Video Conferencing Reviews
By leelefever on December 2, 2004 - 10:08am.
I’ve never used video conferencing other than a messing around with a camera on my PC. This being said, I think multiparty video conferencing has a bright future.
An example of “multiparty†video conferencing is a group meeting online and everyone’s live-action face appears on the screen. Robin Good, someone I consider to be very informed in such things, put together a great review of the video conferencing market right now. Robin's reviews are focused on classroom applications and were posted in response to a discussion on Nancy's White's Online Facilitation list.
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Video Conferencing Reviews
Lee,
For whatever it's worth, my experience with videoconferencing has been somewhat lackluster. Videoconferencing has been used in the pharma industry for many years now and I've worked for several companies that have quite sophisticated videoconferencing suites. Yet, despite the fancy equipment, my experience has been that folks still prefer the good old-fashioned way of meeting- in person. In fact, we rely on videoconferencing only when we have to: when we're told we have to decrease our travel to save costs. This may be videoconferencing's saving grace!
Video Conferencing Reviews
Hi Rich,
Now that I think about it, I have used video conferencing at my last job, but it looked different than what I'm seeing as "multiparty" video conferencing lately.
What I've seen in the past is 2 cameras, 2 TVs, and two groups of people (and a ton of money spent on infrastructure).
The multiparty video conferencing I'm seeing now is Web-based (low infrastructure cost) and focused on individuals in many different locations. Each person's face appears seperately on everyone's screen.
Anyway, it still ain't face-to-face, but it does provide a step closer for a fraction of the cost of the traditional video conferencing systems.
All this being said, I admit to knowing very little about all this...
A great video conferencing solution to check out!
I wanted to write in and let you know I am client a web video conferencing solution that I found works great for things just like this called MegaMeeting. They are completely browser based and they allow up to 16 videos up at one time in each room. You can even have multiple rooms at the same time, which is great for educational or business type needs. I have been using them from about 6 months and found there customer support is amazing and they will even train you on how to use the system which makes it easy and fun to use. I would suggest you check them out if you need video conferencing for anything.
MegaMeeting
Enjoy!
John Burke
Video & Web Conferencing
I run a Segway dealership based out in Hawaii. I use MegaMeeting to meet with my dealer reps, prospects, clients, and staf members in different locations all over the globe. It's inexpensive, and the video is great! You don't need to invest a lot of money on hardware or equipment. If you want to be seen; all you need is a basic webcam. I use a logitech of which I bought for $39.95 and I video conference with great resolution - I think the camera supports 640 x 480...Great!!!
I like the MegaMeeting system because it's 100% browser based- unlike WBEX, Go-To Meeting, and all the others...Nobody will be required to download ANTHING to make it in the meeting room. They provide free unlimited VOIP and teleconferencing services. They don't have a maximum number of partipants for online meetings, there is no limitation - except for the amount of users you pay for. The amount of users that can connect concurrently determines the monthly service fee. I pay $75/month for 5 users...but everyone has video - and it's unlimited usage... I bought a professional package, so there was a set-up fee. However, I have a branded account with my own logos and color schemes, so the set up cost was well worth it!!! I have no contract with them, they bill me monthly. I can also upgrade and downgrade the user amount at anytime to optimize monthly savings!
I highly recommend MegaMeeting for anyone who needs to conudct video conferences or web meetings. I save about $14,000 in travel related costs each month. My clients love it becasue there's no downloads, and they don't have to worry about firewalls and things....They also have U.S. based 24/7 tech support. If you would like more info, give them a call, and ask for Ryan Rice. He was my rep, and happens to be one of the best customer service reps I've encouted thus far.
His direct line is 877 634 6342 ext: 122
Local: (818) 783-4311 ext: 122
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