With the rising price of oil in the world market, companies have to cut down on certain expenses in order to show a profit. You can cut down the number of times that an employee travels on business trips and instead have a video conferencing facility setup that accomplishes the same objective.
But how do you setup video conferencing? The easiest way of saying it’s simply by buying the equipment, having it installed and letting someone in the office take care of it. But it’s not that simple. There are things you have to aware of first so you’re able to purchase the right system.
Let’s first talk about the devices that are used to make this work. There are 3 types namely desktop, small group and learn group. Naturally, the prices of each one varies but the common denominator is the fact that they can be used over ISDN or IP.
When you have chosen which of the 3 you want, the next hurdle is to work on the bandwidth. A T-1 for instance fives you only one line of communication. What if you need to speak with different offices simultaneously? For that you’ll need a T-3 or higher.
We should proceed with this blog post. If you’re having problems with your IP network since it’s not able to handle the additional traffic, the best thing for you to do is to get circuit switched networks or to deploy additional IP bandwidth capacity.
Earlier, we mentioned ISDN and IP networks. What is the difference? ISDN stands for integrated services digital network. IP on the other hand stands for Internet protocol.
Video conferencing through ISDN happens as you’re able to integrate both analog or voice data together with digital data over the same network. This means you’re able to encompass frame relay service for high speed data in large bursts.
This can also be done using your IP network which is very similar to how you’re able to browse the web. In the US, more people use IP’s compared to ISDN but in Europe, this is the exact opposite because it happens to be much cheaper than IP’s.
Video conferencing – YouTube
When you’re budgeting how much will be needed for video teleconferencing setup, you have to break down the fixed acquisition costs from the recurring costs. The fixed cost depends largely on how many units you’ll be ordering. There is also the license that you have to get that’s 250 dollars to 40,000 each and if you’re a very large company, you might just exceed 100,000 per package since you also have to consider the hardware and software components needed.
Is it worth all that just to have video conferencing? A lot of people say yes because their employees are more productive, decisions are made quickly and the company saves money.
In fact, private companies aren’t the only one using it as the government, the education and the healthcare sector have also taken advantage of this to conduct hearings, teach children and help patients.
If you want to know more about video teleconferencing setup and how much it’ll cost, go look for vendors and ask them for an estimate. After comparing the quotes from various companies, surely you can find the right one that fits within your budget.
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Has anyone ever heard of a wireless way to hook up your cable to your tv? My little brother told me they’ve things that you can just plug in the wall, instead of having to have those ugly cables running from the tv, and when I asked a saleman if they had them, he looked at me craazy!?
Video Teleconferencing Vtc Lead Jobs – Washington, DC – Sacramento. Search Video Teleconferencing (Vtc) Lead jobs in Washington, DC and related jobs at Sacramento Jobs.
Well unless he’s refering to Sony's location free TV products, yes he’s lying to you.
