Video Conferencing have added more choice for the user, including resolution at 2.5 times CIF, with 448 lines (448p). It is important to note that while High Definition requires a new camera, 448p does not. Using a resolution 2.5xCIF gives a much sharper picture because it uses more of the lines available on a LCD or Plasma screen today. The CEO may wish to send and receive presentations in XGA format (768 lines) over higher bandwidth (384kbps) to be displayed on a plasma screen. While bandwidth may be in abundance at the corporate headquarters, it is still a challenge to get 1Mbps or higher at home office or small office sites. Also, 384kbps will always be less expensive than 1Mbps for organizations watching expenditures.
Seeing the person you are speaking to in real time has proven to be the best method for effectively sharing information. Business quality visual communication offers end users the opportunity to enhance working relationships and increase productivity. But, how can these benefits be measured?
For manufacturers, business quality video offers measurable Return on Investment (ROI) for critical business processes such as product development and product support. Video is helping customers achieve:
* Decreased travel time for employees
* Decreased travel costs
* Enhanced communication with remote facilities, suppliers and customers
* Increased productivity
* Faster time to market
The majority of the market today is somewhere in between QCIF and HD. For example, corporate standard for business meetings is CIF resolution (352 pixels x 288 lines) at 256kbps. For sharing presentations, use XGA resolution.