Archive for June, 2008

Video Conferencing Basics

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008

What Is Video Conferencing
When you call for a conference, everyone is expected to arrive at a designed time and place to discuss an issue and resolve it. But if the people you need to speak with are in different states or countries and those cost of getting them to come is quite expensive, you have to try something else like video conferencing.

But first, what is video conferencing? Basically, this is a system that allows you to conduct meetings or trainings in different places simultaneously. It incorporates audio, video so you are able to talk and send data which takes away the barrier of distance that separates these individuals.

To make video conferencing possible, you need to buy the equipment. You also have to choose the method of transmission because the one you might be using may not be compatible with the other person.

These include the Codec unit, the camera, microphone, video display, network connection, stands and equipment charts if these will be mobile or stationary, NT-1 and chicken feet.

Most of these are self-explanatory so we will just focus on the Codec, NT-1 and chicken feet.

The Codec is considered to be the “brain and heart” of the video conference system. This is what compresses everything so you can send and receive messages on real time which can be viewed on the display device.

The NT-1 on the other hand is an electronic device otherwise called an terminal adapter that converts ISDN to your IP format. There is also the NT-3 version so instead of using one line, you will be able to use three.

The chicken feet also known as acoustic echo cancellers are equipment that is usually hung from the ceiling. Basically, what this does it’s add both clarity and depth to the resonant frequency response of your audio sub system.

But the most important which you have to understand is the network connection. There are two protocols namely the H.320 and the H.323. If the one you are talking with is using a different one, it will be impossible for you to talk with one another because while the first uses ISDN lines the latter which is much simpler uses IP lines similar to what you use to browse the web.

The good news is that you can still talk to the person on the other end using the older system by using a bridge that is able to handle these mixed protocols.

The advantage of the new system is that you can transmit for multiple uses when the old one can only handle one. The newer version is also cheaper and faster so you get to talk in real time.

How much will you have to spend to get your video conferencing system up and running? Personal users will spend less than $500 while corporations could spend $100,000 or even more. You just have to shop around and see which one is able to fit your needs so you get value for your money.

The video conferencing system of today is one of the highlights of living in the digital age. No longer do we have to send a message and wait for awhile to get a response when you can get a reply right then and there which increases productivity and saves time and resources.

Film Recording

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

Recording Your Next Feature Film with Professional Results

This might come as a surprise to you, but there is a single piece of equipment that will provide the best results imaginable when you are working on your next feature film. With a cost of well under $50 for basic models, and around $100 for professional models the piece of equipment that you need is quite affordable and will fit into any budget. Another huge benefit is the fact that it is quite small, can expand to a wide range of sizes and is versatile enough to hold almost anything you need. Curiosity is of course eating away at you right this moment, you are probably thinking about the ultimate in high tech devices but this moment but the answer will surprise you. A tripod is actually the best piece of equipment that you need.

Seems rather surprising does it? The simple tripod which merely holds your camera is more important than just about anything else that you purchase for your filmmaking adventures. While this might seem really strange to you it is a fact that a poorly shot video will be not only distracting but show the lack of quality. People simply cannot focus when the camera is always out of focus for some reason or another. This leaves you with problems trying to produce a good quality film that people will actually be interested in watching.

A tripod might seem like a luxury since it will hold your camera but in reality, it is a requirement. Stop and think about all of the home videos that you have ever watched. The majority usually have a bad case of camera shake going on. This creates minor annoyance at times, and huge distractions at other times. Working to eliminate this problem from your feature films is critical in order to gain respect and get the proper attention that you deserve. If all of your films have a serious case of camera shake going on, it will be extremely hard for people to take you and your work serious.

Just imagine how upset you would be to go to a movie theater and buy a ticket to a movie that is loaded with camera shake. It would be quite upsetting and your audience is certainly no different. While some filmmakers are able to develop an arm of steel that does not shake or move while recording most find that standing perfectly still with no movement is almost impossible. A small tripod reduces the camera shake down to almost zero and makes it much easier to instead focus on zooms, pans and tilts that will enhance and improve your film, rather than detracting from them.

If you are just starting out in your film making quests you can generally start with a small personal styled tripod for around $20 or so. This will allow you to get started and focus money on different areas. However, it is essential to ensure that the tripod you select is adjustable, both for the types of cameras that it will hold, but also the height levels. You should also ensure that it is sturdy and stable as well. If the cheaper model is not stable under the weight of your particular camera, it will need to be replaced quickly with a better model. You should also feel free to take the time to analyze the stand that you purchase and learn how to adjust it quickly as well. This will allow the filming process to be reduced substantially, as well as allow you to play with various shots as the creative juices are flowing during filming.

As you can now see, while a tripod might not seem like the most important piece of equipment it really is. Cutting costs and buying a cheap tripod might seem like the best use of your money, but always ensure that you get a good quality tripod that can hold up the stress that you will be putting on it. Remember, buying a single tripod that is good and lasts will be much cheaper than continuously replacing cheaper models. Plus, you will notice a difference in the camera shake between quality levels as well.

Tiltall Tripod Bogen Quick Release
US $80.00 (1 Bid)
End Date: Friday Jan-09-2009 17:14:21 PST
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