How smart boards play an important role in video conferencing?

What is Video Conferencing?

• Video conferencing is a real-time visual connection between two or more remote parties, simulating a face-to-face meeting. It plays a crucial role in providing the optimal solution for business meetings, remote training, communication between different branches, remote recruitment, and more.
• The simplest form of video conferencing involves transmitting static images and text between two locations. In more complex cases, it can transmit full-motion video images and high-quality audio among multiple locations.
• As technology has advanced and information flow has become faster, distance is no longer a barrier to communication. Video conferencing, also known as web conferencing, is a system that allows users from different locations to have live visual and audio transmissions to achieve the purpose of a meeting. At the transmitting end, images and sound signals are digitized, and at the receiving end, they are reproduced as visual and audible information. Compared to traditional telephone conferences, video conferencing offers strong intuitiveness and a wealth of information.

The History of Video Conferencing

• The initial development of video conferencing can be traced back to the 1920s when AT&T Bell Labs and John Logie Baird began experimenting with video telephony.
• In the 1930s, early video conferencing experiments were also conducted in Germany. This early technology included image telephones capable of transmitting static pictures over telephone lines.
• In the early 1970s, AT&T started integrating video conferencing with its Picturephone service. However, the widespread adoption of video conferencing began in the 1980s with the advent of the computer revolution. This revolution brought about the invention of codecs and the rise of broadband services like ISDN, making it possible to send visual images for personal use. The subsequent introduction of mobile phones further fueled the popularity of video conferencing.
• In the 1990s, webcams started appearing on college campuses. In August 1994, the first commercial webcam, QuickCam, was launched. Initially compatible only with Mac, a Windows-compatible version was released in 1995. Time magazine named QuickCam as one of the most outstanding computer devices ever.
• In 1992, staff from Cornell University’s IT department developed the CU-SeeMe video conferencing software for Mac. They later developed software for Windows in 1994. The CU-SeeMe software was commercially launched in 1995, introducing the first internet radio station.
• By 2004, as broadband technology became more affordable and accessible, many businesses began adopting video conferencing systems for the first time.

How Video Conferencing Works?

• The process of video conferencing can be divided into two main steps: compression and transmission.
• During the compression phase, a network camera and microphone capture analog audio-visual (AV) inputs. The collected data appears in the form of continuous waves with frequency and amplitude, representing the captured sounds, colors, brightness, depth, and shadows. In order for this data to be transmitted over regular networks – instead of requiring networks with large bandwidth – a codec is used to compress the data into digital packets. This compression allows the captured AV inputs to be transmitted more efficiently over broadband or Wi-Fi internet.
• During the transmission phase, the digitally compressed data is sent over a digital network to the receiving computer. Once it reaches the endpoint, the codec decompresses the data, converting it back to analog audio and video. This allows the receiving screen and speakers to correctly display and play the AV data, enabling users to see and hear each other in real-time during the video conference.

Components of a Video Conferencing System

1. Data Transmission Network: This is typically a high-speed broadband Internet connection, utilizing technology similar to Internet Protocol voice (VoIP). Occasionally, local area networks (LANs) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connections are also used.

2. Two or more Cameras or Webcams: These provide video input to the system, enabling participants to be seen during the video conference.

3. Two or more Microphones: External microphones or built-in microphones in the devices are used to capture audio input from participants.

4. Display Device: This can be a computer screen, monitor, television, or projector that shows the video output of the participants.

5. Audio Output Device: Headphones, laptop speakers, or external speakers are used to play the audio output from the video conference.

6. Hardware or Software Codec: Codec technology is used for encoding and decoding audio and video data. It compresses AV data into digital packets at the distribution end and then decompresses the data at the endpoint, reducing the required bandwidth.

7. Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) Software: AEC software reduces audio delay and supports real-time communication by eliminating echo during the video conference.

As an example of a mainstream video conferencing all-in-one device, the Zoom Room Kit, for instance, comes with built-in wide-angle cameras, a linear 6-microphone array, noise suppression, and AI technology for automatic voice tracking and speaker tracking.

