There are three primary equipment configurations that are in use for conferencing:
? Desktop Solution
o The equipment involved varies considerably from a small laptop mounted camera and microphone to a monitor replacement that includes a camera and microphone
o Pricing typically ranges from a few hundred up to several thousand dollars
o These are normally used in a one to one conference.
? Mobile Solution
o This is a cart mounted system that can be rolled to various areas
o It normally consists of a conference unit, a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera, a large monitor, and one or more microphones
o Usage for these types of units are classroom training, emergency broadcasts, or meetings
o Pricing will normally be 15 to 20 thousand depending on equipment options
? Room Solution
o This is nearly the same as a mobile solution but is normally a rack mounted codecs with one or more PTZ cameras, numerous room microphones, speaker systems and their associated equipment, ceiling mounted projectors, and one or more large monitors.
o Pricing on these systems can run from 30 thousand up depending on the usage required.
As you see there are a lot of different types of videoconferencing solutions, the first thing you need to do is decide what you would like to do, and then what you can afford to do. I handled VC for a state agency that had numerious sites, and am the technicial advisor for statewide adoption of an 83 site project so any questions I can answer, let me know.
