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Knowing which type of Desktop Video Conferencing is most suited to your requirements can seem a daunting task at first, with vendors saying one thing, google saying another, and marketing covering the real solution to what best meets your needs. Below is a short introduction to Desktop Video Conferencing from an unbiased view (we're one of the only UK integrators accredited with ALL the manufacturers) to help you get started - for more information, give us a call, and we can speak in more detail about all Desktop Video Conferencing has to offer!
As VideoCentric see it, there are five main types of Desktop Video Conferencing.
Each of these have various requirements, benefits and additional options that can be added or changed to provide a suitable solution for your video communications.
Desktop Video Phones and Personal Telepresence are both in hardware form and are generally located on an office desk or home workspace. PC Based is in software form, and both Server based and Subscription Based (cloud) are in both software and hardware form and can be suitable for PCs, Macs and laptops (and usually mobile devices too).
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1. Desktop Video Phones
- Similar to a normal telephone handset but with a Video Display (4 - 10 inches approx.)
- Generally serve individuals, not groups
- Are highly used in telemedicine (eg. regular remote consultation with eldery), telepsychiatry (e.g. ex military personnel), deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired (for sign/body language signals), home workers and general office employees
- Keeps PC and phone seperate - the "All-In-One" on the desk concept of Personal Telepresence is not for everyone - VideoCentric employees like to have a handset for privacy and normal phone controls (we have IP Video Phones on all of our desks!)
Go to Video Phones for more information on products available
2. Personal Telepresence
- On the desk Video Conferencing System
- High Definition & can double up as a PC monitor
- Larger screen than Video Phones - generally 20 - 24 inches - and more features (but more costly too)
- Direct eye contact and similar size as if sat on other side of the desk. Can see shoulders, hand and arm movements for more body language recognition - feeling of being "present"
- We suggest Personal Telepresence is more suited to the executive office or small group meeting and collaboration rooms
Go to Personal Telepresence for more information on products available
3. PC Based Video Conferencing Software
- Turns your PC/MAC's into a professional Video Conferencing system
- Deployed on a per PC/MAC basis (installed per device, controlled per device)
- Software deals with both access to/from itself AND processes/features involved with video conferencing
- Suitable for small deployments and those with some technical knowledge - firewall and NAT traversal issues need to be addressed per system, address books are personal to specific device etc.
- Low single cost, but cost is per install
Go to PC Based Software for more information on products available
4. Server Based Video Conferencing Packages (Client/Server Solution)
- Package is based on a central server (this is on premise - but could also be in the cloud - see below)
- Users have a basic client on PC, MAC or laptop which just enables access and NOT processes
- Central server deals with processes i.e. network issues, firewall and NAT traversal, updates, address book management, recording/streaming etc. centrally and "pushes out" to all user clients
- More flexible than PC Based
- Suitable from ten to thousands of deployments without the need for all users to be technical. Central server/hardware administration requires technical knowledge.
- Cost model based on concurrent calls across organisation. Central server cost can often be spread through leasing.
Go to Server Based Packages for more information on products available
5. Subscription Based Video Conferencing Packages (Cloud Solution)
- Service is based on a central server owned by VideoCentric and it's Internet-based Data Centre. No Central hardware (as above) required by customer
- Users have a basic client on PC, MAC or laptop which just enables access and NOT processes
- Cloud server deals with processes i.e. network issues, firewall and NAT traversal, updates, address book management, recording/streaming etc. centrally and "pushes out" to all user clients
- More flexible in that internet guests may be invited in to meeting at short notice
- Suitable from ten to thousands of deployments without the need for users to be technical. Central server/hardware administration carried out by VideoCentric.
- Rental cost model - customer owns access equipment but not infrastructure to make it work - that part is rented as part of an annual subscription (similar to a mobile phone)
Go to Subscription Based Packages (Video in the Cloud) for more information on products available
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Cisco E20
RADVISION VC240
Polycom M100
Polycom CMA Desktop
LifeSize ClearSea
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This has hopefully answered some of the questions we regularly receive including:
- What is Desktop Video Conferencing?
- What is Personal Telepresence?
- What is the difference between on-premise and cloud video conferencing?
- What is a client server solution?
- What hardware do I need for Desktop Video Conferencing?
Please feel free to give us a call to chat about Desktop Video or any other type of Video Conferencing or Telepresence and how it can enhance your communication for your business.
We have a new Desktop and Mobility Video Conferencing Demonstration suite based in Wokingham, Berkshire where we would love to show you all types of desktop video conferencing, inteoperability, and integration with the likes of Microsoft Lync, SMARTBoards, iPADs and more. For more information, Contact VideoCentric
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