Video conferencing has been used since the 1970s and is designed to connect groups, rather than individuals, through a simultaneous audio and video connection. Each participant needs access to the internet as well as a webcam and screen, whether this is a computer, or via a plasma screen, and a microphone and set of speakers.
Video conferencing is easier what you might think of as using a video phone. It just means people in two or more places (different rooms, cities, or countries) can see and hear each other using microphones, cameras, speakers and a TV or computer screen. It works by sending the sound and picture from the microphone and camera over the phone lines or internet.
Types of video conferencing
There are two main types of video conferencing:
Point-to-point video conferencing is communicating in real time with any number of people who are in two different locations.
Multi-point video conferencing is communicating in real time with any number of people in three or more locations. Multi-point can save time and money. That means it is better then Point-to-point video conferencing.
Multi-point video conferencing is communicating in real time with any number of people in three or more locations. Multi-point can save time and money. That means it is better then Point-to-point video conferencing.
Uses of Video conferencing
Video conferencing can be used in a host of different environments, which is one of the reasons the technology is so popular. General uses for video conferencing include business meetings, educational training or instruction and collaboration among health officials or other representatives.
Benefits of video conferencing
- Video conferencing saves time
- Video conferencing saves money and you don`t have to use your credit to call to someone
- Video conferencing is better for the environment
- Video conferencing makes easier business relationships
- By using video conferencing you can contact to your friend or family in other places
Disadvantages of video conferencing
- ¨Main disadvantage is that unless you have very good IT and telephony support the technology often lets you down. However you get more used to dealing with the technicalities if more you do it.
- Time zones may be different if conferencing in different parts of the world
