VIDEO CONFERENCING

Concept:-

Videoconferencing is an interactive tool that incorporates audio, video, and computing, and communications technologies to allow people in different locations to electronically collaborate face-to-face, in real time, and share all types of information including data, documents, sound and picture. We need Display, Units Camera, Microphones, Speakers, and Bandwidth for video conferencing.
Need:-?????

Technology:-

The core technology used in a videoconferencing system is digital compression of audio and video streams in real time. The hardware or software that performs compression is called a codec (coder/decoder). Compression rates of up to 1:500 can be achieved. The resulting digital stream of 1s and 0s is subdivided into labeled packets, which are then transmitted through a digital network of some kind (usually ISDN or IP). The use of audio modems in the transmission line allow for the use of POTS, or the Plain Old Telephone System, in some low-speed applications, such as video telephony, because they convert the digital pulses to/from analog waves in the audio spectrum range.
Components of Video Conferencing:

Video input : video camera or webcam Video output: computer monitor , television or projector Audio input: microphones, CD/DVD player, cassette player, or any other source of Preamp

audio outlet. Audio output: usually loudspeakers associated with the display device or telephone Data transfer: analog or digital telephone network, LAN or Internet Computer: a data processing unit that ties together the other components, does the compressing and decompressing, and initiates and maintains the data linkage via the network

Video conferencing standards:

Standard: Protocol:

There are three types of Umbrella protocols used for video conferencing. 1. ISDN (Circuit Switched) H.320 2. IP (Packet Switched) H.323 3. Satellite Communication

Whatever the standard used, we have to transmit four types of information over the network to have a successful video call viz., video, voice, data and control information.

Video Audio:

Data: The Call setup:

Difference between the H.320 ISTN protocol and the H.323 IP protocol

Video Conferencing Stages:

Video conferencing involves transmitting images to remote location which is achieved via a process involving five distinct stages. Capturing the Image:-

Analyse the Image:-

 Coding:-

Transmission:-

Decoding:-

Types of video conferencing

Telepresence most closely simulates a live meeting. Large screens mounted on the wall or above conference tables show people at life size. Similar furniture, directional acoustics and cameras mounted at eye level make it seem as though participants are sitting around the same table and looking at one another. Some sophisticated systems incorporate 3D and holographic images with virtually invisible screens to create very convincing "immersive experiences." Because of the complexity involved, many vendors who offer this equipment also offer telepresence support and service, either directly or through partners or resellers. Room-based video conferencing systems include large screens that are fixed to the walls in a meeting room. Alternatively, some vendors offer screens mounted on carts that can be moved to wherever they are needed. Desktop video conferencing resides on desktop computers and laptops and other devices such as IP phones for individual use. Several vendors who specialize in this type of video conferencing are extending their products to mobile video conferencing as well. Scalable desktop video conferencing depends on reliable network bandwidth and links. Hybrid video conferencing systems combine elements of multiple types. Telepresence and room-based conferencing often overlap and can be used differently depending on the environment. Vendors can sometimes provide integrated systems in which different business applications or user groups in a company utilize different video conferencing equipment or software, based on their needs. Service-based video conferencing is a fully managed product often available from telecom carriers, who have a great deal of control over the underlying network

infrastructure. You can also purchase subscriptions to Web-based video conferencing over the Internet. Many equipment vendors offer managed services for their products, but this requires an additional contract and is often provided through a partner.
Applications of Video Conferencing: Video conferencing can be used in a host of different environments, which is one of the reasons the technology is so popular. General uses for video conferencing include business meetings, educational training or instruction and collaboration among health officials or other representatives. Thus far video conferencing has been used in the following fields:

Business : Videoconferencing provides businesses with the ability to meet and to work with others over a distance. The following list includes several examples of the benefits for businesses using videoconferencing:

Reduce travel costs. Improve use of executive time. Speed up decision-making. Keep meetings brief and more focused than face-to-face meetings. Enable top management to quickly and effectively communicate with employees sitting in multiple locations. Allows virtual project management via video and data conferencing with geographically dispersed peer groups at short notice. Provides an effective way of delivering cost-efficient training to individuals without the requirement to consistently travel to central locations. Creates a medium for conducting interviews.

Distance Learning Videoconferencing is an exciting technology for education. Teachers and students are able to see each other, share documents and discuss topics together in a situation similar to a traditional classroom setting. The main difference being that the teachers and the students may be in different states or even countries.
Distance Learning Videoconferencing increases efficiency by:

Saving travel time and expenses. Increasing an instructor's audience. Maintaining the ability for interaction between teachers and students.

Many schools are currently using videoconferencing systems for a variety of purposes, including:

Traditional courses. Connecting with guest speakers and experts. Multi-school project collaboration. Enabling teachers to share information and team-up with teachers in remote sites.

Virtual field trips to museums, zoos, aquariums, institutions and other interesting locations that are geographically distant from the school.

Telecommuting / Home Offices: Working out of home has never been easier or more practical. Videoconferencing makes it possible to stay connected with people in a very real way. Videoconferencing allows users to save resources by meeting with clients and/or colleagues via videoconference. This reduces travel expenses, while maintaining face-to-face contact.

For a minimal cost, it is possible to set-up a fully functional videoconferencing system that works in a professional and reliable way from your home office.

Legal Environment: The use of videoconferencing technology is becoming more prevalent in todays courtrooms. Videoconferencing systems are used to enable testifying witnesses to appear in court without having to travel to the courtroom. Expert witnesses, prisoners, and various other witnesses can provide the same testimonies from remote locations. From the prison, prisoners will see and hear everything that takes place in the courtroom and will be able to answer questions posed to them by the presiding judges and lawyers. Videoconferencing in the court system offers significant cost savings and improved security by reducing the need for high-security prisoner transport. The entire courtroom experience will be made shorter, safer and more cost-effective. Telemedicine There are times when a person needs medical advice but is unable to visit their personal physician or even more likely, a specialist. In such situations using videoconferencing can make all the difference. A patient in a rural location can easily meet with a specialist from anywhere in the world. Videoconferencing enables patients to get the necessary information and expert guidance they need quickly and easily. While videoconferencing cannot replace all visits to a medical professional, in some instances it can be the only method of meeting with a specific doctor, and in a difficult situation it may prove to be a lifesaver.

Major players in Video Conferencing Industry:

Video conferencing has carved a niche market for itself and is growing at a rapid pace. The following are the major market players in the industry. 1. CISCO 2. POLYCOM 3. TANDBERG

4. 5. 6. 7.

SONY LIFESIZE RADVISION CODIAN