Videoconferecing

68. Read the text quickly and match the headings (a-d) with the paragraphs (1-4).

a. How videoconferencing works □

b. Uses of videoconferencing □

c. Guidelines for having a videoconference □

d. Problems with bandwidth □

1. A videoconference lets people in different places see and hear each other at the same time. People use it for education, business and community events. Students can learn about different cultures in real time, and go on virtual field trips without leaving home. Businesses use it for meetings and job interviews because it saves money and time in travelling. Libraries and town halls can use it to bring people together for community meetings and other special activities.

2. Videoconferencing needs a Web camera and videoconferencing software. You can use the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN) or an Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) to have a videoconference. A LAN is usually a closed network connected by wire cables. ISDN uses telephone lines but needs special adaptors instead of modems to send data.

3. Videoconferencing over the public Internet is not always reliable because the amount of data that you can send depends on bandwidth. Public telephone lines have a low bandwidth and usually give small video frames, poor picture quality and slow delivery. Broadband sends more information over the Internet at faster speeds but it is expensive.

4. Videoconferencing tips:

- Keep your eyes on the Web cam to show you are interested.

- Move slowly and talk in a strong, clear voice because of the small time delay in videoconferencing.

- Wear dark or neutral colours as bright colours and patterns can affect picture quality.

 

69. Decide if the sentences are true (T) or false (F).

1. Businesses use videoconferencing for meetings. T/F

2. The high bandwidth on the public Internet delivers pictures faster. T/F

3. ISDN sends data using telephone lines. T/F

4. You should talk and move quickly in videoconference. T/F

5. Grey, cream and light brown are good colours for videoconferences. T/F

 

70. Complete the sentences (1-6) with the words in the box.

Adaptors, reliable, bandwidth, frames, broadband, affect.

1. ______ let you use electronic devices anywhere in the world.

2. ______ is expensive but it is better for videoconferencing.

3. A low ______ gives you poor picture quality

4. Broadband is more _______ than the public Internet.

5. With this software, you can make the video _______ larger.

6. The way you dress can _______ the video image people see.