Services Offered – Interactive Video Services – University of Texas. Videoconferencing (also known as a video teleconferencing) is a set of interactive video communication technologies which allow 2 or more locations to
Compiled by Brian J. Catlin A fully html version of this FAQ is available at: Copyright ——— This file is Copyright (C) 1993, 1994, 1995 by Brian J. Catlin. All rights reserved. Redistribution of this file in both electronic and printed form, is permitted provided that this file is distributed in its entirety, including this copyright notice. If you redistribute this file, please let me know so that I can keep track of where this file goes. Sources ——- Most of this information is taken from FCC Public Notices along with information sent to me by both the FCC and the Wireless Cable Association (WCA). Other information has come from numerous newspapers, magazines, and from discussions with MMDS subscribers. Items marked with 3 plus signs (+++) have been added or changed since the last posting. I would like to thank Alan Larson, Craig Strachman, David Newman, David Simmons, and JBlitzEsq for their numerous contributions and corrections. Contents: ——— +++1.0 Abbreviations used 2.0 What is wireless cable? 2.1 What is CellularVision? 3.0 What are the benefits of wireless cable to the customer? 3.1 How does wireless cable work? 3.2 What is the history of MMDS? 3.3 How does MMDS work commercially? +++4.0 What frequencies are used? 4.1 How many channels can be transmitted? 4.2 What channels can be sent? 5.0 What is the range of wireless cable? 5.1 Does weather affect reception? 6.0 What equipment is in the subscriber's home? 6.1 Is wireless cable equipment reliable? +++7.0 What about copyright issues? 8.0 What about security? +++9.0 How are wireless cable systems regulated? 10.0 I saw one of those 'infomercials' about wireless cable. Are these companies legit? 10.1 How can I tell if a company is running a scam on me? 11.0 Is there an industry association? 11.1 Who do I contact for more information? 11.2 Are there any FTP or gopher sites available for more information? +++11.3 Wireless Cable people on the net. 12.0 Where can I get the latest copy of this FAQ? Questions and Answers ——————— 1.0) ABBREVIATIONS USED: ITFS – Instructional Television Fixed Service. Channels that must have a minimum of five hours per week of educational programming. May be leased for wireless cable usage. LMDS – Local Multipoint Distribution Service. 2 sets of fifty channels in the twenty-eight GHz band. Not yet available for wireless cable usage. MDS – Multipoint Distribution Service. 2 channels that are similar to MMDS. May be used in a wireless cable system. MMDS – Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service. 2 sets of 4 channels each. Also, type of service known as “Wireless Cable”. 2.0) WHAT IS WIRELESS CABLE? Wireless cable is a name given to a service that’s called Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (or MMDS). It’s a type of cable television system that offers its subscribers a mix of satellite channels by transmitting the programming over MMDS frequencies along with MDS, OFS, and ITFS frequencies, if they’re available. Wireless cable uses Super High Frequency (“SHF”) channels to transmit satellite cable programming over-the-air instead of through overhead or underground wires. 2.1) WHAT IS CELLULARVISION? CellularVision/Suite12 is a company that has been granted special permission by the FCC to transmit video services on a higher frequency than what wireless cable uses. They’ve been testing in the twenty-eight GHz (or LMDS) band. It’s believed that the FCC may allocate 2 sets of fifty channels in this band for wireless cable type service. CellularVision is hoping to provide television plus much more. Since the signal is interleaved, it’s possible for a large number of services to occupy a narrow bandwidth. CellularVision is planning on offering interactive networking, grocery ordering, bank transactions, and video teleconferencing. I’m not sure what all CellularVision is planning on offering during this initial testing period. Furthermore, using the twenty-eight GHz band means sacrificing signal range. These signals aren't able to achieve even the 25-30 mile range that MMDS and other two GHz services are able to get, given the same transmitting power. To get around this, they’re using thirty-five “cell sites” to transmit the programming. They hope to offer service to over 6.3 million subscribers in the region around New York City by 1995. 3.0) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WIRELESS CABLE TO THE CUSTOMER? Availability: Wireless Cable can be made available in areas of scattered population and other areas where it’s too expensive to build a traditional cable station. Affordability: Due to the lower costs of building a Wireless Cable Station, savings can be passed on to the subscribers. 