|
|
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- The last time I participated in a videoconferencing session, I was told it was high definition, but as more people came into the multipoint, the worse the video got. Why did this occur? Is it common?
The quality of a videoconferencing session depends largely on two things: 1) Bandwidth/connectivity and 2) The videoconferencing system's "codec." (if you're unsure of what a codec is, see below). Make sure the codec is true high definition and uses minimal bit-stream buffering. (If you are not using our managed service and have an IT person on staff, consult them about your codec.) It's kind of like buying a high definition television, but the minute you get it home and plug it in, the picture is not high definition because the station is not broadcasting in high definition, so it doesn't work. Videoconferencing relies on a network that supports it. If the networking bandwidth is not large enough to support the audio and video of the teleconference, then the quality suffers. Each videoconferencing system has different requirements, and as long as each user has the hardware and software to meet those requirements and a network that supports the data transfer, you should have great quality audio and video.
- I keep hearing the word "codec." What is a codec?
Codec stands for "compression/decompression" or code/decode (codec). A codec is a device or program capable of encoding and/or decoding (compressing and/or decompressing) a digital stream or signal carrying audio/video data. You don't need to know the ins and outs of how it works. Codecs are very specialized. A well designed and well implemented codec is essential for high-quality videoconferencing.
- What's the minimum bandwidth I need for one of the smaller, more portable videoconferencing systems?
It depends on the system. Some videoconferencing equipment is more forgiving than others. The larger, more complex systems require large amounts of bandwidth, and if it's not there, the quality isn't either. On the other hand, some of the newer systems can operate at as low as 150bps and get by, but most equipment manufacturers specify a minimum of 394bps for a real-time synchronous end-to-end connection. Once again, it depends on the system and the software.
- We're a small business with about 100 employees, but we have three offices in the area. We're about 40 miles from one office and 60 miles from another (in the opposite direction). We've thought about videoconferencing, but we're just starting to become profitable and don't know if we could justify the cost. How do we analyze the cost/benefit ratio?
Sit down and take a look at how much time you spend driving from office to office, how many employees are making the trip and how often, and what their responsibilities are. Then calculate the cost in loss of productivity in the hours they spend on the road and how many times a week or month you meet. Calculate a dollar figures for the time you think you're losing and evaluate systems you can rent. It's almost certain you'll be able to justify renting or buying one of the newer, sophisticated HD solutions on the market. (As an aside, here at Face to Face Live, Inc.™, we offer a very convenient and affordable rental solution. For more information, contact our office or send us a message through our Request a Quote form.)
- I thought I'd figured out everything on being able to multi-point conference, but today I called my equipment manufacturer, and they said I'd have to set up my "bridging" company before we could connect. What is a "bridging" company?
Connecting two or more sites requires the use of a bridge -- a device that allows two or more networks to communicate over long distances. The bridging provider will need to have all your end point sites certified on the bridge. All that involves is a test call between the bridge and end point. They will then "certify" your site based upon whether your codec is IP or ISDN (most codecs are both) and whether they support dial-in and dial-out for both, which allows for maximum flexibility. A complete managed service will offer this free when you purchase or rent their product. Others might charge a per-port fee, a line fee, and a "participant" fee. Be sure to ask about all of the fees and requirements when you're looking for a bridging partner.
- We're doing a multi-point conference tomorrow, and I'm presenting a PowerPoint presentation. How will I know the other people will be able to see it and read it?
The rule of thumb is that a PowerPoint presentation should have no more than five lines of print on each screen, and no more than five words per line. Because you don't know the size of the various monitors the other participants are using, this is a safe rule that will give almost everyone the ability to see and read the material.
- I was talking to a friend who said that as of March 1st, 2007, all HDTV monitors must have built-in tuners. If I'm using a monitor without a tuner, does that mean I can't do videoconferencing or that my video picture will be bad?
You don't have to worry about a tuner if you're just doing videoconferencing through the monitor. You need a tuner only if you're planning on using the monitor to view television broadcasts, as well. If you want to watch TV, and your monitor is not equipped with a tuner, you'll need to purchase an external tuner (or cable or satellite box) to watch high definition programming. External over-the-air HDTV tuners cost about $1,500.00.
- Can I use a whiteboard to draw some diagrams that other participants can see while I'm videoconferencing?
Yes, that's one of the beauties of videoconferencing. In the back of the codec are various input capabilities. You can connect your electronic whiteboard (if you have one), which will allow you to draw diagrams (and other things, too). It basically works like an overhead projector. Most codecs support various inputs such as a PC, a DVD, and a document reader.
- I keep hearing about collaborative learning and videoconferencing, and I don't know what collaborative learning is. Can you tell me?
Collaborative learning is an "umbrella" term for a variety of approaches in education that involve joint effort by students and teachers to engage one another in a common task or effort where everyone is accountable to one another. This can include anything from a writing project to designing an oil rig for the Gulf of Mexico. In videoconferencing, collaborative learning usually refers to application sharing (such as an Excel spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation), on-line chat, or taking a poll or survey. Collaborative learning is especially effective in education, training, and project development.
- I keep hearing about "VoIP." What is it?
VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol," which consists of using one's voice over the Internet or other packet switched networks to communicate. VoIP is also known as Peer-to-Peer (P2P) IP Telephony or Broadband telephony or phone. It's inexpensive and sometimes free depending on the service and is the technology for transmitting voice conversations via the Internet. Numerous successful companies today specialize in offering VoIP.
- I have a question that is not answered in this FAQ. What should I do?
Send us your question via our Support Contact Form, and we'll try our best to get you an answer right away!
|
