One of the easiest and most innovative ways of communicating today is called desktop conferencing. This technology is a practical way to communicate in that it can be done over the Web, with the convenience of staying at one's own desk. This communication tool also allows users to transfer data, share PowerPoint presentations and send text messages to all participants during the conference.

To set up a desktop conference call, one only needs a desktop computer that is installed with the required software application; an internet connection; a pair of earphones and microphone for audio; and a camera for display. Some operating systems are already pre-installed with the required software application. Otherwise, users can download from the internet any available conferencing software like MSN Messenger or NetMeeting for free or for a fee.

It is highly recommended to have a quality Internet connection with a speed of at least 128 kilobytes to ensure uninterrupted communication and efficient transfer of data. For activities and presentations that would require higher data transfer, like file or image sharing, presentations or videos, a speed of at least one gigabyte is suggested in order for the function to run smoothly.

Additionally, the host of the conference can conduct a one-on-one meeting with more than one participant. In the same vein, the technology allows a user to disseminate a message to a hundred or a thousand participants in a fast and near-seamless way.

For advanced desktop conferencing, participants can make use of the collaborative white boarding. This feature allows participants to share the same virtual board, wherein they can view, review and discuss from their own respective computers the same document, image, file or presentation in real time.



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In the past, fans would have been delighted to get an autograph or maybe a photo with their sporting heroes. So imagine the excitement at the prospect of actually taking part in an interview with global sports stars. On July 14th 2010, participants from all over the world had that opportunity when they got involved in a live telepresence interview with football legend David Beckham.

In his role as Global Sports Ambassador, and using powerful telepresence solutions from Cisco, Beckham fielded rapid fire questions about his football career, his private life and even revealed a secret passion for playing with Lego. The interview, conducted at Cisco's office near London, was also streamed live to over 600 million Yahoo! users around the world. This is yet another example of the versatility of video communications, as well as showing how the world of professional sport is embracing the technology.

Recently, NBA legend Derek Fisher used video conferencing technology to conduct similar interviews between multiple global sites. It has even been reported that fellow NBA star LeBron James used telepresence to hold meetings while deciding the next step in his playing career. The basketball player, who recently elected to end his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, would have saved hundreds of hours and dollars whilst still being able to communicate face-to-face with prospective new managers and teammates.

Other examples can be seen in Germany, where the national governing body for football used video conferencing to conduct meetings with players at clubs spread across the country. This significantly reduced the travel demands for players and coaching staff. After the successes of the all round experience the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB - German Football Federation) extended their use of the technology to keep in contact with the team during the most recent World Cup in South Africa. Similarly, sports broadcaster ESPN also adopted video communication technology to conduct live interviews for their coverage of this global event.

The increasing popularity of video communication technology within the sporting world demonstrates the versatility of video conferencing and telepresence solutions, and just how effective they can be beyond the boardroom.


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For you, live web conferencing meetings may be "old hat." Or, maybe you are about to embark upon your first one. Either way, despite the fact that thousands of people take part in web meetings each day, most people take it for granted that there is nothing they could learn to have even better, more productive meetings.

After all, with a web conference, once you have figured out the technological element, it should just flow naturally, right? Well, not if experience serves. For example, there are some situations you may have experienced in a recent online meeting which are clear signs that things could have gone much more smoothly. Any of these sound familiar?

* one or more people showed up late

* you could hear excessive background noise - maybe shuffling papers or voices

* attendees seemed unprepared or even unaware of the intended topic

* nobody asked any questions during or after the presentation

* one attendee seemed to dominate the entire Q&A portion, never allowing anyone else a chance to speak

If you have experienced any of these things in the past during a live web conferencing meeting, you know the frustrations of an inefficient meeting. Here are 5 tips for organizers, presenters and attendees to have more successful online meetings:

1. Conduct a 5-minute pre-meeting review by yourself:

Everybody who shows up to the meeting, whether presenter or attendee, should come prepared. At the very least, spend 5 minutes just before the meeting to review the topic to be discussed. Prepare at least 1-2 questions that you would like to have answered or items you would like to explore. By showing up prepared, you show respect for the time of both yourself and of the other attendees.

Important: some online meeting software requires that users pre-load the software and login to the account. Be sure to start this process at least 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start time to avoid technology-related delays.

2. Show up on time:

Punctuality for an online meeting is as important as it is for in-person meetings. It is a disservice to everyone involved - especially to those who did show up on time - if the presenter has to review progress thus far or start over just to catch someone up who logged on late.

Important: if people are to be joining from different time zones, make sure to double-check that everyone has a good understanding of the meeting start time in the context of their own time zone.

3. Mind your physical space, including potential background noises and personal interruptions:

This one is all about being a courteous participant. Even if you choose to sit quietly throughout the entire meeting, that is 10 times better than being an annoying web meeting attendee. Be sure to minimize any background noise such as the shuffling of papers, loud microphone breathing, and voices of others in the background. Also, try to attend the meeting from an enclosed office - and alert others in the area that you are not to be disturbed.