3.1) HOW DOES IT WORK? Scrambled satellite cable programming is received at a central location where it’s processed and fed into special transmitters. The SHF transmitters distribute the programming throughout the coverage area. The signals are received by special antennas installed on subscribers' roofs, combined with the existing VHF and UHF channels from the subscriber's existing antenna, and distributed within the home or building through coaxial cable into a channel program selector located near the television set. Notice that you must provide a UHF and/or VHF antenna if you want the broadcast channels. This is because the Wireless Cable Box only provides a UHF/VHF tuner. Additionally, not all boxes include even this feature (but most do). 3.2) WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF MMDS? It’s a fairly new service that developed from MDS (multi-point distribution service) which could only send one or 2 channels. Originally, the FCC thought MDS would be used primarily to send business data. But nevertheless, since MDS's creation in the early 70's, the service has become increasingly popular in sending entertainment programming. Because the FCC doesn’t regulate the content of the transmission, alternative uses wouldn’t be prohibited. Today, there are systems in use all around the U.S. And in many other countries including the former Soviet Union, and Canada. Other systems are being built all over the place, including Australia. At the rate that the FCC has been receiving applications, it looks as if many more systems are going to be built in the U.S.. 3.3) HOW DOES MMDS WORK COMMERCIALLY? A MMDS licensee, which is similar to a broadcast station owner, leases transmission time to programmers on a first-come, first- served basis. The programmers, in turn, are responsible for designing and selling their programs to the subscriber. A MMDS applicant can choose to operate as a common carrier. In the telecommunications industry, a common carrier also may provide services such as audio only transmissions, telephone, or data. A MMDS applicant can alternatively choose to operate as a non- common carrier. This scenario in effect would constitute a non- common carrier wireless cable system. Also, note that a MMDS license only entitles you to 4 channels. In order to use all thirty-three channels, you must apply for several different licenses. This can be very costly! 4.0) WHAT FREQUENCIES ARE USED? Frequency num. Of type of channel Range channels service groups ——————— ——– ——- —————— 2,150 – 2,162 MHz two MDS 1,2,2(A) 2,500 – 2,596 MHz sixteen ITFS ABC&D 2,596 – 2,644 MHz eight MMDS E&F 2,644 – 2,686 MHz four ITFS G +++ ” – ” three MMDS H 2,686 – 2,689.875 MHz 31* MMDS Response Channels * – Each channel's bandwidth is 125 KHz, and doesn’t carry video. There are also tests being made in New York for transmitting in the twenty-eight GHz band (LMDS). The frequencies used are 27.5 GHz – 29.5 GHz. I’m not sure of how these frequencies are divided between the different services. The FCC is currently thinking about opening up more frequencies so that up to 7 wireless cable companies can compete in the larger markets. 4.1) HOW MANY CHANNELS CAN BE TRANSMITTED? When fully implemented, wireless cable operations may have as many as thirty-three channels of broadcast and cable programming. This, of course, depends on which channels are already used in your area. Even so, twenty of the thirty-three channels are borrowed from ITFS services and are earmarked for educational use. This means there is a requirement to program twenty hours per week per channel of educational material. All educational programming is now allowed to be placed on one ITFS channel instead of having it spread over the 4 channels in the ITFS group. For new ITFS licenses, only twelve hours per week per channel is required, but they can’t be grouped together. If any of these channels are being used, then any extra time can be leased by the MMDS station, if the owner of the license agrees. Approximately 150 to three hundred channels may become available if digital compression is used. There are a few sites that are testing this new technology, and I’ve heard that the video and audio signals are quite good. They’re using Zenith's new 16-level digital transmission system which is also capable of delivering HDTV (High Definition Television). Also, since the signals will be sent digitally, it’s expected that the range of the signal will increase by approximately three times. 4.2) WHAT CHANNELS CAN BE SENT? Wireless cable systems can carry any of the typical cable channels. In the past, some channels refused to let wireless cable systems carry their signals. Nevertheless, the cable re-regulation bill made channels that are available to cable companies also available to wireless cable. It can also send the 'SuperGuide' data along with similar data services. 