FAQ

What is videoconferencing?

Videoconferencing is an interactive meeting between two or more participants at different locations via a broadband network connection involving video and sound.

What is the difference between a videoconference and a teleconference?

A teleconference is simply a telephone call between more than two sites. A phone bridge is required to connect the multiple participants and typically involves line charges. A videoconference is a call between specific devices that allows for interactive audio and video. Videoconferences require special hardware at each location and can support multiple participating locations.

How does it work?

Each participant has a video camera, microphone, and speakers connected to their videoconferencing unit. A point-to-point conference involves two parties and is akin to a telephone call. As the two participants speak to one another, their voices and image are carried over the network and delivered on the remote end. A multipoint videoconference involves three or more locations and frequently requires a multipoint control unit (MCU).

Videoconferencing in its most basic form is the transmission of synchronized image (video) and speech (audio) back and forth between two or more physically separate locations simulating an exchange as if the participants were in the same physical conversation.

What is needed to videoconference?

The required elements for a successful videoconference are a broadband Internet connection or alternative connection method, a codec (videoconferencing unit) that could range from a desktop model to a room installation, and remote participants that meet the same requirements. An MCU may be required for a multiple participant conference.

Is videoconferencing difficult to use?

As with any technology there is an underlying technical side that can be very complicated. With the proper equipment, connectivity, and technical support, a videoconference should be no more difficult than carrying on a conversation with someone in the same room.

What is the quality like?

Quality varies primarily with the type and speed of connection you are using. A 384kbps call is commonly considered the minimum speed for a quality conference. The more bandwidth that is available for a videoconference, the better that quality.

Are there different types of videoconference technologies that I can use?

In addition to the many different manufacturers of videoconferencing hardware, there are several different connection methods that may be used. The three most common are addressed below. H.323, or IP, allows for videoconferencing over the Internet without any special requirements over your existing connectivity. ISDN is based on telephone lines and has limited bandwidth. ATM utilizes an alternative protocol for transferring information over a network.