Types Of Conference Call Services
Over the years, the definition of conferencing has changed to reflect new types of conference call services that have become available as technology becomes more and more sophisticated. The current definition of conference calls has been expanded to include more recent modes of conferencing such online meetings, videoconferencing and web seminars.
The assorted telecommunications technologies that are available to us - namely the telephone, computer and the Internet - are all combined in conference call services. There are many benefits that companies utilizing videoconferencing may experience, and they are all related to the greater efficiency that can be achieved in the areas of personal and business communication.
The potential uses for the various forms of conference calls are practically unlimited. Conference calls can be used for just about any activity that requires communication of some sort, and they are especially useful for enabling effective communication over long distances.
Conferencing technology is an all-inclusive term that encompasses the simultaneous transmission of video, audio and data streams, all operating on an integrated platform. Videoconferencing involves real-time transmission of audio and video streams between two or more parties.
The two main types of conference call services are the studio-based systems and the desktop systems. Desktop conferencing systems are simply PC systems to which a camera has been added. Studio-based conferencing systems, however, involve the use of one or more high resolution cameras, large screens and high fidelity microphones. Overhead cameras are also used for conferences that are held for more important business gatherings to provide clear overhead views of any presentations or documents being displayed. Some of the more popular software and hardware that is used in conference calls includes FreeVue, Picture-Window, Video Phone, CU-SeeMe, CineVideo and CoolView.
Internet conferences generally refers to digital conferences that may or may not include video. The people involved are usually from the same group and the typical length of an internet conference is two days. Internet conferences usually involve the exchange of information between users who belong to specific interest groups such as the Humane Society. Internet conferences are very similar to conference calls with the only difference being that internet conferences involve a larger number of people than conference calls do.
Web meetings are a more basic form of conferencing and only audio is transmitted. It is often used by businesses in the process of closing a deal, and it is able to connect users from anywhere in the world. Web meetings are particularly useful when there is information that needs to be disseminated from a single person to many others. It can also be used to carry out discussions where ideas are exchanged or for the purpose of conducting online polls through conference call services.