Teleconferencing Technology

What is Teleconferencing?
Teleconferencing is a method of using technology to facilitate real-time, two-way communication between two, or more individuals, or among groups of people together despite geographic barriers. In order to interconnect people, teleconferencing systems use telecommunications channels that range from regular telephone lines to satellite links. Teleconferencing has also extends the ideas proposed at conferences by permitting people to assemble and synthesize ideas in the midst of meetings. The varieties of teleconferencing technologies and applications include audio conferencing, audio-graphic conferencing, video conferencing, VoIP conferencing, web conferencing.....and more.

The Different Forms of Teleconferencing
The three majors forms of teleconferencing are audio, audiovisual, and audio graphics.

Audio: Example the telephone - transmits voice only. In a telephone conference, either of the participants will make arrangement with a phone company to set up a conference call and every participant will dials the same phone number at the particular or scheduled time and the phone company connects them to hear one another.

Audiovisual: Example the television and video - transmits voice, pictures, data, body language and facial expressions. This is what is known as videoconferencing. The hardware needed for a audiovisual conferencing includes a large screen or television; video cameras that can send live pictures, and an online computer system to record communication among the participants.

Audio Graphics: Example the Internet and e-mail - is carried out with the use of the computer only. For most people today the first assignment on entering their office is to check their email or to search the web to see what information they could get from there. Students and people in different parts of the world communicate with one another so easily and get things done better and faster. Most families and individuals today own a computer. It is not surprising why it is called a "PC" meaning "personal computer."

Even though the three forms differ in specific technologies employed, they share several factors of teleconferencing in common, that is,

• Use a telecommunications channel and station equipment that provide reliable, high quality communication between all network points.

• Link individuals or groups at multiple locations.

• Are interactive, providing two-way communications and which provide a communications environment that duplicates as closely as possible a single site group.

• Are dynamic, involving active and easy participation of conferees.

• Feature a technical control center to supervise technical operation an origination facilities.

Conclusion: Teleconferencing is an upgraded means of communication and information that require telephone line/cable, television /screen, video machine etc to make it effective. It connects as many businesses as possible. It saves money, time and energy. It is easy to record minutes of conferences and use it later.