most of this invention created by humans who wish to make society a better place.

About The Author

Jesse Somer is a simple human being sharing his newfound knowledge about the changing world we live, which is being achieved through the power of the Internet; http://www.m6.net

How To Choose Videoconference Carts

Writen by Jon Butt

Are you tired of looking for good quality videoconference carts? What are they, you ask? There is really no need to explain video conferencing carts – they are furniture built to hold video conferencing equipment. Video conferencing carts come in a variety of designs to suit different purposes.

Surprisingly, there is nothing special about their construction. At times, they even look like ordinary shelves or cabinets with wheels.

Video Conferencing Carts - Go By Function

Choose a video conferencing cart that's suitable for your needs. Video conferencing cabinets are a common and cheap alternative. They are similar to TV cabinets. The glass doors help keep your video conferencing equipment free from dust. The small size also makes it extremely portable, good when you have to drag it across rooms.

If you need to show video to a larger audience, only a tall video conference cart will do. These tall video conferencing carts are usually similar to video conferencing cabinets, except that the vertical support bars can be adjusted very high.

If you need a sturdier piece of equipment, choose a video conferencing cart with an all-steel construction. Video security cabinets with monitor enclosures can be a great investment, too. These large carts are often bulky and made of high-grade materials that will last for a very long time. If you need a versatile cart, you can choose a multi-purpose cart that can serve as a monitor and projector stand.

When making the purchase, be sure to inspect the item thoroughly. Check the wheels to make sure that they glide smoothly. Make sure that the frame is durable and the vinyl or paint covering is made well. Finally, ensure that the height is appropriate. A short one will not do and it is preferable to choose the tallest model available.

When the subject of conferencing is confusing so many, Jon Butt's site at http://www.conferencing-explained.com does exactly what it says on the tin. Explaining the facts and fiction about web, video, audio and teleconferencing, how this latest technology can save you money, the equipment you need or don't need, the best call plans and where to find the best prices and value online.

Conference Call

Writen by Eddie Tobey

A conference is an arranged meeting, consultation or discussion. A conference call is a call wherein three or more parties interact simultaneously. Modes of communication not only include telephones, but also video and web communication. Conference calls are widely used by companies to facilitate meetings or to distribute information. It's a cost-effective way to reduce travel expenses and stay connected to one's counterparts all over the globe.

There are two basic types of conferencing: MeetMe conferencing, in which each participant dials one number, and Ad Hoc conferencing, in which a moderator calls each participant. In recent times, conference calls have become very advanced and user-friendly. The conference call can be designed to allow the dialed party to talk during the call, or the call may be set up so that the called party can listen into the call but cannot speak.

Conference calls connect people through a conference bridge, which is basically a server that acts like a telephone and can answer multiple calls at the same time. Companies using Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones can also host conference calls themselves if the VoIP software supports them.

Businesses use conference calls the most. Banks and brokerages frequently use conference calls for the mass distribution of status reports. Conference calls are used by many businesses to facilitate communication between coworkers. Conference calls are also used to report quarterly results.

Conference calls can also be used for entertainment or recreational purposes, such as the party line in which people can call in to a specified telephone number to talk to others and perhaps subsequently meet new people.

Thus, conference calls not only help businesses network without any constraints, but are also cost-effective. Conference calling is now utilized regularly by millions of businesses for a variety of reasons. It's made life easier by enabling meetings without the constraints of distance and time.

Conference Call provides detailed information on Conference Call, Conference Call Services, Audio Conference Call, Conference Call Providers and more. Conference Call is affiliated with Cheap Conference Calling.

The Future Of Thought Swapping

Writen by Lance Winslow

In the future we will be able to have small chips in our brains and which will work like cell phones, but without the inherent flaws. You will not have to carry them around or worry about dropping them into the toilet.

Arthur C. Clarke in one of his short stories discussed this possibility and we are nearly here. As we get better at mapping the brain and understanding the nature of thoughts and the visual parts of the brain, thought swapping will be considered an obvious step. Will computers become smarter than humans? Well, computers and humans will be one in this case, so we will be equal. Instead of the preverbal file swapping or file sharing, you will be thought swapping. The future is closer than you think, have you considered this? It will be incredible in that you can swap the thoughts, emotions or experience of some one doing an extreme sport, such as jumping off a bridge with a parachute. People will sell these experiences and the VR world will literally be in your head.

For a species which studies other species which use ELF to communicate, use radar and sound to navigate, use all sorts of interesting methods to identify and protect themselves finally we will go beyond the communication skills which are made through the larynx. Even beyond the pseudo science of paranormal attributes, which are innate within us but have not been used or developed for centuries. What an incredible leap of mankind. Is mankind ready for these new opportunities and horizons. Will we use this for the positive? The negative. It may well depend on our ability to allow the flow of thought, while simultaneously allowing a private place in our minds which will not be shared, that which makes us ourselves. In other words we will once again get back to the tribe, society, which currently we are drifting from. We are social animals no doubt and we derive happiness from that sense of belonging. It is an innate tendency. Sharing thoughts and ideas allows for this. It delivers to the human race a completeness, a oneness, while maintaining the individual.

Lance Winslow