Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing Comes of Age

The groom was in Iraq, the bride in Florida, the Justice of the Peace was in Montana and the bride's parents in Puerto Rico. It was a wedding taking place by videoconference, which allows real time interactivity for virtually any number of participants from two or more locations.

Videoconferencing is a $10 billion a year business, and until recently it was mostly used as a substitute for traveling to face to face business meetings. However, it has become so accessible that it's now used in medicine, education, local legislatures, even in judicial systems for simple court proceedings such as arraignments. At least one county jail controversially uses web-based videoconferencing for visitation to prevent contraband being passed to inmates.

The concept of the videoconference has been around for over 30 years in primitive form, using closed circuit satellite television, but video quality, audio delay and other technical deficiencies made it a poor and sometimes risky substitute for handshake meetings. After 9/11, the terror threat, airport security hassles, and tighter immigration controls combined with rising costs to make business travel a far less attractive option, and videoconferencing came into its own.

Video Conference Hardware & Software

Most larger businesses have videoconferencing centers of their own with large flat screen monitors, sound systems, headsets, multi-point control consoles and desks equipped with static webcams or controlled pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and document sharing software. Small businesses and individuals too can use videoconferencing technology with just a good quality webcam, broadband internet connection, web browser, and videoconferencing software.

WebEx Video Conferencing, one of the leaders in videoconferencing services, was recently bought by Cisco for $3.2 billion, illustrating the enormous boom in videoconference and its potential for future growth. Other options are e/pop, Microsoft's NetMeeting (included in Windows XP) and Skype video calling. Instant messaging clients such as AIM, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Instant Messenger also can work with your webcam to have rudimentary video chats.

Although some services allow any number of people to participate in a videoconference from multiple locations, practically only 16-20 people can be seen on screen at any one moment. Others may be switched in and out as required. Typically, a screen shows the current participants plus a document, such as a PowerPoint demo or a spreadsheet.

Video Conferencing: Usage & Limitations

The key enhancement of videoconferencing that has made it a success is document sharing software that enables managers and technical or creative staff separated by long distances not just to talk, but to work together on documents, models, data and other project materials and modify them in real time. Just as important, the meeting itself can be stored and replayed for anyone who missed it.

One of the most spectacular applications of videoconferencing is in medicine. Surgeons spread out across the world can consult with each other on complex procedures, analyze test results, even perform some surgeries from distance using remote control technology. Video quality does remain an issue for videoconferencing. However, LifeSize is marketing a High Definition videoconferencing system within the range of most small businesses which gives remarkably crisp video and smooth motion.

There are of course some practical drawbacks to videoconferencing. Research shows that participants in a videoconference become concerned about how they look on camera and often modify their behavior or are distracted by the need to see themselves on screen. In addition, human interaction involves subtle visual signals and body language that may be difficult to express or discern without being in the same room.

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