Sight Lines: Can You See What I’m Saying?
by Christine Grahl
October 5, 2009
A couple of weeks ago, my mom gave me a new toy—a webcam that facilitates video calls. Admittedly, this technology is nothing new; PC-based video conferencing has been available since the 1990s. But it’s had only marginal acceptance at best, both due to technical issues (low-resolution images with frequent sound problems, among others) and lack of need (aren’t phone calls, e-mail and texting enough?).
Now, however, it appears that the situation is about to change. In late September, Hewlett-Packard launched new video conferencing software called SkyRoom that allows multiple people to share office documents, streaming video and interactive 3D applications. Last week, Cisco Systems launched a $3 billion bid to buy the video conferencing firm Tandberg ASA of Norway. And speculation abounds as to how Google’s Wave might revolutionize the way people communicate with each other by pulling correspondence into real time and, most likely, integrating a video component. Add these technology and business developments to the H1N1 pandemic and the continued budget crunch facing many organizations, and we might just have the perfect conditions for video conferencing to soar as a primary means of conducting business meetings. Maybe.
Personally, I’m not convinced. I’ve found chatting even informally by video to be a bit awkward. For one, just getting online at the same time as the person I’m trying to call has been a challenge. Once we’re connected, I’m uncomfortable seeing myself while I’m talking—it’s just plain disconcerting. And then there’s the matter of eye contact. Is it really possible to have an in-depth conversation looking directly into a little black piece of plastic? But if you instead look at the face of the person you’re addressing, then it appears that you’re looking down or askance. It’s hardly ideal.
A little practice and some high-end technology are said to correct these issues, but I remain skeptical. The reason my mom gave me the camera had little to do with business communications. For her, it’s just a fun way to stay in touch with her grandson. Of course, my 4-year-old loves it. And that thought gives me pause. I suppose that in 10 years, he could very well end up viewing the phone as an obsolete device as he makes all of his calls in 3D video. In that case, video technology could end up revolutionizing business communications, as well.
Perhaps I should start practicing.
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What do you think? Does your firm use video calls or video conferencing to conduct meetings with colleagues or clients? Do you see a big potential for this technology given some of the recent developments in software, hardware and the economy? Please share your comments below.
PS – If you’d like to connect with me in a video call, you can find me on Skype. Sometimes.
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By: Deral
Posted: October 7, 2009 5:15 PM
We have been utilizing GoToMeeting and several other technologies for a couple of years. We have some of our OSLS board meetings this way. With directors scattered over all of Oklahoma then getting them all together in a central location for a 2-3 hour meeting means that many of them will have over 8 hours of driving. Add in gas and meals and that is a lot of out of pocket expense.
We don't use video but the master of the meeting can show his computer screen to all of the rest of us. It works great and certainly saves a lot of time for those at the remote distances.
At my day job for the city we use a variety of different distant meeting technologies. None of them involve video at this point but we use a service where you can put in a code and have 10 or so people on a conference call for some of our project meetings.
But we do a lot of training via video links to ESRI, AutoDESK and others so that saves our staff a lot of travel costs.
I think we are going to see a lot more of this in today's market. And it's not only the cost but the time involved and often lost in traveling. You know that part all too well.
I did use my video camera when talking with my son in Iraq. In this case, it made things a lot more personal but for business then it's not really necessary.
Deral
PS_Be careful with the video thing though. Especially when you have just taken a shower or such. :) You tend to forget about it sometimes.