Videoconferencing And Telepresence Explained

Real-time video communication technology has been a reality for some time now

, though you could be forgiven for missing its development and application. For many the concept is intrinsically bound to the much hyped 'video-phones' of the 90's.

Yet although this individualised application of the technology hasn't really caught on, the same approach has become increasingly useful for businesses and big organisations. As the twenty first century goes on, more and more companies are turning to video conferencing and telepresence systems to conduct their business - saving money, time and their environmental footprint in one fell swoop.

Whilst individuals may chat online via the use of relatively low cost and low quality webcam hardware, businesses generally want a much higher standard than grainy, time-delayed footage. They also want to be able to have several participants - one to one communication is, after all, perfectly served by the telephone.

Not only will this make a positive impact on the bottom line of any business, it will also help businesses to curb their carbon emissions. At a time when the cost of travel is rising, driven by a growing demand for flights or an increase in the price of fuel, it seems like the popularity of video conferencing is yet to peak.

This is where the videoconference system has provided an excellent solution. Although it invariably comes at a higher cost than a videophone or a webcam, this type of system has much greater capabilities. It allows people in at least two but often more locations to communicate in real-time via live, two-way video and audio transmission.

Using high speed communications systems signals from a multipoint control unit- a centralised distribution and call management system - participants can talk to one another without speaking over one another. This kind of system is used for both general meetings, distance learning and group workshops.

Telepresence systems represent the high end of the videoconferencing system market. These are generally reserved for the high end, executive level of business. Unlike videoconferencing, its not uncommon for this to be a one-to-one system of communication (though by no means is this the exclusive application of the technology). Here though, the idea is to make the virtual 'telemeeting' as convincing an experience as possible.

Conference rooms equipped with telepresence systems combine the use of high-definition video cameras and displays with high-fidelity sound systems to deliver the most accurate representation of an individual over distance. Even more important though is how this hardware is integrated with advanced software or motion tracking systems, as well as room designs, to create the physical impression of the two parties.

One way of picturing this is to imagine a boardroom table, bisected by a wall of screens; when the teleconference begins, the screen presents a picture of the 'other half' of the table - the one occupied at a remote location. Audio and video systems will recreate the acoustics and depth of field needed to make the image a convincing representation of an actual physical presence.

by: Saarah Howard

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