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Exploring Videoconferencing
This article will explore the issues of videoconferencing from costs, efficiency, ease of use, and whether of not videoconferencing is right for you.
The System
The basic videoconferencing unit requires a camera, monitor, a codec (coder-decoder), a microphone and an ISDN or LAN/WAN line. Depending on the system, your unit may include all of the requirements minus the ISDN/LAN/WAN line, such as the Sony PCS-1600 that is an all-inclusive package. Systems like the PCS-1600 allow for videoconferencing point to point, point to multipoint, and/ or multipoint to multipoint.
Cost
Systems run from approximately $3995 to $8995 depending on whether you need a point to point or multi-point system.
Ease of Use
Most systems are straightforward. The PCS-1600, for example, is controlled through remote control, allowing freedom for the presenter. Through hitting the menu button and going to a second screen one can pull lists of programmed numbers or enter a new number and save it for future use. Then by selecting the call now button the videoconference can begin between two to four locations. When using all PCS-1600 units and Sony monitors the unit and monitor turn on at the location being called to alert the other end that the videoconference has begun. You can also upload and control power point presentations on the PCS-1600 during the conference with the remote control- no need to find a computer for the conference. Ending the videoconference is just as easy by selecting the end conference button from the menu.
Features
Videoconferencing can be used anywhere without any special lighting or electrical connections.
Some systems like the Sony PCS-1600 have memory card slots to upload your power point presentations and are easily controlled by PCS-1600 remote.
The PCS-1600 has microphone options that allow for speakers to hit their microphone button and the camera, after having been programmed to the microphone location, will zoom in and focus on them. There is also an executive microphone that allows the main speaker or executive to override and take command of the floor.
Facts
Decisions are made faster, and more effectively, when videoconferencing is used.
Companies loose fewer man-hours with videoconferencing because there is no down time due to waiting for a flight, flying, and other travel related inconveniences that cost time and money.
In less than 60 seconds you can have a face to face to meeting with anyone, anywhere without having to leave the office.
In trying to decide if videoconferencing right for your company ask these questions?
How often do members of your company have to fly to meet with clients and /or associates at remote locations?
Do last minute meetings come up that require quick resolution by a number of people?
Has your budget been cut making face to face meetings harder to accomplish?
Do you want a faster, easier, and less expensive way to conduct meetings at remote locations?
Videoconferencing is one of the easiest, fastest, and cost-effective ways to conduct remote meetings and stay in touch with people all over the world.
If you have any questions regarding this article or would like to schedule a videoconferencing demonstration, please call the VMI office closest to your location, or email sales@vmivideo.com with your request (please include the article name, and your contact information). We welcome the opportunity to be of service.
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