When you call for a conference, everyone is expected to arrive at a designed time and place to discuss an issue and resolve it. But if the people you need to speak with are in different states or countries and the cost of getting them to come is quite expensive, you have to try something else like video conferencing.

But first, what is video conferencing?

Basically, this is a system that allows you to conduct meetings or pieces of training in different places simultaneously. It incorporates audio, and video so you are able to talk and send data that takes away the barrier of distance that separates these individuals.

To make video conferencing possible, you need to buy the equipment. You also have to choose the method of transmission because the one you might be using may not be compatible with the other person.

These include the Codec unit, the camera, microphone, video display, network connection, stands and equipment charts if these will be mobile or stationary, NT-1, and chicken feet.

Most of these are self-explanatory so we will just focus on the Codec, NT-1, and chicken feet.

The Codec is considered to be the “brain and heart” of the video conference system. This is what compresses everything so you can send and receive messages in real-time which can be viewed on the display device.

The NT-1 on the other hand is an electronic device otherwise called a terminal adapter that converts ISDN to your IP format. There is also the NT-3 version so instead of using one line, you will be able to use three.

The chicken feet also known as acoustic echo cancellers are equipment that is usually hung from the ceiling. Basically, what this does it adds both clarity and depth to the resonant frequency response of your audio subsystem.

But the most important which you have to understand is the network connection. There are two protocols namely the H.320 and the H.323. If the one you are talking with is using a different one, it will be impossible for you to talk with one another because while the first uses ISDN lines the latter which is much simpler uses IP lines similar to what you use to browse the web.

The good news is that you can still talk to the person on the other end using the older system by using a bridge that is able to handle these mixed protocols.

The advantage of the new system is that you can transmit for multiple uses when the old one can only handle one. The newer version is also cheaper and faster so you get to talk in real-time.

How much will you have to spend to get your video conferencing system up and running? Personal users will spend less than $500 while corporations could spend $100,000 or even more. You just have to shop around and see which one is able to fit your needs so you get value for your money.

The video conferencing system of today is one of the highlights of living in the digital age. No longer do we have to send a message and wait for a while to get a response when you can get a reply right then and there which increases productivity and saves time and resources.