Tips in testing video conferencing
Technology gave us the capability to interact more
effectively with almost anyone in the world, thanks to video
teleconferencing. Now, not only can we listen to the persons we are
speaking to; we can see them as well with the use of audio-visual
equipment.
But like any other forms of technology, users must
know
how to prepare and test video conferencing to maximize its effects.
Initial testing must be done by all the parties involved in video
teleconferencing to minimize and avoid untoward incidents from
happening while the conference is ongoing.
Here are some tips in testing and troubleshooting
video conferencing setups.
1. Prepare the equipment
See to it that you have all the equipment you need
for
the teleconferencing, as well as network and power facilities. There
must be back-up plans (use of other equipment, connection or power
source) if something unexpected happens.
2. Be aware of possible causes of problems and
check if they are all working properly.
Common technical problem causes are:
- connection of audio-visual equipment to the
power source
- connection and configuration of the input-output devices (external
versus speakerphones, etc)
- incorrect camera configuration (room versus document, composite
versus s-video)
- incorrect IP gateway or IP address dialed
- RJ-45 is not connected
- wrong configuration of the network connection
Checking these things and ensuring that they are
in the
proper setup minimizes the possibilities of video teleconferencing
failures and troubleshooting.
Conference facilitators must keep in mind that
approximately 80 percent of the time, the conferencing failures are due
to simple matters stated above and not because of assumed complex
problems.
3. Prepare all the materials needed beforehand.
All visual aids and electronic presentations must
be
prepared before hand and tested before the actual conversation starts.
This allows modifications and substitution whenever something fails.
4. Allot ample time to test connectivity among
other conference participants.
Video conferencing must be launched five minutes
prior
to the actual conversation. This is done to ensure the connectivity of
the audio-visual systems among participants as well as the reception of
video and sounds. If there is no or poor reception of the multimedia
messages, modifications can be done without delaying the video
conference.
That means that if you have four other
participants in the video teleconference, you must allot twenty minutes
for testing.
5. Test for audio clarity
Facilitators must make sure that no feedback or
echoing happens during conferencing.
Other complications that must be checked are:
-strong reverberation
- howling due to feedbacks
- hearing one’s voice (with a slight delay).
Facilitators must also use the time allotted for
testing
to make sure that the sound transmitted and received are audible and
loud enough. Blasting must be avoided for it will be very unpleasant to
hear.
6. Test for video quality
Clarity of image is highly affected by the
compression
ratio during transmission. The data may be transferred at a faster
rate, but clarity is compromised. Ensure that the video and images
being transmitted are clear enough to be seen by the other participants
or it will defeat the purpose of having a video conference.
A good and effective video conferencing can only
be
achieved if proper preparation and testing has been done. It also
reflects how effective the conference facilitator is in handling his
job in crucial times.
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