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Top 10 Questions to Avoid Videoconferencing Investment Mistakes!

The video communications industry is undergoing an exciting transformation. High definition (HD) video communication has made traditional videoconferencing essentially obsolete. Every form of video is moving to high definition – no longer should any video communication investment be made without the capability to use high definition at low bandwidths.

When is the last time you went to your consumer electronics store? It is almost impossible to find a standard definition (SD) television. If this has not happened in your part of the world yet, it will and soon.

The good news is that you can maintain existing SD investments but move to the next generation of HD video communication. The upshot? Get nearly 10 times the quality for the same cost as legacy video communications systems. And they work together. The point is that the next generation is here now.

What does this mean for users? It means an absolutely natural video communication experience that is clear with people in the right size. The technology becomes more transparent and the true promise of remote video communication comes to life!

Questions and A Few Hints

1. How will we use video communications? What do our users want the most out of this experience?

Hint: They want it to be as close to a real, in-person meeting as possible. They also want it to be reliable and simple to use.

2. What type of information and content will be shared during the meetings? Will there be several people in the room?

Hint: People want to walk into rooms and easily connect a PC or use a white board that everyone can see clearly and interact with naturally.

3. How much bandwidth will I need to run higher definition video communication? Is it too much, do I have it?

Hint: From ISDN users to IP users, bandwidth is becoming cheaper, more pervasive, and at a quick pace. Look for systems that provide better quality at any bandwidth level and are ready to leverage HD. Get future-proofed in a hurry.

4. Is higher definition video communication only for niche applications such as surgery?

Hint: No, higher definition is for everyone in mainstream markets. With better quality will come happier, less fatigued users and better return on investment with much more usage. And if HD is the same cost as legacy, why would you buy legacy products? Would you put an 8-track tape or cassette player in your new car?

5. How will my new high definition video communications system interoperate with my current installed base of systems?

Hint: Invest in only standards-compatible systems. This is a migration that takes time and HD systems must play-nice with SD systems and work well for users. This transformation will not happen overnight but it is happening.

6. Can you really run higher definition video over the public Internet?

Hint: Yes, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Organizations should work with a qualified network service provider to plan the right network and opt for certain service levels as the application permits – but it is hard to argue with the cost of the public Internet.

7. Is high definition video communication cost effective?

Hint: That depends on what vendor you partner with. Understand that HD systems are available at a $8-12K price range with all options included. It does not have to cost tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars per system or room.

8. Where does telepresence fit relative to high definition video communication?

Hint: High definition is the most important enabler to a telepresence experience, enabling people to be the right size and scalable on a 16:9 display(s) without losing resolution.

9. Are the current video communications market share leaders ready for this transformation?

Hint: Well, let’s say they have been pushed there by competition. We recommend that you take a hard look at the real price/performance leader in high definition video communications – LifeSize Communications.

10. What should I do next?

Hint: See a demonstration. Perhaps you did not need to see a demonstration in the past 10 years because not much had changed. Everything has changed now. It is time to look again, put them side by side, compare the costs, find out about other customers moving to HD and act now.

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