Video Communication Tools

Based on stats, online video is one of the fastest growing media around the world. With so much of information overload, people's preference has shifted to watching video rather than reading text. Certain studies have concluded that people retain more information when watching videos as compared to reading text. The above stats definitely hold true for me because I prefer watching video over reading text messages.

I've personally used many platforms in the past several years and found them extremely helpful. Some of the things that I've used many of these platforms for are: video chatting and conferencing, sending and receiving video email, creating YouTube clips using my pictures, and creating and editing video tutorials.

The video applications that I have used, which I will share with you below, are all free to use. More importantly, they are fairly easy-to-understand and user-friendly.

iWowWe: I've used several paid and free email platforms and one of the best video email platforms that I've come across is the iWowWe video email platform. This communication platform is great for sending personalized messages to family and friends as well as for business purposes. In order to send a video email message, you choose a template (based on the occasion), record a video (via your webcam), enter the recipients email address, and send the message. It's great for sending messages for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Skype: is a great application for online video communication. You can use this free online communication tool to keep in touch with friends and family around the world. You can use Skype for video conferencing, teleconferencing, and instant text messaging. Given that I have family and friends in different parts of the world, I find this online communication tool very useful. One of the other very useful features of Skype is screen-sharing with which you can share your entire screen with the person you are communicating with. You will need to have a webcam to make the best of Skype.

Animoto: is an online video-making platform with which you can take your pictures and turn them into a music video. I've used Animoto since early 2010 and have created many music videos using this user-friendly platform. In order to create an Animoto video, you choose a video template, upload your pictures, arrange the pictures in the sequence you want, choose a music clip, and then Animoto automatically creates the video with vibrant transitions. You can even include short video clips within the video. It's great to create video greetings or video montages for any occasion. If you wish, you can share your videos on YouTube as well.

CamStudio: is a video application which helps you capture your computer screen in the form of a video. I find CamStudio extremely useful for creating video tutorials which I can then share on YouTube. In order to record a video, you launch CamStudio and then hit the record button. Once you do so, you screen is being recorded along with your voice. You can then save the file in AVI or flash format. This video screen capturing desktop application is similar to Camtasia.

Windows Movie Maker: is a software application which comes packaged with Windows 7 operating system. This Windows-based video application is mainly for creating and editing videos. I personally use it for editing my videos as well as to enhance the audio. Some of the features of Windows Movie Maker are merging multiple videos, trimming and splitting videos, adding transitional effects and annotations, etc.

As I mentioned earlier, all of the above video communication platforms are free to use. If you'd like, you can check my Video Tutorials on how to use the above video communication applications.

Anthony Godinho is a Human Resources professional, Trader and Entrepreneur, who has a wide range of interests he writes about on topics like healthy living, philanthropy, technology, internet marketing, social media, blogging, and others.

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Video Conferencing Made Easy With Proper Tools

Originally, web cameras were simple tools you could hook up to your computer and use with your instant messaging program. However, technology has enables our webcams to be a more effective tool in conjunction with video conferencing.

When choosing webcams the first thing to pay attention to compatibility with the computer's operating system, because many models are compatible with only Windows. Web cameras should include the following components: CCD, lens, optical filter, video capture card, video compression unit, the central processor, and built-in web-server, flash memory, network interface, serial ports, alarm inputs, and outputs. Some models of cameras can perform a rotating video surveillance. One of the most important things is deciding how you want your web camera to work with you video conferencing program.

When choosing online camera, pay close attention to how it connects to your computer. Also make sure it's compatible with you video conferencing program. It your web camera provides a microphone technology, it's important to make sure it has exceptional sound quality. There's nothing worse than hosting a video conference with poor sound. Built-in microphones are now in almost all web cameras but the quality in all of them are not equal. Sometimes you might need a dedicated microphone other than the one provided with your web camera. But, having most computer cameras come with audio features is convenient, especially those that do not need to connect additional devices. And, of course, saves you time. But, if you already have a good microphone, it is probably better to use it when hosting a video conference. Cameras with built-in microphone can also transmit audio. Probably one of the most impressive capabilities of some web cameras is their ability to transfer sound files.

Most webcams are equipped with a USB-connector, but, as we know, there are two versions of this interface, and they differ greatly in speed. If a web-camera version supports USB 1.1, then the video quality is not the best. This will affect the quality of the picture and might make your computer a little slow. You also want to ensure that the streaming quality of your video conferencing is optimal and a good webcam can ensure such results.

Expensive models of computer cameras have wireless interfaces. They are usually divided into two parts, a transmitter, and the receiver, which is also connected to the connector USB. It often is used for signal transmission technology Wi-Fi.

In addition to using your webcam for chatting and video collaboration, technology has enhanced many features. We can use the webcam for photographs, screen sharing, broadcasting information, video shoots, and more. There's even software that allows you to edit your photos from your online camera. But, using your computer camera in conjunction with your internet meetings can be perhaps the most rewarding in allowing you to streamline your business and cut costs.

So, when considering the purchase of a webcam to use in conjunction with your video collaboration tools, don't just look at the price, but look at the quality and what you expect your web camera to do.

Web Conferencing Central is a great all in one web conferencing service that allows you to host online meetings, webinars, video chats, and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brent_L_Johnson

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