The technology that makes a videoconference (also known videoteleconference or simply VTC) is known as digital compression of audio and video in real time. The videoconferencing software or hardware that compresses occur is regarded as a codec (or it is sometimes called a coder decoder). Achieving compression ratio to about 1:500.
The digital stream of ones and zeros that is the result of all this is then broken down further into what is known as packets. These packets are then navigated through a digital computer network, whether an IP or ISDN network. Audio modems are used in the transmission line, which makes full use of ordinary telephone network (POTS for short) in a variety of types of applications at low speed, for example, video telephony because they convert the digital pulse from analog waves in the range of the audio spectrum.
Other requirements of videoconferencing equipment include video input consists of a video camera or webcam, the video output is a TV or computer screen, audio input is microphone, audio output often consists of speakers that have a strong association with either the phone or display device and finally, the data transfer that is either analog or digital telephone network, and either Internet or LAN.
At one point the type of videoconferencing equipment is needed and how it is arranged in a room depends on the person using the equipment (and skill level) and the context in which the video conferencing system must be used.
Videoconferencing equipment is classified under one of three types of configurations. The equipment must comply with all H.320 standards and these standards vary by type of videoconferencing to take place and the size in terms of people and place, that the conference should be. The three types are room systems, deployment of units and office systems.
Room videoconferencing systems are oriented towards involving many people, such a training session, a group interview, a discussion group meeting and so on. room systems (sometimes referred to as dedicated systems) are generally housed in facilities built with video in mind. They generally contain cameras and a number of computer screens.
Room systems are all-in-one and have all the necessary hardware components appearing together in one place. These high quality remote controlled video cameras are known as PTZ cameras and can be moved in a number of different directions. The console houses part of the control computer, hardware or software based codec and all electrical interfaces.
Attached to the console is known as microphones and omnidirectional microphones Also attached is a screen television that comes complete with speakers and or may also include a video projector.
There are three kinds of dedicated (or room) and they include systems for large group, small groups and individual conferencing. large group videoconferencing are large and can not be moved from their original location. Moreover, these types are more expensive and tend to be used for auditoriums and large halls. Videoconferencing in small groups is sometimes laptop while others are not. They are smaller, cheaper in price and are designed for small meeting rooms capacity. Personal videoconferencing is intended for individual users and are generally portable. Built in the console are fixed cameras, speakers and microphones.
The most commonly used videoconferencing equipment is deployed on the unit and what kind are best suited for small business conferences or small group meetings of capacity. The deployment of the units are in a basket that contains one or sometimes two computers, monitors, cameras, codecs and other essential equipment. The only drawback of the device installation unit is about the lack of access to a network in a conference room, despite that fact.
Desktop systems are add-ons, such as boards of such materials, which make it possible for a personal computer to become a device used for videoconferencing. A camera, microphone, software and maps are equipped with computer, which allows the video conference session will take place. The board includes interfaces codec and transmission and a number of cameras and microphones can be used for purposes.
The computer can connect to a variety of different sites, but it is more appropriate for one-to-head types of conferences. This form of videoconferencing is also known as an e-meeting.