Monday, January 30, 2012

Importance of a Web Video Conference

By Thosino Weven


Advancements in science and technology in the last century have eliminated the need of meeting people in person to conduct official seminars or meetings. Owing to web video conference, it is now possible for professionals to conduct real time meetings in spite of the geographical differences between them. This technology offers potent benefits as an effective and cost effective mode of conducting business communication. There is an urgent need of faster and seamless communication in a country like Hong Kong, which is home to various small, medium and large sized firms.

Online conferencing offers various benefits over conventional conferencing, such as flexibility and scalability. Though such conferences do not serve the purpose when professionals working in the same city meet, these prove beneficial for holding long distance meetings. The selection of appropriate web conferencing software depends upon the scale of the communication infrastructure required by a particular company. The software enables companies to streamline their communication process and lower the associated costs.

Web video conference does not have high set up or operating costs and can be deployed in a firm without any hassles. On the contrary, the solutions used in conferencing are quite easy to install and can even be accessed from a browser window, without any additional downloads. Furthermore, technological advancements have enhanced picture and sound clarity delivered by the conferencing solutions. Therefore, users based in Hong Kong can, now, expect fault free service with zero fluctuation. It is also possible to conduct webinars, host webasts, carry out online presentations and share files over the Internet by including powerful web conferencing software in their communication set-up.

Along with big corporate brands, Hong Kong is home to many medium and small scale enterprises. Until a few years ago, video conferencing used to be an expensive affair, which was only accessible to large firms. However, falling broadband prices and advancements in technology have cut down the costs related to the service significantly. So, low operational costs have made it possible for them to use the services in order to facilitate a smooth and faster business communication. Web video conference is preferred by Hong Kong based firms of all sizes as these pave the way to conduct visual meetings without the hassles involved.

In Hong Kong, arranging an in-person meeting or seminar requires the participants to travel long distances. However, opting for online conferences removes the hassles and costs involved in travelling. An additional advantage offered by web video conference is that lateness and absenteeism of the participants is also substantially reduced. People find it convenient and quicker to go online for a meeting instead of travelling long distances. Effective web conferencing software can also record the whole conversation, which can be later on reviewed gain relevant insight and feedback.

Events like trainings, product launches and seminars can prove to be expensive if held conventionally. Beside the costs, a lot of time and energy on the part of employees, which can be utilised in other productive tasks, is also used in arranging these events. Online conferencing facilitates greater participation by the participants and, consequently, decision-making process is streamlined, thus providing business owners with valuable competitive advantage.

Owing to the comprehensive nature of the service and list of benefits offered, this can be a perfect solution for a seamless business communication. An effective webcasting solution can successfully conduct everything from company announcements to product launches and from brainstorming sessions to seminars online.

Thosino Weven is an experienced writer having more than 10 years of experience in writing articles on various topics such as web conferencing, webcasting & online conferencing etc.




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Thursday, December 22, 2011

How to Web Conference

By Chester Mungflunt


The development of web conferencing has allowed businesses to meet and communicate even more effectively than ever. Building from the earlier development of telephone conferencing, the new web conferencing technologies offer all the benefits of remote communication and event recording, with visual content and additional high value applications for sharing and collaborating on content.

The term 'web conferencing' describes services that allow a range of meetings and conferences to happen across geographically dispersed locations, using screen sharing technology. A wide range of vendors offer slightly different services, such as the ability to record events and share rich content in real time. There are a multitude of plug-in applications suitable for a range of meeting circumstances, including lectures, events, meetings and presentations - all of which can be easily managed online using simple screen sharing technology, via Macs or PCs.

These additional facilities include live streaming video, slide show presentations, VoIP (which allows live audio through a computer via headphones, speakers and the usual screen sharing technology) whiteboards and annotation, meeting recording, polls and surveys and text chat. The delegate management facilities offered allow both individuals and groups to communicate and for large conferences, the settings can be adjusted to limit two way interaction to certain sections of the event and manage the information flow effectively. Most vendors offer the means for events to be booked in advance and email interfacing to occur, so pre-event planning and communication can happen.

A number of web conferencing solutions require additional software installation for kit used by both presenter and participants and this is generally managed via downloads. Other vendors will provide specific physical hardware for their solution. Some vendors look to enhance existing technology provision and hardware and others provide a new bespoke solution, with kit such as screen sharing technology and VoIP transmitters.

