Video Conferencing Is Going Mainstream: Are You Ready?

By: Dan Olk
January 22, 2018

In the early days of video conferencing, it was a "cool" new technology used by very large companies. Then the iPhone introduced FaceTime, and not long after people began using tools like Skype. Soon, video conferencing started becoming a mainstream business tool. Now, most employees expect to have video conferencing - and their expectations are driving upgrades to the technology.

Skype and FaceTime are all well and good, but in terms of meeting the needs of today's businesses, they leave a lot to be desired. When you're connecting to remote operations and mobile workforces, you want something built for business. 

Business video conference systems provided more features, collaboration options and flexibility. Here are some factors to focus on as you look at upgrading - or starting to explore - a video conferencing system.

Audio Conferencing Features

video_conferencing.pngGood quality audio is the cornerstone of any video conferencing system. If you lose the audio, the quality is poor or it drops in and out, communication comes to a halt. This can leave participants frustrated.

A conference room with quality microphones capable of picking up the conversation from every participant is vital. You don't have to rely on everyone huddling around a speakerphone in the middle of a conference table.

Video Conferencing Features

We have come to expect choppy, buggy video through the use of free apps, but what if the video was clear and crisp, showing the facial expression of each participant? Quality video is a reality, and when people see it for the first time, they are amazed. A high definition image of the participants on a big screen increases interaction, engagement and communication in a video conferencing environment.

There are other steps forward being made when it comes to quality video: 4K video. A lot of the equipment we are installing for clients is ready for 4K video. One example of where this level of quality is a true benefit is telemedicine. Medical facilities are beginning to use 4K imaging to show procedures and examine x-rays. They also use it when discussing test results. The level of detail it provides is invaluable.

Business Video Conference for Banking

One of our customers, Cornerstone Bank, invested in a video conferencing system for their business. Headquartered in Fargo, ND, Cornerstone Bank has branches all over the state. Before they began using video conferencing, many of the bank’s executives and managers did a lot of driving. Almost every trip was four hours each way, and that cost them a lot of time.

With their new video conferencing system, those long, expensive drives are a thing of the past. Plus, it eliminates the safety concerns associated with that much driving - especially during the winter months in North Dakota. With their new system, managers aren't wasting a whole day of productivity and risking safety to travel during bad weather conditions.

If you'd like to learn about a few of the other video conferencing systems we've put together for our customers, start here

 

The technology for audio-visual equipment is constantly evolving, getting better and more affordable. Instead of trying to keep up with all the advancements, let us help.

Talk with an Audio + Video Specialist Contact a Marco Rep

Topics: Phone & Collaboration