PC Video Conferencing - Using The Computer As A Conferencing Tool

One of the best and the latest technologies in the area of video conferencing is PC video conferencing. This is the most cost effective method of video conferencing as all one needs is a web cam and a microphone along with an internet connection. Unlike other systems where an entire unit has to be set up such as video output devices and cameras the PC video conferencing, also known as desktop video conferencing, brings video conferencing right into your homes. IT experts have been working round the clock to develop the best PC video conferencing software all over the globe. Everyone seems to claim that they have the most advanced PC video conferencing software ever developed. However, you can be the best judge of their claims.

PC video conferencing software was Lunched a few years ago and is better known as P2P video-conferencing technology that integrates text chat, screen and document sharing and full session recording while remaining extremely easy and simple to use even for the people who are first timers to PC video conferencing. This Windows based software can be adapted to other operating systems such as Linux and Macs. Though PC video conferencing software is developed for few large and very prestigious corporations it is available for the large consumer market as well.

It is falsely believed by the man in the street that if PC video conferencing software doesn't strike home fast and get a footing in the domestic market or gets new some funding from the government you won't be able to buy PC video conferencing software for your own private use. But here is where they are all wrong. PC video conferencing software is available free for download on many sites on the Internet. PC video conferencing software is becoming so common that even the students in school are using it every day from out of cyber cafés and even their own personal PC’s at home.

PC video conferencing software is a browser-based video conferencing application that requires a simple installation via an Internet Explorer active-X plug-in or a FireFox extension. If you don't have the PC video conferencing software installed on your PC you can do so by going to the more popular sites such as Yahoo and Google or Skype and download their free versions of the PC video conferencing software. The downloading and installation is fully automated and you just have to sit back and watch the computer do it’s work. Once you have installed the software and are connected to the Internet you can take part in any PC video conferencing program on the Internet, of course you have to have access to the conference with a username or password.

Once launched the PC video conferencing software is very compact and simple to use. The few and simple controls PC video conferencing requires you to know are all easily accessible from the screen of the video window and they allow the user to freeze the video, mute the microphone or to access a simple menu containing access to the other key features of PC video conferencing.

Shakir A. is writer an independent writer on Internet marketing, Online Video Advertising, Video Conferencing and it's happenings in Internet industry. More Details for Video Conferencing at http://www.tandberg.com

Internet Video Conferencing Software - Advantages of Using Video Conference Software

While the number of video conferencing software that can be found online is huge, finding the best versions available isn't that easy. There are a number of options that you should take into consideration when you're looking for such a software.

If the number of persons you need to do a video conference with is small, than a normal software for Internet video conferencing will be enough. There are a number of options out there, with prices that vary quite a bit.

If you have a home business, you have video conferencing software that will fit your needs. The same goes if your business doesn't have that many employees or clients to conference with. All you need in this case is software and a webcam.

Your webcam is connected to your computer, which lets the others using the software see you, while you see them through their own webcam. Most of these video conferencing software such as MS communicator will have audio capability, but some of them will let you type the words instead, with the other person seeing what you write in real time.

If you have a home business, video conferencing software is perfect to solve all your needs, to save money and make the needed contacts with other people. There are software versions both for Windows and Mac, so you can talk to as many people as possible.

Do I have to pay for software?

Even if you don't have that much money to spend on software, you can probably find a free software for conferencing. In many cases, companies that produce video conferencing software will offer free versions for download, hoping that you will like it and decide to pay the price for the full version.

So, you can use these free versions to test different versions of software, get a feel of what they have to offer and later even decide to pay for one of them. Other companies that are new in the market will want as many new clients as possible, so they might be inclined to negotiate prices or even give away their services without asking for money in return.

But, if you want the absolute best video conferencing software, finding it for free isn't an option. You will need to pay for it, but the price can be huge, up to thousands of dollars.

If you want the absolute best video software that can be found, you might end up paying up to $10,000 for it.

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Origins of Video Conferencing

Has anyone thought on how Video conferencing came about to be what it is in the present time? Video conference started on the idea based upon the Television transmission. This is usually a one way output for the observer and no input from the viewers.

Then came the Video Teleconferencing technique which is based upon input and output from the users. The input and output is the sending and receiving of audio and video signals. The equipments used at the start of this method were: video cameras and screens; microphones with input and output facilities; speakers; and special transmission equipment for receiving and sending out signals at the location for the conference to take place.

When a conference would hold, all the members taking part would have to be present as a group in a room at the same time at each location. The signals sent and received were slow with low video conferencing definition.

This soon led to the introduction of wireless communication. The technology used for a Video Conferencing has now expanded gradually over time to make this a cost effective mode of communication.

With the introduction of the Internet, some companies are now offering ISDN and IP to make transmission fast and with high video conferencing definition. Without special equipments needed for conferencing, communication can not be carried out. So it is also necessary to find those companies that offer these special equipments. Video conferencing can now be carried out at one's desktop with the introduction of the latest technology.

One has to wonder, how much further technology can go; it seems endless.

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What to Look For in a Video Conferencing Facility

Any room in the office can become a video conferencing facility. This is because you only need the right hardware and software so people will be able to talk with other parties.

In terms of hardware, the video conferencing facility must have a camera. It should be able to record real time video at the same time produce real time output so you can immediately respond to questions and give comments.

You will also need a microphone so you can speak into this device and your message comes out through their speakers.

Voice and sound can only be compressed if you have a processor. There are many of them around so you just have to pick the right one that is compatible with the video conferencing software that you plan to install in your facility.

You will also need gateway which happens to be the network device that connects your network to the web. Some of those available have a firewall so again, it is up to you if you want get a system that has this feature.

If you don't want to buy the hardware mentioned separately, you can invest in an integrated video conferencing unit that already has the entire package.

Ideally, you should use the H323 version in the video conferencing facility. This is because of its compatibility with other systems.

For those who don't want to spend on a video conferencing facility, they can go to venues that offer this service. You have to make a reservation in advance so no one will take the slot that you wish to use.

Since most meetings do not take too long, many of these places charge by the hour. If you have to cancel or reschedule the meeting, you should call them at least 24 hours before so you will not be billed for the time that you reserved.

Places that have these video conferencing facilities include hotels, colleges and other training centers. You can look in the directory or online so you get to see how it looks like before using it as this place might just be your regular the next time you need to have another meeting.

The biggest benefit of having your own or going to a video conferencing facility is not having to spend on airfare and travel expenses just to attend a business meeting. This is as technology allows you to meet "virtually" with just about anybody wherever they are in the country or in the world.

As a result, other sectors have begun using this technology as well such as the justice department, schools and hospitals since this medium can have 5 to more than 50 people in attendance during a hearing, a meeting or in an online training session.

A video conferencing facility has the capabilities of reaching a worldwide audience thanks to its ability to go through IP networks, ISDN (Integrated System Digital Network) phone lines, firewalls, routers and Codecs (Coder/Decoder). You can invest in one or reserve a slot in a place that offers this so you can schedule a meeting.

Does this mean people do not have to travel anymore to meet each other? The answer is no but it will reduce the number of times you have to go there personally when issues have to be settled.

Lucas Mattioneli - EzineArticles Expert Author