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AnchorDesk

AnchorDesk Staff
Video Conferencing Made Easy

AnchorDesk Staff
ZDNet AnchorDesk
Monday, November 6, 2000
TalkBack!Add your opinion
I appear weekly on CNNfn, so I'm familiar with being on camera. There's only one little problem with the whole process. (More on that later.)

With the proliferation of Webcams, you may want to put yourself on camera soon. A new Wainhouse Research report says Web and streaming conference services will soar 85% in the coming years.

Desktop video conferencing is the consumer version of the "picturephone" services used by large corporations. If you can put up with the small, on-screen window and the herky-jerky quality, it can be useful for cross-country collaboration, technical support and keeping up with friends. I put together a quick primer so you can get your toe wet and determine whether to take the plunge.

WHAT YOU NEED
The setup is relatively simple. You need at least two PCs connected by the Internet or over a LAN. Each system requires:
  • a Webcam,
  • a sound card,
  • a microphone,
  • speakers,
  • Conferencing software.

Conferencing software comes in many flavors. Two leading packages are NetMeeting from Microsoft (free) and CUSeeME Pro ($69 download). NetMeeting rates just slightly higher, according to PC Magazine.

Hardware comes in the form of a Webcam and sound card. Logitech's QuickCam Web ($79) is a solid choice. So is Intel's PC Camera Pro Pack ($130). For more choices, check out PC Magazine's 12 Webcams review.

There are dozens of sound cards to choose from. For help choosing, try ZDNet's upgrade tips.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Once hooked up, you can chat with another person, share ideas on a whiteboard and exchange files on the fly. Some programs even allow you to control the other person's entire desktop.

STILL NOT SURE?
Still not sure if videoconferencing is your thing? You can test it out for almost nothing. You'll need a Webcam (lowest price about $50). Then go to CUseeME's Web site to try its free "videochat" service.

DRAWBACKS
There are drawbacks to desktop videoconferencing. Low-quality audio and video, to start with. A broadband connection makes a big difference, so DSL and cable modem users will enjoy it the most.

HIGH-END
For high-end business users, costs are steeper and deployment more complex. But many videoconferencing providers offer solutions. Among the leading firms:

If the analysts are correct, desktop videoconferencing is set to take off. Maybe we'll all be on camera every week in the near future. Just don't make the same mistake I have: Forgetting to take off the pancake makeup before retuning to the office. If I don't, I catch nothing but grief from Contributing Editor Nicci Noteboom.

Do you use desktop video conferencing? Tell me how it works by hitting Talkback below. Makeup tips are welcome too. Or go to my Berst Alert Forum, where a discussion is already underway.

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