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Video Conferencing

2005-02-28
Video-conferencing and Desktop Video Conferencing (DVC) are emerging technologies which, when employed effectively, can eliminate the need for business conference travelling.

Video-conferencing is simply a method for people in two or more locations, not only talk with one another, but to see each other and exchange information. Desktop video-conferencing (DVC) is an emerging technology of video-conferencing that uses a standard personal computer which has been enhanced with special video processing capabilities and a small camera. This technology is employed by a broad spectrum of users to facilitate cost effective communication with key individuals or groups regardless of their geographic location.

Video-conferencing describes the use of compressed video technology for live, two-way, interactive communication in a variety of situations - person to person, informal discussions, formal group meeting, and large lectures. The primary use of video conferencing is to allow the timely exchange of information without travelling. Most meetings that are held face-to face can be held by video-conferencing. Video-conferencing is useful in situations of crisis management, or times when meetings are held on short notice.

Desktop video-conferencing (DVC) is an emerging technology of video-conferencing. This technology has been around since the early ‘90s when Cornell University researchers wrote CU-SeeMe that is a program that allowed Internet users with cameras and fast Internet connections to transmit live video. A DVC system uses a standard personal computer (PC) enhanced with special video processing capabilities and a small video camera with a speakerphone.

Desktop video-conferencing is gaining acceptance as a viable telecommunications technology. While a video-conferencing system uses the analogue voice and video technology, a DVC system employs the digital audio and video technology offered real-time applications sharing that increases productivity of groups who need to work together but are split up geographically.
Designed to run on a personal computer (PC)-based platform, DVC systems are meeting the challenge of providing varied applications in the government and the commercial sectors. DVC systems take advantage of the windows multi-tasking environment, allowing users to maintain a live face-to-face video-conference while accessing many other applications on their desktops, such as spreadsheet and word processing.