New to Video Conferencing? Confused by all the technicalities?
We want to make it understandable and simple!
With this table of descriptions we have tried to offer an easy explanation into the language of the techies.
Though if you have come accross any more technical, mind-boggling, brand new words or phrases please let us know and we’ll see if we can make that clearer as well!
| Endpoint | This is the video conference system in front of you. The part that you look at and speak into. Endpoints include; Desktop Clients, Desktop Systems, Meeting Room Systems and Telepresence systems. |
| IP | This is an “internet protocol”, the method by which your video calls transmit information (sound and image. IP based Video Systems send information over an IP access line in the same way that your emails get sent and you access the internet. You pay a monthly subscription for your “IP access line” and all video calls are inclusive. This is the newer, more cost-effective and leading way that video calls now run. |
| ISDN | This is also a method which transmits your video information. However, ISDN uses the same technology and method that your telephone calls send and receive information with. It is the older, original method for video conferencing. ISDN users pay per-call like you would for using the telephone. |
| Desktop Clients | This is a piece of Software which is on your computer (laptop or PC) which allows you to connect with another endpoint. |
| Desktop System | This is a physical video conference system or endpoint which is compact enough to fit on your desk. |
| Meeting Room System | This is a physical system or endpoint which sits in your office or meeting room. They are designed for easy, professional meetings. They are usually High Definition systems which can accommodate meetings of medium to large groups. |
| Telepresence Systems | This is the top level of video conferencing. Telepresence systems are endpoints designed so you feel as though you are actually in the same meeting room. They usually include whole walls clad in screens and ultra-intelligent camera technology to ensure near perfect eye-contact |
| Telepresence | This is the feeling of being present elsewhere.With the advances in High Definition technology, the term telepresence is now used to include a much wider variety of meetings than in the past. Whilst top of the range telepresence systems still occupy the term, Meeting Room Systems and even Desktop Systems can now also be seen to offer that high level of communication as well. |
| Lifesize/Polycom/Cisco/Radvision | These are all names of the leading manufacturers of Desktop Clients, Desktop Systems, Meeting Room Systems, and Telepresence Systems. |
| Access Lines | This is a line which your IP or ISDN based endpoints will run off and send your information over. |
| Bridging | One of the problems that technological advancement has brought is the dilemma that the old ISDN andnew IP based systems can’t talk directly to each other. To solve this problem “Bridging Services” have been set up so any two systems can meet in the middle and get on with the conference. |
| Infrastructure | This is all of the behind the scenes technology and the set-up which allows one endpoint to connect to another or to 8 others or to connect to other organisations, other manufacturers systems… “Infrastructure” set up includes hardware and products which ensure that all types of calls can and will work. |