5.0) WHAT IS THE RANGE OF WIRELESS CABLE? Wireless cable systems optimally can get a range of up to 25-30 miles. This depends largely on the terrain, transmitting power, both the transmitting and receiving equipment, and many other factors. In order to receive the signal, the transmitting and receiving antennas must be line-of-site. Because of its low startup costs, and the ability to reach places that can’t be served by traditional cable, MMDS may be feasible in certain rural areas. A range of seventy-five to ninety miles could be accomplished if a new digital compression system is used. (See question 4.1) 5.1) DOES WEATHER AFFECT RECEPTION? The answer to this question depends on the type of system used. For systems that transmit their programming without modification (ie. No compression or scrambling), severe fog and/or rain can cause the signal to be reflected, causeing the picture to deteriorate. From what I’ve heard,you can usually expect between 8 to 10 days per year of interrupted service. This figure, I believe, is the average for the current systems operating in the U.S.. If the programming is scrambled, the downconverter/descrambler may loose authorization sooner. On the other hand, if the programming is sent digitally, or is digitally compressed, the signal can deteriorate to a much lower level before the picture is affected. Having said that, once the signal gets this weak, the picture will deteriorate at a much faster rate as the weather gets worse. From what I’ve read, the average number of days that this type of service would be interrupted, would be one day per year. (This sounds rather optimistic to me… Does anyone have any info about this?) Also, the farther the receiver is from the transmitter, the sooner the picture will be affected. 6.0) WHAT EQUIPMENT IS IN THE SUBSCRIBER'S HOME? Each household subscribing to the service has a small antenna on its roof (about the size of an open newspaper) and a downconverter inside. The downconverter usually includes an addressable decoder and a VHF/UHF tuner built in. This gives it the ability to tune in broadcast channels without having to use up valuable MMDS channels. It also allows pay-per-view services and simplifies channel blocking and premium channel activation/deactivation. Also, the subscriber will need a UHF and/or VHF antenna if they want to receive broadcast channels. Recently, a new converter has been introduced that will send all channels out of the converter at once. This means that you can use your TV's and your VCR's built in tuner instead of having to have seperate boxes for each. This new technology is (hopefully) going to be integrated into Wireless Cable converters as well as the traditional cable boxes. 6.1) IS WIRELESS CABLE EQUIPMENT RELIABLE? Several excellent manufacturers produce antennas and downconverters for signal reception along with decoder boxes. Because the signal is broadcast over the air, it’s not subject to the failures of traditional cable. Of course, the receiving end is somewhat more complex than most wired cable systems would use. Also, the signal is in a frequency range that may be attenuated by water (such as rain) and can be blocked by trees. There is also some risk of interference from microwave ovens operating in the area on 2,450 MHz. There are several companies that provide equipment and consulting services. If you’re interested in this, you may want to pick up the latest copy of The Broadcasting Yearbook or Multichannel News. These can be found at most large libraries. 7.0) WHAT ABOUT COPYRIGHT ISSUES? In the past, wireless cable systems have assumed that they may use a compulsory license to pay for copyright issues (similar to what cable companies do today). A compulsory license enables systems to re-transmit broadcast signals for a pre-established fee to compensate producers of TV programs. The copyright office then announced that wireless cable is NOT a cable system, therefore, these systems may not use compulsory licenses. +++However, the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994 was passed and +++enacted on October 18, 1994. This act establishes that wireless +++cable systems fully qualify for the compulsory copyright license in +++the same manner as cable systems. (I would like to thank JBlitzEsq +++for this information.) 