What is the difference between video conferencing equipment and video conferencing tools? When we talk about equipment, we are referring to the hardware and software that is used to make this happen. But when we talk about tools, these are things that you can add to enrich the video conferencing experience.

How do you enrich this experience? By using software programs that can do more than just let you see and hear the other person.

A good example is when you are talking to someone and then another person comes along. You don't want to end one conversation just to begin with another so the best thing for you to do is to chat with the other party by sending text messages.

Another tool is the ability of the program to have an interactive whiteboard so both sides can see the same document and make changes instantaneously. This is useful when you are finalizing the paperwork of any project that will be submitted.

Sometimes, you want to express to people how you feel and instead of seeing this in your face, you can do this by using emotional icons or emoticons.

It will also be cool to have a video conferencing tool that allows you to surf the web. This will be useful when you need to put in additional information or have suddenly found new ones that should also be mentioned.

Majority of the video conferencing tools can be found online and downloaded into your computer. Some offer a 30 day trial and charge around $20 to $30 monthly.

Some examples of these include Acrobat Connect Pro formerly known as Breeze, Horizon Live Classroom, WebEx, Microsoft Live Meeting and Marratech. You can try your luck to see if there are freeware tools around as well so you can use these tools for free. Some examples of these include Web diagnostics, AB Cam, Motion Detection and Instant Translator.

Since there are quite many and it is really hard to pick one, narrow down your choices by asking friends and family who have used this before or read reviews that have been posted. Eventually, you will be able to find the right software that has the video conferencing tools you are looking for so can get the most out of this system.

When downloading any of these tools, make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements that are needed to make it work. Otherwise, you are wasting your time getting something you can't use in the first place.

Many people perceive video conferencing as a virtual trip that can take you to different parts of the globe. This is perhaps because you connect with people not only in the US but also in other countries making distance no longer an obstacle.

The video conferencing tools mentioned can do a lot for those that use this medium to finish a project, conduct in house training or make a business decision. Of course these tools will not function on their own since you have to learn how to use them. The best part about any of these is that they all user-friendly so you don't have to attend a class to learn how to use the system. You just have to be patient and eventually, you will be able to use this to its full potential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlos_Montenegro

When you want to conduct a video conference but do not have the equipment in the office to handle it, don't worry because there are places that offer their video conferencing services to those who need it.

You can check out a number of hotels or in universities that are near your office is. Given that video conferencing is one of the trends these days, most of them make sure that they use state of the art equipment and tools so you get value for your money.

Some of these include the use of multiple ISDN lines instead of just one as this improves the audio and visual quality.

When you are looking for a video conferencing service, find out what are their operating hours as some are open only during the day while there are others that offer this 24/7. Naturally how much they charge is also important because you don't want to spend too much the first time you are trying it.

If you like the venue and the service they provided, you can probably ask for a discount as you will become a regular here. You could get lucky and get 25% to 50% the regular rate they offer but again, this can only happen if you are happy with your first experience with them.

While some video conferencing services charge on an as is basis, there are others who will even offer a technician to help you use their system. Having someone there will make you feel at ease should something go wrong in the middle of the presentation since he or she could fix the problem at once and the meeting can continue.

Billing for video conferencing services is on an hourly basis so you only pay after you business has been concluded.

Since there are a lot of people who use video conferencing services instead of buying one of their own, it is advisable to get in touch with whoever is charge of the place you will be going to days in advance so your slot has also be reserved.

If the place is booked, you must wrap up 5 minutes before so the next group can also prepare. If you have to cancel, call the video conferencing service again so you don't have to pay for the time allotted.More people are beginning to see the benefits of using video conferencing. This allows you to save money instead of paying for airfare and other travel expenses just to have a meeting at the same time makes those working or teaching more productive.

This is the reason that those involved in healthcare have also begun using video conferencing to communicate with other experts when it comes to finding a cure for a disease or in other research areas. In fact, the judiciary has even used this to get the testimonies of witnesses.

Video conferencing equipment could cost you $100,000 or more and if you do not use it regularly, it is not worth buying. Instead, you can rent it as there are those who offer video conferencing services at affordable rates. You just have to find them, make an inquiry, reserve a slot and then use it. Afterwards, you be the judge if you want to use them again in the future or not.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlos_Montenegro

As more people are using video conferencing to do conduct brainstorming, meetings and trainings so too are the number of video conferencing facilities all across the country.

Some of these video conferencing facilities can be found in hotels and universities. You have the option to use 3 ISDN lines to connect to another party even if it is possible to do so using just one or two. The reason why three are used though is to enhance the audio and visual quality that is assuming that whoever you are talking to can accept all three.

The video conferencing facilities in some cases are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and charge on an hourly basis.

The rates vary depending on who will be renting the place so if you are a student, it going to be much cheaper than the one that a corporation has to pay. Weekday rates are also much cheaper than during weekends.

With the price you pay, you also get a technician to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This person will come in handy should you be interacting with more than three sites simultaneously as he or she will make sure that there is a bridge connection.

People who will be renting a video conferencing facility should reserve early so no one else will take their scheduled time. To avoid paying for the slot allotted should there be a cancellation, you are advised to inform them.

To maximize the time in any video conferencing facility, someone should be designated as moderator so the lecture or the objectives of the meeting are not interrupted.

The setup of video conferencing facilities varies at each location. You will have the basics like a camera, microphone, screen but the processor or codec available depends on what they have chosen to buy and serve to the public.

If you are worried that people outside will hear what is happening inside, no need to worry because most of these facilities are soundproof.

For those who are happy with the video conferencing facility they have rented, you can ask the administration if there is a discount should this be used on a regular basis. Some give this generously while others don't.

As for payment for the use of video conferencing facilities, the bill will only be given to you after the conference has been concluded. This is because although they know how long you will be using it, there are times that you may have to extend beyond this time which they can honor as long as no one else will be using it.

Given that there are a lot of video conferencing facilities around, what should the basis be for choosing one venue over another one? Aside from price, you should check what kind of equipment they use, if this is compatible with the version that the party is using, if you are able to send and receive data as well as the ability to record the meeting so this can be later reviewed.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlos_Montenegro