You Say Videoconferencing, I Say Telepresence
So, what do you call audio/visual technology that enables people in different locations to have face-to-face meetings?
Videoconferencing? Telepresence?
Well, as the old idiom goes - "six of one, a half dozen of the other." And while the terms pretty much mean the same thing, they didn't start out that way.
Videoconferencing was the term first used to describe the experience of having a face-to-face meeting utilizing audio/visual technologies. And that's where the rub came in. Many of the early videoconferencing experiences were less than stellar. Fuzzy images, problems setting up connections and difficulties in its use. 
Wanting to separate itself from the "early days," the industry coined a new term, telepresence, to describe what it considers to be the "next generation" of video conferencing - high quality, simplicity and reliability.
However, when the word "telepresence" first came on the scene it also meant expensive - as in multiple, large screens, immersive rooms and six figure price tags. So that term also has some marketing baggage of its own. But, today, there are an abundance of what companies call telepresence systems that range in cost from $10,000 to $20,000.
So, if you say videoconferencing and I say telepresence. Relax, we're talking about the same thing.
For more information or for help for your Telepresence needs, contact our Sales Team. |
A New Era: Fiber-Optic Cabling for Commercial A/V Systems
Fiber-optic cabling is nothing new. For years it has been almost standard issue for the telecommunications and information technology industries. What most people don't realize is that fiber-optic is approaching similar status in the commercial audio/visual (A/V) industry as well.
Historically, there have been good reasons for the slower uptake within the commercial A/V industry - not the least of which has been cost. But as they say, "the times are a changin'." Beyond new lower pricing, there is a lot to like about fiber-optic cable.
Transmission is via light wave - no electricity. It provides greater fidelity than either twisted pair wire or coaxial cable, is immune from all kinds of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and radio frequency (RF) interference and eliminates risk of fire and/or electrical shock.
There's also a lot to like about the distance that information can travel without further amplification/boosting. As an example, a high definition (HD) signal that would max out at just more than 100 meters over coax would coast along for more than 12 miles in a
fiber-optic cable.
And since data is being sent via light wave it is, of course, more secure. Ooops! Well, maybe that was the case back in the day. But thanks to the geniuses who continually work away on those kinds of things, now-a-days fiber-optic is no more secure than copper.
But, what about durability? It's made out of glass after all. First of all, unlike copper, corrosion is not an issue. Additionally, Kevlar is used as part of the cable's construction, enabling it to withstand substantial abuse. But there are limits. If bends are too sharp, the fiber will snap.
A couple of other points. You're not going to be splicing, using wire strippers or cutters like you do with copper wire. And, while fiber-optic cable will carry any type of signal, quite likely the signal it carries will be proprietary. As a result, the same manufacturer's equipment must be used at all termination points.
But, those are details that integrators can worry about. After all, that's why you have professionals do the job. |
Going Green with Your A/V
It seems like everyone and every industry has their own take on "going green."
Trouble is...what's "green?" What is the tipping point after which a company or product is declared to be officially "green."
There are logos out there that say companies support the "green movement," but very few signify that a company or its product has actually successfully completed some type of certification process.
What's a company that's looking for a "green" audio visual solution to do?
Well, here's the dilemma.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. But no part of that rating system addresses audio visual technology. LEED Green Building Certification System-FAQ
The American Society for Testing and Materials (now more commonly known as ASTM International) is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. But its subcommittee for sustainability has no standards for defining "green" in the audio visual world.
The Convention Industry Council is in the process of defining international standards for "green" meetings and events with a focus on rental and staging - but no standards for audio visual technology. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's and the U.S. Department of Energy's joint Energy Star program targets buildings and consumer goods - but not commercial audio visual technology.
So, perhaps for the time being we can take solace in paraphrasing Justice Potter Stewart's 1964 view of pornography: While I can't define what "green" is...I'll know it when I see it.
Such is the state of "going green" in the audio visual industry. Until it is defined and standards are set, it's up to all of us to look for it and take advantage of it when we see it. |