Whichever solution is bought, the user can control events centrally and decide which other plug-in features they might require from the overall service package. Generally, features such as screen sharing and integration with email and calendars come as standards. Most vendors will offer different subscriptions, such as flat fee, cost per use and even basic free conferencing with add-on costed services as the free conferencing technology becomes more common. It's anticipated that free conferencing will continue to become more common as margins are sought via the paid-for apps.

As web conferencing becomes more widely adopted, language also develops to describe its services. Webinars is a new term which explains web-based seminars and which involves presentations, lectures, seminars or workshops to be hosted and shared online. There is some concern that these become rather 'one way' in terms of communication and this can be the case with larger conferences online, where two way communication and interaction must be limited. In such cases, webcast may be the more appropriate term. However, webinars are still possible with collaborative elements where additional services such as interactive polling and Q&As are incorporated. Where this interaction is required, the speaker can use regular telephone lines to speak to the audience, who can respond via their own speakerphones. Other more advanced solutions will use VoIP online audio tech, for total web-based communications.

Where greater interaction is required online, other tools include EMS systems integration (electronic meeting systems) which offer a range of tools such as brainstorming and categorisation, voting, optional anonymity and structured discussions. These tools don't generally offer the core functionality of web conferencing, such as screen-sharing, or VoIP, although some EMS systems are designed to control web conferences too.

Regardless of which solution is chosen, whether free conferencing, or paid services, they will provide a range of benefits that only build on the original advantages of telephone conferencing. Essentially, the technology removes the need for expensive and wasteful travel and makes communication ever simpler to manage. Additionally it offers more enhanced services than ever before, such as data-capture of participants and valuable recording, with ever greater integration of technology likely to continue, so that solutions will be offered in the future using mobile technologies and ever greater value-add applications.




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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Is it possible to have a green conference call?

By Chad Otley


As every business is aware, the cost of almost everything is rising rapidly and one of the biggest rises in the last 12 months has been in fuel prices. Add to that the recent pressure on all businesses to reduce their carbon footprint plus the need to make cutbacks in expenditure and the problem becomes greater. For businesses with a scattered workforce, but which need to hold regular meetings, one solution is to replace face to face meetings with teleconferencing.

Teleconferencing, more popularly known as a conference call, is correctly described as an 'Audio Tele-Conference' or ATC. The participants taking part in a conference call can be individually administered with either listening or speaking rights and there is no maximum amount allowed for either category. Teleconferencing can be arranged using a standard landline connection or via VOIP (Skype or equivalent).

There are many providers of conference calls from which to choose, some offer their services free of charge whilst others operate a paid service. Free conference call providers will not usually offer recording facilities or a free call service (via a 0800 number) which could make the actual call costs prohibitive for long distance participants.

Chargeable Teleconferencing packages will usually offer both services at a fixed price, as well as PC and video sharing options, which will require the correct software for each participant, plus a user support service.

The expense in terms of lost productivity, refreshments, accommodation and fuel to enable several employees to attend a meeting is somewhat prohibitive when compared to the cost of organising a conference call. Teleconferencing is one of the easiest methods of communication in real-time and it can prove to be just as effective as an attended meeting, if well planned and organised.

There appears to be few disadvantages with modern teleconferencing, which with the use of modern technology has become a reliable form of communication. The most likely issues are breaks in transmission or phone line interference and although this rarely occurs it is wise to have an alternative to hand to avoid an abortive meeting.

Without the benefit of actually seeing the speaker, body language or other cues are missing so it is important to speak clearly and unambiguously for the benefit of other participants. Voices may be distorted through the phone line so each speaker should identify themselves and ask for a respondent by name to avoid any confusion.

Modern teleconferencing certainly has a greater number of advantages than disadvantages. The type of conference call service used will depend on individual business needs, but there is no doubt that using this method to replace all or just a few face-to-face business meetings can mean saving a good amount of money in terms of both travelling and employee costs as well as other business expenses like hiring a meeting room or providing accommodation for long distance participants.




