Webcam chat conferences, formerly known as video conferences, bring people together in different places by using the interface between audio and video. This may involve a point-to-point conversation between two people; or it may involve multipoint conversations between large groups in multiple locations. Webcam video conferencing can not only be used to share information, documents, and whiteboards displayed on the computer, but also use audio and visual media to convey meeting activities.
In the 1980s, digital telephone transmission networks ensured a minimum bit rate for the transmission of compressed audio and video. As networks began to spread around the world, the first dedicated systems began to appear on the market. This evolution continued through the 1990s as video conferencing systems moved from very expensive privately owned equipment, network requirements, and software to technology available to the general public at affordable cost.
During the 1990s, Internet Protocol (IP)-based video conferencing became a reality and more efficient video compression technologies were developed. That enabled personal computer-based video conferencing and enabled the advent of webcam chat for almost everyone. Free services, webcam software, and web plugins like NetMeeting, MSN Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, and others brought cheap conferencing to the masses.
What makes video conferencing possible is digital compression of audio and video that is transmitted in real time. With this technology, a person can sit at their desk in their own office and have a video conference with another person at their desk in their office, wherever they are. Sometimes one office places a call to another office where a group of people gather to be a part of the conference call. What makes this available to all users is streaming technology.
With the creation of digital technology, video conferencing is much more available. Video conferencing allows people to do business more efficiently, saving time and money. Companies no longer need to bear the expense of sending employees out of the office for a meeting when they have the ability to schedule an on-site meeting. The cost savings alone created a boon for most businesses. Factor in the time lost to travel, and you’ll find that webcam video conferencing is well worth it.
With many more features available, web conferencing has a long list of benefits for the average person. You have the ability to share desktop applications, chat via webcam, exchange documents, run PowerPoint presentations, share data, and collaborate with other coworkers or customers in your building or around the world.
The birth of video web cameras has launched businesses into a new era of communication productivity. Voice-over-IP (VoIP) provides high-quality digital audio sound. Internet web conferencing and webcam chat options have created an online audiovisual tool that is far superior to primitive videoconferencing technology. Conferencing solutions and platforms are expanding rapidly and are the future of Internet conferencing.