Monday, August 11, 2008

Audio Visual

Writen by Jimmy Sturo

In this day and age, you need to use audiovisual media to get attention. Whether you are creating a simple presentation or a full on advertising campaign, knowing what audiovisual media are and how to maximize them to serve your needs will definitely make you stand out.

What exactly does the term "audiovisual" mean? You see audiovisual technology at work everywhere – in entertainment, in school, in corporate presentations, etc. The term "audiovisual" actually refers to the technology of combing visual output (such as a moving video, a photograph, or slides) with sound for the purpose of conveying information and ideas. Also called "multimedia output," audiovisual presentations have taken many forms and are continuously evolving as technology progresses. It is mostly used in advertising, entertainment, and, on a smaller scale, in educational training programs and group presentations. It has also found its way into contemporary art. A visit to a contemporary art museum will show you that it's not uncommon anymore to see talking paintings or short video clips with sounds on display.

There are advantages to using audiovisual media. Audiovisual presentations appeal to two of the most-used senses – sight and hearing – to produce the best effect on the audience. Unlike "passive" information media such as purely visual aids (like photographs or charts) or purely auditory channels (like voiceovers), audiovisual presentations give emphasis, clarify and reinforce messages, multiply the audience's understanding of the information being presented, and generate more interest.

In most cases, the use of audiovisual media creates more impact than other forms. Studies show that audiovisual presentations, when well done, increase audience retention. Average people generally remember what they both see and hear, as opposed to what they only see or only hear. In fact, people retain only ten percent of information from an oral presentation, only thirty-five percent from a visual presentation, but a staggering sixty-five percent from an audiovisual presentation.

Audio Visual provides detailed information on Audio Visual, Audio Visual Equipment, Audio Visual Rentals, Audio Visual Presentations and more. Audio Visual is affiliated with Alpha Numeric Pagers.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Tips On Planning A Successful Video Conference

Writen by Tim Gorman

Planning a successful video conference can actually be harder then it sounds. There are several key factors you want to make sure and get right or your conference could become a total nightmare. This short article gives several tips on making sure you succeed with your next video conference.

Nobody likes long-winded meetings and video conferences are no different. Always plan your conferences to last no longer then 1 or 2 hours long. Longer sessions will leave participants tired and bored.

Make sure you prepare an agenda before the event. Double check to make sure you have all of your graphic aids, teaching materials and any other important or relevant materials on hand. Prepare a suitable seating arrangement and ensure that nameplates or tags (if you use them) are clearly legible and nothing is misspelled.

Try to plan your video conference as far in advance as possible. Make sure you do the necessary coordination with your company's IT department for any support you may need in order for your conference to be a success. If your dealing with an overseas location early preparation and coordination is vital to your success.

Attend all test sessions to make sure that your video link is clearly working properly. Use this time to also familiarize yourself with the equipment that will be used during the session. Hand any and all materials for transmission to the video conferencing site technician at least two days in advance so that he/she can get familiar with it. For optimum readability, use large and clear fonts. Use a wide margin, as the sides will be slightly cut off on screen. Keep to the landscape format, with simple pictures and few words.

Prepare a list of questions and answers prior to the conference in order to keep the session flowing in a smooth, quick manner. Arrange for participants to assemble at the video conferencing venue 10 minutes before the session begins so that you will have time to hand out all materials.

Some final tips include:

· Dress appropriately

· Arrive 15 minutes early to spot any last minute glitches

· Avoid wearing intense colored cloths to include all-light or all-dark clothing

· Avoid distracting gestures during the conference to include finger tapping and facial expression

· Test the microphones to be used during the conference in order to find any that may have flaws.

A successful video conference can be done all it requires is an attention to detail prior to and leading up to the minute the conference actually starts. Spend the necessary time needed to do the things this article outlines and you'll have everyone talking about how professional you are when it comes to setting up a video conference.

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Best-Free-Insurance-Quotes.com. He provides insurance information and offers discount auto, life and home insurance that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Other websites operated by Tim

Cellular-Phone-Solutions.com - Free information and resources regarding cell phones and cell phone plans.

Military-Loans-Online.com – Which provides free money saving loan quotes on all of your loan needs to include home equity loan information.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

New Service Utilizes Videoconferencing For Easy Access To London Academic Expertise

Writen by Stas Spector

An innovative service, launched in March 2005 enables educational institutions and corporate organizations worldwide to access the immense pool of academic and professional expertise concentrated in London, UK via videoconferencing.