4. Be an active participant:

This is a big one. You will show respect for the topic and the presenter if you can actively ask some questions about what has been presented. Even one well-placed comment or insightful question can unexpectedly bring the dialogue in a new and fruitful direction.

5. If you are the presenter, you are also the de-facto facilitator:

Many web meeting presenters forget sometimes to also be good facilitators. A good meeting facilitator is one who respects the meeting process and keeps it on track. For example, a facilitator makes sure that everyone has the opportunity to speak, that nobody dominates the conversation, and that the meeting does not run too long. Also, the facilitator should summarize any conclusions and mutually agreed-upon next steps at the end of the meeting.

Follow these 5 tips to make a more successful live web conference.



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Video conferencing was first introduced in 1964 at the New York world fair, when AT&T presented the world's first picture phone. This allowed two people to communicate and simultaneously see each other on their phone screens. In the beginning stages of video conferencing, T1, ATM and ISDN lines were mostly used but were only common for room-based video conferencing.

Initially these lines were quite expensive and operational difficulties such as bad pictures and sounds caused this idea to not go as far as it could. As the internet became more a part of people's everyday lives video conferencing started being conducted differently with computer-to-computer networking.

The TCP/IP connections of the Internet were found to be less expensive and was able to hold more information. By 2003, high-speed Internet access became available widespread at a very minimal cost, as well as the cost of web cameras and display technology. An individual is now able to do a video conference in High-Definition which was first introduced in 2005 and the fastest ever. The picture quality is more clear and crisp also, the audio is synchronized providing a higher quality and more effective and enjoyable experience.

A conference in High-Definition gives a wider presentation angle which enables more conference participants to be on camera and fully engaged in what's going on. Having this life like experience has completely changed the outlook of these conferences. Many would mock the technology and doubted that it would ever be turned into a viable form of communication. This was due to the low quality of picture and the delay of sound. For many years it seemed that there would be no comparison between video calls and telephone calls as the ease of information transfer were not too dissimilar.

It is also good for the transmission of high-resolution content, such as charts or photographs with amazing detail and clarity. These events are more enjoyable and memorable when the material on the screen can be seen without causing eye strain. Plus, the clear images along with the smooth motion makes sign language easy to follow for hearing-impaired conference participants. The high-definition technology makes the quality and range of information communicated through video conferences a more valuable communication product for everyone.

With modern day technologies it is possible to rely solely on standard PC servers and desktops to accomplish boardroom-quality conferencing, but this same technology enables us to go above and beyond. Even though hardware-based systems are still available today, the whole process has become more wonderfully complex than ever before. Nonetheless, the concept is the same but over time the transmission has changed.




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Many corporations now rely on video conferencing equipment nowadays. With the global market continuing to expand, video conferencing equipment may be the new phone. Enterprise people no longer have to leave their house offices or may possibly conveniently keep in touch with other traveling employees when required. A Tucson workplace can now effortlessly have both verbal and visual communication with a Bangkok workplace while using correct equipment.

Video conferencing equipment makes it possible for two-way communication among two entities whether it can be a point-to-point meeting between two men and women or a multi-point meeting among 3 or far more individuals at 3 or a lot more web sites. Even though visual meeting systems have gone via a number of phases more than the years, they have recently been vastly improved with developments in digital telephony then World wide web Protocol technologies. Visual meeting systems have benefited greatly with devices that may simply compress and transmit data rapidly utilizing many Net techniques including broadband (cable or satellite) World wide web, LAN lines or telephone lines.

Video conferencing equipment could be used in today's globe in several fields. In the field of business, it provides executives with a means to discuss and resolve timely issues without having to travel large distances to do so. This helps to speed up the decision producing procedure. In addition, conferences may be held with employees of a business in different locations to disperse info, deliver training, notify changes of policy, etc. all at the same time reducing the time and trouble of intercompany memos and emails.

As the consumer, when you are considering purchasing a video conferencing system, there are two types you must choose from. The first is referred to as dedicated and has the audio, online video and data transfer components packaged into the same single device. Depending on the manufacturer, the console will have a controllable high output video clip camera that will pan left and right, zoom and tilt all from across the room. Although there is a control computer built within the unit, the online video screen or video projector will be connected to the console to provide the ultimate visual experience.

Several World wide web and telecommunications firms offer video conferencing equipment. Manufacturers such as Cisco, Polycom and TANDBERG carry numerous types of equipment. In some case, a simple kit with a remote control can cost less than $100. However, there are also devices that cost thousands of dollars. The less expensive equipment might only allow data transmission via modem or analog means, but the fully loaded options include wireless and Ethernet transmissions along with other computer staples such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation capabilities.

Most video conferencing equipment is simple to use for even the novice computer user. Users have to know a few basic things before finding the proper equipment such as how numerous simultaneous sessions the bandwidth will have to support so that it really is compatible with either an IP or LAN connection as essential for the device. If equipment is needed for a large group in a boardroom, the equipment will have to be in the highest video clip quality to accommodate everyone inside the room.



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