8.0) WHAT ABOUT SECURITY? In systems that use scrambling, signal security is provided by encoding each channel and equipping the converter with a decoding device that responds to a pilot signal carrying a data stream with authorization instructions. Thus, the system is totally addressable. No (legal) converter box will have any utility unless it’s authorized for service by the central computer. All channels, both Basic and Premium, are hard scrambled. Because the wireless cable system is addressable, it can also accommodate pay- per-view service. One way to defeat this is to use an illegal converter box. These aren’t as easy to find as the ones for regular cable systems. On the other hand, a “Universal Descrambler” will probably be able to descramble the channels. (I haven’t tried this). If digital compression is used, then no scrambling is needed as a compressed signal is impossible to watch. According to Barry Nadler of the FCC office in Vero Beach, “There is not any restrictions on receiving wireless cable transmissions. There are currently restrictions on the cellular frequencies only. If you decode scrambled signals, you’re breaking the law. Cable companies can take you to court (Title fourty-seven Section 705) for 'Use of information not specifically directed to you'.” This means that you may view any unscrambled/unmodified signals with your own receiver. You may not, however, unscramble a signal without authorization. I would like to thank David Simmons for providing this quote to me. 9.0) HOW ARE WIRELESS CABLE SYSTEMS REGULATED? The FCC has specifically preempted local regulation of wireless cable frequencies, asserting that it’s interstate commerce. There is no basis for local regulation of the wireless signal. Unlike cable, no public rights of way are used, and all transmission and reception equipment is on private property. In addition, the antennas are so similar to regular television antennas that there can be no basis for zoning restrictions. If a particular area does have zoning restrictions against antennas, they can be fought against in court (the newsgroup rec.video.satellite occasionally has these discussions). Then again, if you signed an agreement that restricted antennas, you may be out of luck. If you find yourself in this situation, look at the “USENET Satellite FAQ List” posted in rec.video.satellite by Gary Bourgois. Most of the information he provides about zoning restrictions applies to Wireless Cable antennas as well as TVRO (satellite) antennas. +++This doesn’t mean, however, that there is little regulation. The +++federal government regulates the industry heavily. This is done +++through processes of getting licenses, transfering licenses, +++applying for ITFS channels, report filings, etc. 10.0) I SAW ONE OF THOSE 'INFOMERCIALS' ABOUT WIRELESS CABLE. ARE THESE COMPANIES LEGIT? While some companies may be legit, there are some things that they don't disclose. Because of this, 2 companies have had temporary restraining orders placed against them. A judge has placed some of the following restrictions on them. * They may no longer state that applicants are “virtually guaranteed” of winning a license in the FCC lottery or that most wireless cable licenses are “highly valuable.” * “There may be substantial delays in the awarding of any MMDS license due to the length of time the FCC takes to process MMDS applications and award MMDS licenses.” * That financing for wireless cable systems is hard to get, “given the relatively new nature of this field of technology and that such financing may require additional funds of the customer's own money as a condition” to obtaining a system. * Provide a new “Risk Disclosure” statement that applicants must sign before sale is completed. This statement informs applicants, among other items, that any representations of value of systems are opinions and not actual values, that the winner of a MMDS lottery wins only four channels and that there may be competition with satellite, VCR, and other media. Temporary Restraining Orders have been placed on, or have been filed against: 1) Applied Telemedia Engineering and Management (A-TEAM) and 2) Applied Cable Technologies (ACT). If you deal with any type of application preparation firm, be very careful and read EVERYTHING. Other companies that MAY be questionable include Communications Engineering Management Services (CEMS), Decaxo Capital, Techno Source, and Western Wireless. These companies have management that were involved in a company selling cellular licenses. This company was forced out of business by the FCC for misleading customers. Other questionable companies include: MMDS Technologies (also known as Metro Communications Group), Tele-Wave Technology, GMT Group (also known as National Micro Vision Systems), Continental Wireless Cable Television, Spectrum Resources Group, UEG L.C., United Resource Group L.C., United Communications Ltd, Application Resolution Trust (ART), Foster City Financial Inc., Michael Charles Fisher, Marrco Communications, The Communications Group Inc., Wireless Cable Financial Consultants, B.R. Cable Corporation and Communications Corporation, Micro-Lite Television Inc., MCC Ventures Group and Monarch Capital Group, Emerging Technologies Group Inc., Microtech Communications Inc., Communications Development Corporation, Parkersburg Wireless Ltd., Key West Wireless Partners, Lancaster Broadcasting Partners, Transamerica Wireless Systems, Shreveport Wireless Cable TV Partnership, Microwave Cable TV Partnership, Knoxville LLc, Wireless Solutions