Why Do We Need Video Conferencing?

• Video conferencing services offer numerous benefits. In businesses, they can enhance employee productivity and provide an improved way to communicate and interact with colleagues, partners, and clients.
• For businesses, tangible benefits of video conferencing include reduced travel costs, especially in terms of employee training, and shortened project timelines due to improved communication among team members.
• Intangible benefits of video conferencing include enhanced business communication both within the company and between companies and clients. This includes non-verbal communication, increased meeting efficiency, and a strengthened sense of community. At a personal level, face-to-face communication adds non-verbal cues to the interaction, making participants feel more familiar with individuals they may have never met in person before.

Advantages of Video Conferencing:

1. Accelerate Business Speed: One of the most compelling reasons to adopt a technology in the workplace is to improve efficiency. From fax machines to email, and now video conferencing, advancements in office technology have all aimed to speed up business processes.

2. Business Continuity: Natural disasters, pandemics, and severe weather can disrupt business operations, and these factors are beyond our control. During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of businesses and offices had to close their physical locations, and people worldwide were forced to work from home. The impact on video conferencing during the pandemic was immense. “Remote work” overnight transformed from a company perk into a necessary ability. Suddenly, businesses across all industries had to adapt. With work-from-home periods extending from weeks to months, companies also embraced video conferencing software and tools to enable employees to collaborate and stay connected with their dispersed teams.

3. Lower Costs: From low-quality free video conferencing to high-definition business video calls, the cost has significantly decreased. Virtualization and more sophisticated software allow you to start with a small video strategy and build on it. This is easier to implement and more cost-effective compared to the past.

4. Work-Life Balance: Finding the perfect balance between work and life can be challenging. With demands of 24/7 availability, daily commutes, weekly meetings, and frequent client conferences, it can feel like a constant hustle. Transitioning some of your meetings to video conferencing can enhance work efficiency, giving you time to do what you want or simply allowing you to be home on time for meals, help your children with homework, spend time with family, or even get a little more sleep!

Practical Applications of Video Conferencing with Interactive Whiteboards:

Remote Education and Training:

• The combination of interactive whiteboards and video conferencing enables remote education and training, allowing teachers and students to interact in real-time from different locations. Teachers can use screen sharing to present their teaching materials, while students can engage with the teacher through video and audio, enhancing teaching efficiency and participation.

Corporate Meetings and Collaboration:

• Enterprises can utilize interactive whiteboards with video conferencing systems to organize virtual meetings and facilitate cross-geographical collaboration. Employees can participate in meetings through video conferencing, showcase presentations, share data, and engage in real-time discussions and decision-making, improving work efficiency and teamwork.

Remote Healthcare and Telemedicine:

• Interactive whiteboards and video conferencing play a crucial role in remote healthcare and telemedicine. Doctors and patients can conduct remote diagnosis, consultations, and rehabilitation through video conferencing, especially in remote areas or areas with limited medical resources, providing valuable healthcare services.

Cross-National Business Communication:

• Multinational corporations can leverage interactive whiteboards with video conferencing systems to facilitate communication between different countries and regions. This technology breaks down time zone and geographical barriers, enabling multinational teams to conveniently share information, coordinate work, and enhance global collaboration efficiency.

Virtual Exhibitions and Demonstrations:

• Interactive whiteboards with video conferencing systems are used for virtual exhibitions and demonstrations. Artists, designers, sales teams, and others can showcase their works, products, or services through video conferencing, attracting potential customers or audiences and enhancing the presentation’s impact.

Educational Training Demonstrations:

• Interactive whiteboards with video conferencing systems are beneficial for educational training demonstrations. Teachers or trainers can use screen sharing to present their teaching materials, allowing learners to better understand and absorb knowledge.

The practical applications of video conferencing with interactive whiteboards offer convenience and benefits across various scenarios, enabling efficient communication, collaboration, and engagement in remote settings.