What is the difference between video conferencing equipment and video conferencing tools? When we talk about equipment, we are referring to the hardware and software that is used to make this happen. But when we talk about tools, these are things that you can add to enrich the video conferencing experience.
How do you enrich this experience? By using software programs that can do more than just let you see and hear the other person.
A good example is when you are talking to someone and then another person comes along. You don’t want to end one conversation just to begin with another so the best thing for you to do is to chat with the other party by sending text messages.
Another tool is the ability of the program to have an interactive whiteboard so both sides can see the same document and make changes instantaneously. This is useful when you are finalizing the paperwork of any project that will be submitted.
Sometimes, you want to express to people how you feel and instead of seeing this in your face, you can do this by using emotional icons or emoticons.
It will also be cool to have a video conferencing tool that allows you to surf the web. This will be useful when you need to put in additional information or have suddenly found new ones that should also be mentioned.
Majority of the video conferencing tools can be found online and downloaded into your computer. Some offer a 30 day trial and charge around $20 to $30 monthly.
Some examples of these include Acrobat Connect Pro formerly known as Breeze, Horizon Live Classroom, WebEx, Microsoft Live Meeting and Marratech. You can try your luck to see if there are freeware tools around as well so you can use these tools for free. Some examples of these include Web diagnostics, AB Cam, Motion Detection and Instant Translator.
Since there are quite many and it is really hard to pick one, narrow down your choices by asking friends and family who have used this before or read reviews that have been posted. Eventually, you will be able to find the right software that has the video conferencing tools you are looking for so can get the most out of this system.
When downloading any of these tools, make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements that are needed to make it work. Otherwise, you are wasting your time getting something you can’t use in the first place.
Many people perceive video conferencing as a virtual trip that can take you to different parts of the globe. This is perhaps because you connect with people not only in the US but also in other countries making distance no longer an obstacle.
The video conferencing tools mentioned can do a lot for those that use this medium to finish a project, conduct in house training or make a business decision. Of course these tools will not function on their own since you have to learn how to use them. The best part about any of these is that they all user-friendly so you don’t have to attend a class to learn how to use the system.
You just have to be patient and eventually, you will be able to use this to its full potential.