Today, many US and European universities resort to opening and maintaining campuses in London, one of the most expensive cities in the world, to enable their students access to the wealth of experiences and teaching resources that the city offers.

In business, the advantages of professional and executive education are undermined by the significant travel and living costs combined with the prolonged absence of key employees from the work place.

According to the research conducted by the British Council, in fast developing economies like China and India the demand for highly experienced tutors and lecturers critically exceeds supply, affecting the realization of economic development to its full potential.

Teaching quality has also been a major concern. UNESCO states that "Faced with an unprecedented teacher shortage, some countries are now turning to low-paid, poorly trained teachers."

Addressing these issues, BridgesEducation (www.bridgeseducation.org) uses videoconferencing to deliver a wide range of lectures, seminars and programs designed and presented by hundreds of high-profile speakers from leading UK universities, research centers and companies.

This system not only ensures high academic standards, but also offers clear financial benefits. "It's a win-win situation," says Kemi Pearce from the Advisory Centre for Education, "We avoid costly travel, hotels and living expenses whilst we retain the energy and interactivity of live delivery."

Many in education have experienced videoconferencing in the past with different levels of success, resulting in hundreds of unused facilities on campuses around the world. But the technology has come a long way since it was introduced in the early 90s. Today it is not only much more affordable, reliable and interactive; it also offers features such as computer presentations, online broadcast and audience participation from multiple locations at one time.

Michelle Grant, development officer at BridgesEducation, is optimistic about global access to high quality tuition. "At present a few major centers offer a considerable proportion of academic and professional expertise. Now, with the help of technology, the location will become less and less relevant."

It may take time for traditional education providers to realize the power of technology to its full potential, but by using videoconferencing as its main method of delivery, BridgesEducation marks the beginning of a new era.

Stas Spector is a specialist in distance learning technology at the Advisory Centre for Education in London.

Friday, August 8, 2008

How To Give Your Small Business A Competitive Advantage

Writen by Jenni Baty

Today's small businesses face an uphill struggle. In addition to being in an intensely competitive marketplace, businesses must confront obstacles that larger firms don't face, including a lack of financial resources, an increased need for visibility, a lack of brand recognition, and a shortage of qualified sales people. To compensate, small businesses must find a way to ratchet up their marketing communications programs.

What small businesses need is a dynamic, cost-effective way of marketing products and services, one that helps them battle competitors and capture market share. Enter the new contender in the marketing arena - video communications. Simple and easy to use, video communications, which includes video email, video on demand and video broadcasting, is helping to level the playing field for a growing number of small businesses. In fact businesses that have integrated video into their marketing strategies have reported a 300%-400% increase in responsiveness to their marketing message.

Video communications represents the next wave of marketing communications. It's so powerful it's revamping the way businesses communicate with customers and each other. With video communications, buyers can see that you stand behind your product and/or service. They also can relate to you as a person. And because they can SEE and HEAR you, they can connect with you on more than one level, creating credibility, excitement, and most importantly of all, trust.

Video communications also helps small business challenge companies with bigger marketing budgets, large sales forces, or better brand recognition, without the need for a large financial investment and it helps businesses distinguish themselves from the competition by promoting their unique selling proposition through a medium with the impact of television

Video communications is Ideal for both on and off line businesses, consultants, and professional services. Simple and easy to use, video communications puts a human touch back into the process of communicating with consumers, enabling sales reps, consultants, and professionals to generate "face time" with consumers, clients, and businesses without spending a great deal of time and money. In fact from just a few dollars a week businesses can integrate the power of video technology into their current marketing strategies.

Video communications offers numerous advantages over main stream marketing. In addition to increasing visibility and adding a personal touch to your e-mails and Web sites, video communications:

• generates qualified sales leads
• increases brand recognition
• provides uniformity of messages
• establishes credibility with customers
• generates higher retention rates
• shortens sales cycles
• increases click-through rates
• improves sales conversion figures

Video communications super-charges sales and profits with minimal cost and effort. And thanks to its effectiveness it's growing increasingly popular with small businesses that are looking for a marketing edge. More important, it's ideal for today's time conscious and tech savvy consumers, whose interest in electronic devices, like ipods and mobile phones, continues to grow. As personal rich media goes mainstream, consumers will expect businesses to communicate this way. Those companies that don't will struggle to remain competative.

Copyright 2006 Jenni BATY

Article by Jenni Baty, author of "Boost Profits with Innovative Marketing – 10 ways Video Communications can drive your marketing" - pick-up your Free Video Marketing Report from http://www.communicatingsuccess.com