Whether you’re using a free video chatting service such as Skype,or a professional video conferencing service, such as Comf5, you’ll need to ensure your “system”, (your computer and your internet connection) is up to it. Video conferencing or chatting needs a little more “grunt”. Afterall, you wouldn’t expect to pull your yacht with a shopping trolley now, would you?
Many people think that all they need to do is to sign up for the software, plug the camera in, and they’ll be good-to-go.. When the video freezes, the lips don’t sync with the voice, and the video constantly buffers, they don’t know why. Often these problems are caused by low bandwidth. (And by the way, you won’t get the speed you need using wireless. You must be WIRED).
Wired for Sound (and Video)
Before all this new technology was available, all we were concerned about was “download speed”, because in “those days” we merely downloaded attachments, documents, and images. What a lot of people dont realise, is that now they must consider their “upload speed” as well. Let’s check yours right now.
Check both download and upload speeds at one of these links : http://www.speedtest.net USA: http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest
Bandwidth speeds required for video conferencing are:
Even for video chatting using one of the free software programmes, you need an upload speed of at least 256 kbps. I recommend no less than 384 kbps. Anything less, and the video and call quality will vary greatly.
Call your internet provider and tell them you need a faster upload speed. They may be able to change your service to provide it at no extra cost. Alternatively, either upgrade, or shop around for a more competitive price.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Well Hello dahling! This is Carol checking out your stuff. I need to learn more about all this. Okay… lets see where this note ends up???
Hugs,
Carol
Got it Carol! It ended up right where it was supposed to end up! Thanks for commenting! You’re my very first comment!
I feel very special!
Very Very Nice!
Hi Maxine
This is great information. I need to share this with my team.
Thanks
Caren
Do share Caren, and Watch This Space! I’ll give you some more titbits to pass on.
Hi Maxine,
Great information for everyone. Wireless (3G) can be used but only for video (no slides) and mostly with Paragon. 4G would be better. I have found that on 3G and using standard comF5, its useless but with Paragon it works, still testing. Wired is the best and the way to go. Now with co-host its the only way you want to do it. Wireless is hit and miss. Just my 2cents.
Thanks for your endorsement Terry. Now to pump out some more info for folks. I’m like the plumber who has leaky taps in his own house (fawcetts in your part of the world?). I’m so busy doing this stuff for others I haven’t found time to do it for myself. Sorry for the delay in responding. And thanks for your compliment re the website!
By the way like your website! Looks great.