In the market today, there are so many vendors that offer almost all kinds of video conferencing equipment. Majority of them—if you're a techy and are knowledgeable about IT stuff—are of high quality and can be compared to those that are made by more popular vendors. However, not all of them offer quality products so you have to be really careful in choosing and buying your video conferencing equipment.
What you need for video conferencing
Aside from the personal computers with updated versions and high capacity memory and Internet service connection, there are many things that you will be needing for effective and hassle free video conferencing. One of these is the server hardware. Here, the minimum requirement for a server should at least be Windows 2000 or newer version. It should also have a clock speed of 1.2Ghz and RAM with 256 MB memory for the application to work efficiently. Bear in mind that the server should have a static IP address along with port 80 that is available.
Another important video conferencing equipment is a web camera. If you have budget, opt for Logitech web cams because these are ideal for any monitor size and laptops screens. Good choices include QuickCam® Pro 5000, Logitech QuickCam® Ultra Vision and from QuickCam® Pro 9000.
Headsets are also necessary for video conferencing for audio purposes. When it comes headsets, updated drivers are necessary. Opt for those that are ideal for a mobile presenter during a session. Ideal options include Plantronics Audio .610 single-ear USB, Plantronics DA-40 USB to headset adapter, Plantronics Audio .470 USB, and Revolabs Desktop Solo – USB.
A tabletop speaker or microphone is also important for video conferencing equipment to make the communication easier. If you are buying one, opt for those that have built-in echo canceller so noise or any sound that can interrupt the conversation.
You will also be need speakers but there is no technical requirement for this because any decent and working speakers are fine.
To ensure that that video conferencing will be hassle free, a conference room setup is needed because it links to two separate parties. You can choose from either standard conference room solo mic or from the standard conference room setup that has a converge mixer. Also, make sure that in your room set, there will be a wall mount. The most typical one that is used is the WM-30B wall mount.
A video is also a significant video conferencing equipment because it will enable to record the whole meeting or conversation Today, the most sought after choices for a video is Sony EVI-D70 because it is ideal for standard desktop and laptop users. If you're buying one, opt for those that come with a tripod designed for it to ensure its safety.
Aside from making sure that the device is placed on a sturdy holder, buying a video that comes with a tripod will also help you save some money. Video Capture is also important to achieve a good video conferencing. Opt for those that are compatible with the video such as the Viewcast Osprey 210 because they are compatible in terms of image and audio performance.
Before buying video conferencing equipment, bear in mind that not all can be compatible with one another. In fact, majority is not compatible for office systems like Vista and XP. Make sure that you check manual or research which are the best brands that will be compatible with one another.
If you know what is compatible with what, you can save money, time, and effort.