Entry Level (1 to 2 people at an end point)
- Hardware
PC Pentium 3 or 4 Processor, 800Mhz minimum
256mb memory minimum
- Software
Windows98, Windows2000 or XP
Microsoft Internet Explorer V5.5 or later
- Peripherals
Web Camera e.g. Logitech 4000 approx £70
Plantronics headset approx £15
- Network Connection
HSPN or broadband internet connection
Additional Information
Cheaper Web Cams are available but in our experience the quality is reflected in the price.
Lighting is important. you need a light source such as a window behind the camera so that the user’s face is not in shadow.
You may be tempted to use the PC’s speakers and a microphone but beware of feedback (echo). If you are going to use speakers ensure you have an echo cancelling microphone or that your PC is running on Windows XP which includes echo cancellation as standard and works fine for the desktop or a small room.
Some cameras including the Logitech have built in microphones but the quality is not so good and if using speakers Windows XP echo cancellation is essential. When using the Logitech Cameras and a headset ensure that your sound card is selected as the audio input device and not the Logitech Camera Mic.
Small conference room 4-6 people
- Hardware, Software and Network Connection as per entry level
- Peripherals
- Web Camera e.g. Logitech 4000 approx £67
- Echo cancelling hands free phone/speaker, e.g. Clarisys cost approximately £80
- Large Screen or Projector to project PC screen
Additional Information
Cheaper Web Cams are available but in our experience the quality is reflected in the price.
Lighting is important you need a light source such as a window behind the camera so that the user’s face is not in shadow.
You may be tempted to use the PC’s speakers and a microphone but beware of feedback (echo). If you are going to use speakers ensure you have an echo cancelling microphone or that your PC is running on Windows XP which includes echo cancellation as standard and works fine for the desktop or a small room.
Some cameras including the Logitech have built in microphones but the quality is not so good and if using speakers Windows XP echo cancellation is essential. When using the Logitech Cameras and a headset ensure that your sound card is selected as the audio input device and not the Logitech Camera Mic.
Most Departments and schools have projectors for use with PCs. Remember that most of these disable your PC screen so allow for this when setting up the room and remember you will need light on the camera subject.
Large conference room 6+ people
- Hardware, Software and Network Connection as per entry level
- Peripherals
- Room Camera e.g. Canon VC-C4/R PTZ approx £677 or Sony D100 PTZ Camera with remote & power supply approx £745
- Video Capture Solution either
- Osprey 210 Capture Card cost approximately £143 (This will need installing in your PC) or
- USB Video Grabber cost approximately £52 (You must specify USB1 or USB2 depending on your PC or buy both if you need to move the end point)
- Audio Solution ie Microphone and Speaker
- Konftel Omni-directional boundary microphone with echo cancellation cost approximately £200 used with PC Speakers
- Eclipse Master MX4 GC1013 microphone and sound system cost approximately £580 (can have expansion units for larger room)
- Projector, to project PC screen
Additional Information
Many existing video conferencing solutions can be incorporated although you may need some technical assistance and there may be small additional charges.
When considering large rooms and auritoriums you may be tempted to take a feed from the PA system. In these situations speciallist echo cancellation devices may be needed.
Video Conferencing Peripheral Equipment
