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Definition of
Video Conferencing
Understanding the definition of video conferencing will help unlock the numerous applications for video conferencing technology
October 18, 2006
By: Lynn Marotta
Video conferencing technology is used in all kinds of
different applications today. Advancements in the technology
have opened up more creative and unique uses. If you are
interested in exploring the potential uses of video
conferencing technology for yourself or business, it is
necessary to clearly define video conferencing. Once you
have a clear understanding of the definition of video
conferencing and its potential uses, you may discover more
areas where the technology can benefit you.
Let us first look at the real meaning of video
conferencing. A video conference is an interactive meeting
between two or more locations facilitated by simultaneous
two-way video and audio transmissions. The concept behind
video conferencing is to take audio and video streams and
digitally compress them so that they can be transmitted
through a digital network.
There are several basic components to a video
conferencing system. These include; a video input device
(video camera or webcam), a video output device (computer
monitor or television), audio input device (microphone),
audio output device (speakers), and a digital network that
facilitates the data transfer. A codec device is also
required to both encode and decode the digital data that is
captured, transmitted, and received. The codec device is
usually built right in to the video conferencing equipment,
but it constitutes the core technology that makes a video
conference possible.
The following explores some of the various applications
of video conferencing technology and the benefits they
provide.
- Long distance education -- Video conferencing
makes it possible for teachers to host classes for
students located in many different locations. This greatly
expands the number of students teachers can reach, and
expands the learning opportunities available.
- Long distance medical consultations --
Telemedicine is rapidly gaining in popularity. Doctors are
able to consult with patients without any geographical
restrictions. This not only benefits the doctors by
reducing their need to travel, it also helps the patients
by providing them access to top specialists.
- Corporate meetings -- This is probably the most
traditional and commonly thought of use for video
conferencing. Video conferencing greatly enhances a
businesses' ability to sell products, train employees,
coordinate workgroups, provide technical support and
customer service, and conduct corporate meetings. Video
conferencing has truly transformed the way business is
conducted.
- Legal applications -- Video conferencing is
increasingly being used in the legal profession to
facilitate consultations, depositions, and testimonies
without the need to travel.
- Public safety -- Governmental agencies are able
to more efficiently meet and discuss critical security
issues at both the state and federal level. Video
conferencing helps them improve their response time, and
aids in making better-informed critical decisions.
- Improves living conditions -- One example of
how video conferencing has helped improve living
conditions is its provision of a means that allows the
deaf community to communicate remotely. In addition, video
conferencing has helped provide critical medical care and
services to numerous individuals living in remote
locations.
Obviously, this is not a completely exhaustive list of
all of the potential applications for video conferencing.
However, if you are interested in utilizing this technology
for your own business or personal needs, these applications
may provide you with some more ideas of just how much video
conferencing can benefit you.
About the Author
Lynn Marotta is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Conferencing-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to everything you need to know about video driven communications, including multi-view video conferencing solutions for business, broadband video phones and personal webcam chat rooms.
Also See:
[
Videoconferencing court reporting & videoconferencing in court
trials ]
[ How
videoconferencing companies are using their solutions to benefit
society ]
[
How does
video conferencing work, what is it & definition of this term ]
Home Page:
[ Video-Conferencing-Guide.com ]
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