The most involving communication environment ever developed

If you want to communicate intuitively with partners, clients and employees internally, externally or globally without the constraints and expense of being there in person, consider video conferencing - seriously. You'll add a whole new dimension to face-to-face communication and take meetings to another level. From simple desktop devices to high-end auditorium arrangements, this is all-embracing, engaging interaction that everyone wants to experience. Go even further with telepresence and you'll be part of the most involving visual communications environment ever developed.

Video conferencing is the telecommunication process for merging live audio and video signals, over telephone lines or the Internet; enabling people at two or more locations to come together for a real-time meeting. As well as audio and visual transmission, video conferencing incorporates dual-stream support for sharing documents, computer information and multimedia content. 

Video conferencing technology

Video conferencing systems utilise a codec (coder/decoder) at each endpoint. A codec is used to compress audio and video signals for transmission at the sending end, and then uncompress the signals at the receiving end. The codec together with flat screen displays, cameras, microphones, echo-cancellers, mixers and equalisers form the main components of a video conferencing system.

Video conferencing systems have standardised on various communication protocols, including H.239 (a streaming standard), H.263 (a video codec standard), H.264 (a video compression standard also known as MPEG-4 AVC) and H.323 (a multimedia communications standard for ISDN, PSTN and IP networks). Video conferencing over IP (VCoIP) enables global, simultaneous digital transmissions and is rapidly replacing the ISDN technology that is used over traditional PSTN networks. Most video conferencing equipment will support IP to ISDN connectivity.

HD (High Definition) video conferencing is changing the way people interact, bringing about a new era of higher quality face-to-face video communications. High definition video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second) gives participants a true to size appearance in an altogether more lifelike experience.

Telepresence is the ultimate 'state of the art' video conferencing solution. By using a telepresence system you create the most realistic meeting experience; it enables a participant to attend a meeting and feel as if they are joining in across the table, often despite being miles or even continents apart.

Video conferencing - the facts

Video conferencing is Green and can help our planet. For organisations to make a positive contribution to the environment, they need solutions that reduce unnecessary travel, but which provide effective communication without sacrificing productivity. Avoiding the use of cars and aircraft ultimately benefits our atmosphere, and helps reduce CO2 emissions.

proAV has produced a number of white papers about video conferencing, its environmental impacts and its capacity to challenge and change traditional meeting procedures.

You can also find out more information about the far reaching benefits of video communicationstechnology and architecture, including our bespoke hosted and managed video conferencing services that are designed to make video an integral part of your everyday operations.

See the difference our corporate video conferencing systems make in our case study pages, then talk to us about how protect your productivity, your bottom line and the environment.