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Saturday, October 29, 2011

Keep Connected With Your Busienss Partners With Video Conference Service

By Kyleigh L. Bleicher


There is actually no hesitation that you may look for you video conference service on the Internet. Just like every more necessary items that you may purchase outdoors, video conference service may also be found online. This service is actually necessary in our working world these days, specifically for commercial as well as even industrial company. Even homes need this type of hardware.

Getting video clip conferencing will certainly allow businesses to get to their global audience and would let them receive a better contact with their customers. There is actually no need to allocate funds for travel expenditures since this will definitely cut that purpose. You and the particular viewers can easily merely deal the own business without the traveling hence it is going to eliminate the prices and time, allowing your business to profit even more. And who might have actually thought that this service was actually simply supplied for large businesses back in the days? At this time, everybody can receive their own video conferencing service if they choose. Some recognized celebrities even get this type of service right in their own home and you could as well if you want to.

If you are actually one of these companies hunting for your own service company, you are going to realize that there are actually diverse companies that may assist you in delivering the video conferencing. Many suppliers can easily furnish you with different types of packages depending on the tool to be actually used and the time span of the service. However don't be actually excited to merely sign up with the primary service provider you discovered. Make a right research on the Web so that you can easily the appropriate service supplier you will need. And because there are actually a load of businesses furnishing such service to small, middle as well as substantial businesses, better find a company that strives to handle customer fulfillment even if they are known to providing the leading service to their faithful customers.

Accomplish not forget the own demands as well as wants when in search for the right supplier. If conceivable you really should assess your own as well as your businesses monthly call requirement and exactly how much you put in for it. This will certainly help you assess the finances as well as the type of service carrier to obtain. You must also discover a supplier that gives a dependable costumer support. Find out if they supply a round the clock consumer care and supplies the most up conferencing modern technology.

Accomplish not sign up easily since there are so countless service carriers that might choose to service you. Assess the different video conference service offers they receive as well as consistently seek for every hidden prices and upgrade facilities they may provide you in the future. Locate a service company that will give you a even cost by having no hidden charges and provides limitless usage so that you can save the trouble of being cognizant of the moment and cash when making calls.

Even if you have a modest business as well as can not spend a lot for this, quest for a company that can provide you inexpensive seminar call services for unrestricted individuals. Do not just decide on one since of their lowest conference call price. Yet constantly go for a company that furnishes wonderful elements even for a fair rate.




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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Getting rid of Hum Bars within a Video Camera Surveillance System

By Tim Norton


Any time you put in a surveillance camera system, you might on occasion end up with these types of nasty lines across the display. Usually the initial thing you end up doing is return the camera since it has to be defective, only to discover it works perfectly while in the workshop or that the new unit does a similar thing.

The most common cause of it is really an ground loop, in which a voltage variance has developed on one side of the coax cable to the other end, with respect to ground.

They'll occur as various patterns on the screen and even make a DVR to not record due to a distorted sync pulse. Below a few of the visible effects you may see.



There's really no point in accusing anyone for these because they are unforeseen as to when they are likely to occur but they are more prevalent where the surveillance camera is installed in a location that has a different grounding point to the Digital video recorder or display. For example a security camera pole isn't earthed to the same point as the building where the Digital video recorder is. The fact is it is possible to earth loops in lots of other applications like data as corruptions and audio as a buzz.

There are several procedures that should decrease the odds of finding an ground loop but not one will prevent them.

1. Insulate your camera on the bracket. This requires taking away every electrical bond from the video cameras metal case and the mounting bracket but is only required if your mount will be on a conductive area such as a tin shed or a light pole.

2. When ever putting in the coax , be sure there aren't any lacerations in the insulation as a result of pulling it across jagged edges .

3. Where practical, join the earth of both ends with one another. However this is costly as you will have to install extra ground cable to each camera.

4. You can install fiber optic cable connections to your distant security cameras. This is often pricey but does offer additional added advantages. You've also eliminated lightning strikes from flying through your complete system, destroying almost everything. You can put numerous video cameras on one fibre.

Doing at least points 1 & 2 above, in the event you get an ground loop you'll have to purchase a gadget known as a hum bug eliminator and the issue shall magically vanish.

The unit comes in many forms which includes DIN rail or rack mounted but a beneficial one to have in the tool kit is this in-line hum eliminator, which can be put in between the Digital video recorder input and coax heading to the surveillance camera.

