Audio Conferencing Equipment
The audio conferencing equipment is an important element for an audio conference. It enables you to conduct an audio conference. You can use standard telephones to conduct audio conferences or you can purchase special audio conferencing phones for the same purpose.
Audio conferences can be conducted on standard telephone lines or you can use Internet and computers to conduct an audio conference. Internet based audio conferencing is much cheaper and you dont need to pay for the long distance telephone calls. Internet based audio conferencing can be conducted with the help of Voip (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. Voip send signals digitally over the Internet unlike standard telephones that sends analog signals.
For Web based audio conferencing you need following audio conferencing equipments.
Computer with Internet Connection: A computer with an Internet connection is an important piece of audio conferencing equipment for web based audio conferencing. To use a computer for audio conferencing, you need Voip based audio conferencing software. This software helps you to talk to people located at various geographically locations with no extra cost. You only need to pay for the Internet connection. This is a much cheaper way to conduct an audio conference.
Speakers: The speakers are an important part of audio conferencing equipment. Without speakers you cannot hear the voice of the person on the other end. You can purchase more than two speakers if the numbers of participants are more.
Microphones: A microphone, just like a speaker is important audio conferencing equipment. The microphone transmits your voice to the other end.
Headset with Microphones and Speakers: A headset with microphones and speakers can be used by each participant for a hands free audio conferencing experience. Headsets with microphones and speakers can provide a better sound quality and reduce the background noises during a conference.
Web Camera: A web camera is required when you want to be seen by the other participants during the conference. A web camera is not very important audio conferencing equipment for an audio conference but you can use it optionally. You need to angle and adjust lighting in advance if you want to use it. This is important to do because, if the focus of the camera is elsewhere the people on the other end may not see you properly.
Audio Conferencing Software: Audio Conferencing Software is also one of the most important elements. It may not come under the physical audio conferencing equipment but it is one of the most important elements for an audio conference. There are many audio conferencing softwares available these days, which can be used for free. For example MS NetMeeting comes bundled with Windows 2000 Operating system. You can use other software such as Skype for your audio conferencing requirements.
For audio conferencing based on conventional telephone technology, you need the following audio conferencing equipments:
Audio Conferencing Phone: This audio conferencing equipment can make your audio conferencing experience an enjoyable experience. You can talk to the people setting seven seas away from you as if they are sitting next to you. Audio conferencing phones are specially designed for audio conferences. They have very sensitive microphones built into them that they can transmit your voice even if you are speaking from 10 to 20 feet away from them
Voice Messaging System: Voice messaging systems can be optionally used to store and receive offline messages. You can use this system to greet all the participants before the conference starts.