Videoconferencing

Design to speak and see another user 1 on 1

Work on desktop computers

Limited multi-point videoconferencing, pictures tend to degrade as more users added

OS dependent or Windows

IChat or Live Messenger

Collaboration tool

Design to have shared whiteboards, applications software, presentations......and real time chat

most have one web camera feed but many have multiple

Operate via web browser (independent of a users platform)

Examples of Webconferencing systems:

Web-X, Blackboard formerly known as Elluminate Live, Adobe Connect

Operates through a central server no degradation of signal as more are added

Used for distant education system because of the strong signal

Oriented for large groups of people

Dedicated hardware system that uses an encoder and a decoder or codec

Controls the audio and video feed rather than using own computer to encode and decode the feed

the device that contains the codec will also control the mic, cam, display monitors,

Systems are available through companies such as Polycom, Tandberg, Lifesize, and Sony

What is included in a Minimal Roombased System:
1) Codec
2) Camera
3) Microphone
4) 2 Video Monitors
5) Speaker System