Please e-mail us at CCTVdesign.com.au for more information




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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Is the HTC 7 Mozart Smart Phone A Phone That Will Meet Your Needs?

By Ahmed Anwar Akkare


A lot of the smartphones nowadays have been taking advantage of the Android operating system, and HTC is jumping in with everyone else with the HTC 7 Mozart; still, it has opted to go with the Windows platform. HTC has also gone a little bit further because most of its current smartphones are in reality a little bit larger than the iPhone. However, HTC hasn't forgotten about Windows Mobile and since Microsoft launched the new Windows Phone 7 operating system, HTC quickly made a statement that it is interested to support both operating systems. Together with the newer platform, the new HTC 7 Mozart features a rather impressive 3.7 inch screen and they have also added many great features.

The Benefits

The Windows Phone 7 platform already counts as a positive for the HTC 7 Mozart Smart-Phone since the Windows Phone 7 operating system is the newcomer gaining a lot of fanfare on its interface and growing selection of quality apps. Microsoft also imposed strict but fair hardware requirements displaying proof that the HTC 7 Mozart has some serious horsepower. 576 MB of RAM is what is making this HTC smart phone operate using the Snapdragon CPU. Microsoft has two projected updates, the first will up the performance and the second will add multitasking, this is where you will actually see the power of this HTC smart phone. To distinguish it from the other Windows Phone 7 siblings, HTC brought in some special software like the HTC Hub app which functions as the portal for other cool applications like the Photo Enhancer and Sound Enhancer for adding effects to those types of files.

HTC has clearly concentrated more on the design than older HTC phones. One glimpse and you will find that the HTC 7 Mozart smart phone features a brand new design that looks great no matter how you're looking at it. Additionally, you need not worry that the improvements will put too much of a drain on the battery as the batteries life is still 6 to 8 hours of use, which is the industry standard. Recording videos is also hassle-free with the HTC 7 Mozart smart phone and with the 8 GB of storage you will have enough room to save all these videos. One thing that some smartphones have had trouble with is the audio, but you will be very happy with the audio in the HTC 7 Mozart smart phone. Even though this unit is great for using with Facebook, the fact that it has an Office document editor is something that really makes this smartphone stick out from others.

Disadvantages

The camera quality of this smart phone from HTC isn't really the best when compared to other phones with the huge 8-megapixel sensor but the Xenon flash and geotagging features pretty much make up for it. In addition, it is not possible to expand on the 8 GB of storage although it should be sufficient especially if you aren't going to record video. Another drawback is that this phone has not reached its full potential yet since the Windows operating system is still being updated.

The Verdict

The fact that updates will be put out for the HTC 7 Mozart smart phone means that your phone will keep getting better as time passes rather than becoming outdated. Windows Phone 7 is a great and entirely original OS and the HTC 7 Mozart Smart-Phone builds on that nicely with hardware and software to back it up.




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Saturday, June 25, 2011

The Use Of Webinar Software And Its Benefits

By Ken Morrison


Webinar software is leading the way in how businesses conduct their meetings and conferences everywhere. It enables companies to carry out secure and reliable web conferencing while saving them money on travel expenses and per minute charges with internet providers. This technology has many beneficial factors and can easily be purchased or downloaded for convenient use anywhere.

Security and reliability are huge benefits of this easy to use technology. Most types are encrypted and require email addresses and passwords for quick and easy install. Using this technology helps businesses save on travel expenses and enables conferencing and meetings to be conducted anywhere at any time, as long as the internet service provider provides twenty four hour service.

More great benefits of this technology include the video and audio support. These create amazing presentations and webinars for companies who use them and because the communication is in real time, everything is clear and in high quality. There is little learning required to use this software and most programs install quickly and easily.

Desktop sharing has become a favorite benefit of using this technology. This option gives temporary control to the opposite party who is not hosting and allows for interactive collaboration during webinars and presentations. It is highly recommended, and users from many different businesses have reported this to be a favorite benefit.

Being affordable is what turns most companies on to this type of programming. Instead of paying per minute, a flat rate is paid either per month or per year. These options help businesses save money and help with budgeting as well.

For millions of businesses in many different locations, webinar software is quickly growing in popularity. Businesses everywhere are noticing the savings and benefits of using these programs to conduct conferences and meetings. Going online and researching this type of technology can answer questions and help companies save money.




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