Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing

Most folks that intend to implement video conferencing for their home office will probably get the video conferencing software with the camera they purchase from Logitec, Creative Labs, Micro Innovations or their "other" chosen vendor.  However, if you don't like the video software that came with your camera, or you're looking for a specific function or feature and think another software package might be the answer, read on.

We hope that before you even thought of doing video conferencing from your PC that you had a broadband (cable modem, DSL) connection in place.  Doing video over dial-up just isn't worthwhile.  And, we also hope that you understand that video conferencing from your PC is not anything like professional, enterprise video conferencing systems in the areas of "smooth" motion and good sound quality.  But with that said, and making sure your expectations are "in line" with what the technology can offer, here are some things to think about before you choose your video conferencing software.

• Firewalls - if you have a firewall in place, or your broadband connection does not have a "fixed" IP address, there is a good chance you'll have trouble making a connection.  Ensure that your software can "get through" firewalls, and if you don't have a static or fixed IP address, that there is a way for the connection to be made - via email address or third party server.
• Standards - as always where telecommunications is involved, there is an "alphabet soup" of standards that are involved in doing audio and video over the Internet.  Make sure your software "complies" so you won't run into connection problems!  The relevant standards are:
  • Audio - G.723, G.711 - G.723 uses compression to provide audio at 6.4 or 5.3 kbits/second, G.711 at 64 kbits
  • Video - H.263, H.261 - H.263 offers video at low bit rages, 20 kbits/second, H.261 at 64 kbits.
  • Chat - H.245 - actually uses the "control channel" in H.323 (next) to provide text "chat" services
  • H.323 - the video conferencing "standard" for IP networking.
• Your System - as always, it isn't just your camera and software you need to think about when installing video conferencing capabilities on your PC.  The quality of your sound card, video card, display, the speed of your processor's CPU and the amount of memory in your machine will all affect your video conferencing "experience".  Again, we strongly recommend that you don't even attempt to install video conferencing without beating the minimum requirements for the hardware and software - you'll be glad you made the extra investment(s)!

  Web Home Office Reports

Looking for more from your video conferencing packages?  Let's see what's out there.

NOTE:  Many web cam manufacturers include video software of their own or others with their cameras.  Check our Web Cams page BEFORE you buy to make sure you get the right package for your business!

Some vendors offer more than one package in this category.  We'll review them in table format within that vendor's detailed review.

Video Conferencing Software Review

Video Conferencing Software*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

Apple

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Apple's  iChat AV software is a quick download away for Mac OS X users.  It installs simply and is easy to use right away.

Cost - $$$$$

What could be better than free?

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Video conferencing can be a great tool when you need to get your message across. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

iChat AV is software in the Macintosh tradition - easy to use and set up.

Works With - YYY

iChat AV is available for Macintosh OS X users only.

Support - ppp

Apple has an extensive knowledge base, technical support and more on their web site.  Apple expects most problems to be handled through their online discussion forum.

Features - iiii

It's the little things that count - video pause (to do those little things you have to do during the conference but don't want anyone to see!) and integrated text messaging are real "plusses".

Overall Rating - %%%%

iChat AV is a good solution for the Macintosh user.  Nice features and functions - and usability.  We do however, disagree with Apple.  They state in their literature that a 56 Kbps modem connection is all you need - HA!  Not for the quality of video that we'd like to see for business environments.

ArcSoft

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

ArcSoft's WebCam Companion is easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

WebCam Companion is priced at $39.99.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Video conferencing can be a great tool when you need to get your message across. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

WebCam Companion has an easy to use interface.

Works With - YYY

WebCam Companion is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

Arcsoft has an extensive knowledge base available for support.  You can also email them and get answers to your questions, however, you'll have to wait your turn for a reply.

Features - iii1/2

The best feature is motion detection with video capture and email/FTP or SMS alerts.  You can also edit still images with the software or launch your chosen chat service directly from the software.

Overall Rating - %%%%

A good, useful application at a competitive price.

Ezonics

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Ezonics EZVideo Chat software is straight forward to install and setup for use.

Cost - $$$$

EZVideo Chat Kit with headset is priced at $49.99.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need to "see" as well as hear, an effective solution (if you have a broadband connection!).

Ease of Use - @@@@

Very easy to use, set-up is a breeze.

Works With - YYY

Ezonic's software is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp

The technical support area on the Ezonics web site includes a "walk through" for the software, FAQ and online manuals.  If you need more help, you'll have to rely on email.

Features - iii

Basic video conferencing solution.

Overall Rating - %%%+

Inexpensive video conferencing solution for basic, web-based video conferencing.