Inc., Comcoa Ltd., Vision Communications, Mitchell Communications, Metropolitan Communications Corp. MMDS Technologies (aka. Metro Communications Group) had a restraining order placed against them, but it was later removed. American Microtel (also affiliated with Stork and Codima) has reached a settlement pertaining to a restraining order that was placed against them. Also, take note that in the U.S., it’s ILLEGAL to enter into (or even plan on entering into) a settlement group when applying for a license. Investigations by both federal and state agencies are continuing on many companies. As I receive info, it’ll be placed here. 10.1 HOW CAN I TELL IF A COMPANY IS RUNNING A SCAM ON ME? Many scams work the following way: * Television, radio, and newspaper ads say that a wireless cable company is looking for investors to apply for licenses for a given area, which the company will service. * Investors are asked to pay a large sum of money for application and engineering fees. The application fee is only about 155 dollars for 4 channels. * The company then does an engineering study, which may not meet the technical requirements, and submits many applications at one time to the FCC for that market. * If the investor wins a license, the company may not have the funding to actually bring a system on-line. Most legitimate companies get their investments from institutions instead of from individuals. Also, beware of any “limited liability partnerships” as they’re frequently scams. 11.0) IS THERE AN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION? Wireless cable operators, license holders, and equipment/service suppliers have formed the Wireless Cable Association. Among its activities the WCA has established a set of industry standards, both business and technical. The WCA has also made the industry's concerns known on Capitol Hill and at Federal agencies such as the FCC, NTIA, OTA and DOJ. The WCA has also opened channels of communication with organizations such as the National League of Cities, NATOA, MPAA and the Association of State Attorneys General.
Is the internet causing you to be more antisocial or more social? Well it depends? I would say anti social probably. I use msn and myspace regurley and find it easy to talk to people over that. Its so simple. You just write what you want and they write back. The other advantage of internet convo's is that you can plan what you say and make sure it sounds good. Whereas in real life conversations you say what comes to mind first. However as good as this sounds it’s actually not improving your social ability. Because when you speak face to face with the person it’ll be entirely different then speaking to them over the internet. I’m actually in a similar situation right now. I’ve a great friend and we’ve really great convo's over msn but when it comes to talking face to face we’re kind of hopeless. We’re working on building up our social skills! I think it's great talking with people over the net but i do believe that it does make you a bit antisocial and u don’t gain social skills from it. You need to have a balance.
I need help from someone with good COMPUTER EXPERIENCE !!? I'm having a huge family party, and we’ve some relatives from different states that won't be able to make it. We were thinking, were going to have a huge screen, and somehow, we get some laptops connected and THEY see US, through THEIR computer, and WE see THEM aswell, but their going to be up on a big screen, it seems confusing and i dont really know how to explain.. So if anybody can help me out, how can we make this happen ?
What kinds of technology can teachers use in the classroom and how will it help diverse learners.? Teaching is one of the most challenging professions because learners fall into so many categories. Computers are a great resource if one has a multiple presentation program. Students can proceed at their own pace, they can hear and see the material, and at some point, they may virtually experience the lesson. Pencils, pens, and paper are good tools, memorization exercises seem to help the ability to recall, exercise, especially stretch, help the body become more alert and less distracted, tape recorders are great for speech class and therapy. Technology has its uses, but they’re limited by the teacher's mind.
Dailymotion – video teleconferencing lighting – a Life & Style video. INSTALLATION OF THE LIGHTING WAS TIMED TO FINISH.. Videssence came to us with a plan, one that was flexible and efficient. The high
1. PowerPoint presentation —> visual learners 2. Computers—-> all kinds of learners 3. Light sabers —–> psycho kinesthetic learners
VTC – Video Teleconferencing. Acronym Finder: VTC stands for Video Teleconferencing. This definition appears very rarely.
The best piece of classroom technology ever invented is still the cane. This makes the stupid kids keep quiet so the others can learn something.