Web Conferencing
Depending on the number of participants and the visual requirements, web conferencing can be simple and inexpensive, or a costly, complicated endeavor.
If each participant in the web conference can use his or her own computer, it can be sufficient to set up live video streaming using inexpensive web cams. Participants can communicate with microphones or by typing messages to each other.
This type of live video streaming is only suitable for small numbers of participants. Once there are more than three or four conference nodes (as each computer can be termed), there can be problems coordinating the web conference.
However, to extend this type of budget web conferencing, each computer could have several observers who may participate in turn. This type of live video streaming can be manageable up to a certain point.
Once you get into larger conferences of 10 or more people, the technical requirements for web conferencing become more complex. Besides live video streaming for visual contact, the conference may also require audio and graphic feeds as well as other kinds of documents.
Several Data Streams
Several streams can be set up to provide access to various types of data. For example, one stream can be used for illustrating a computer application, while other streams could handle the audio and video feeds.
Other types equipment may be needed for the conference. Access to fax machines, scanners, and digital cameras will allow a variety of documents to be transmitted to conference participants.
Once Web conferencing reaches this level of complexity, there needs to be director to oversee the live video streaming and other activities. Technicians may also be required to operate video cameras and computer equipment.
The more complex Web conferencing becomes, the more potential there is for errors and break down. To avoid these potential pitfalls as much as possible, the web conference must be planned well in advance and each node of the conference must be set up well in advance and tested thoroughly.
Add A Comment