What Equipment Is Needed for Video Conferencing?

By Shanika Chapman

Video conferencing between businesses--and even loved ones--is becoming much more commonplace due to advances in technology. Businesses save millions of dollars every year by utilizing video-conferencing systems. Video conferencing allows business to be conducted on a regular basis. When setting up a video conference, double check that you have all the equipment you need.

Computer or Video-Conferencing Machine

Video conferencing machines are machines capable of web conferencing right out of the box since they include all necessary accessories. You can also use a computer, but you will need to include the right accessories and software, such as a webcam, headset or microphone, a broadband connection, monitor or other display device, and web conferencing software such as Microsoft Office Live Meeting Professional.

Webcam or Camera

These can range from a typical webcam to an orbital camera, which can be moved and focused via the accompanying software.

Monitor

If you are the only participant at your location, any computer monitor should be appropriate for your video-conferencing needs. If you have a large group, the participants will be much further from the video source, and thus a larger monitor (or projector) will be needed.

External Microphone

An external microphone can be a personal headset, which can be a cost-effective solution if you will be the only participant in the video conference at your location. If you are part of a large group participating in the video conference, omni-directional microphones can better record and transmit dialogue from your location.

Broadband Connection

While technically video conferencing can be done over a dial-up Internet connection, to have a quality connection and low lag between communications, a high-speed connection between all participating sights is a necessity. DSL and cable connections as well as T1 lines are excellent options for video-conferencing connections.

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