You can show anything on a video conference as long as your video conferencing system, (CODEC), can accept the input. It could be your computer, document camera, a second video camera, an electronic white board and even a standard flip chart. You should be able to show anything you would normally show participants who are actually in your conference room. The most common input is a computer. It’s a good idea to plan ahead if you are collaborating from your computer. Open the files you intend to show ahead of time.
For example if you are showing PowerPoint have the file open and in presentation mode. When you click input or presentation on the CODEC remote, your presentation comes up instantly. We suggest your PowerPoint settings be in “Browsed by an individual” mode. You can change this setting by First clicking on “Slide Show,” Second click on “Set Up Slide Show” and Third click on “Browsed by an individual.” Your presentation will come up without any tool bar clutter at the other end. Keep in mind that when your computer is connected anything displayed on your computer will be seen in real time at the other end. Video clips from your computer can also be shown. If sound is important with the video you need to make sure the audio connection from your computer is connected to the video conferencing CODEC.
As mentioned document cameras, second cameras and electronic white boards can also be connected. If you intend to use all these extra inputs you should consider hiring an A/V integrator to program all this through a central control system. This will eliminate the four or five remotes on your conference table that nobody knows how to use. A central control system simplifies everything – in fact some operate through the iPad and with one touch you can intuitively bounce from one input to another. You can even program the drapes to close and the lights to go on and off.
One other feature included in most new video conferencing systems, (CODECS), is Duo-Video or the H.239 standard. This is a relatively new ITU, (International Telecommunications Union), video conferencing standard. Duo video sends two video streams out to the other end point simultaneously. If your remote has a Duo Video button, you have this feature. If the other end has Duo Video they will receive both streams. You will be sending your live video image of yourself and the input, i.e. computer, document camera, etc. They will see you in their PIP, Picture and Picture, and your input as the large background image. If the other end has two monitors they will see you on one monitor and your input on the other monitor. Showing visual input other than you enhances communication. With visuals meeting time is shortened by 28% and retention increases by more than 50%.
J.W. Hornyak Videoconferencing & Telecommunications
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