A videoconference is a live connection between people
in separate locations for the purpose of communication, usually involving
audio and often text as well as video. At its simplest, videoconferencing
provides transmission of static images and text between two locations. At
its most sophisticated, it provides transmission of full-motion video images
and high-quality audio between multiple locations.
Videoconferencing software is quickly becoming standard computer equipment.
For example, Microsoft's NetMeeting is included in Windows 2000 and is also
available for free download from the NetMeeting homepage. For personal use,
free or inexpensive videoconference software and a digital camera afford
the user easy - and cheap - live connections to distant friends and family.
Although the audio and video quality of such a minimal setup is not high,
the combined benefits of a video link and long-distance savings may be quite
persuasive. |
