How Teleconferencing Equipment Can Make Effective Conference Calls

The basics of teleconferencing equipment

Today's teleconferencing equipment looks like little alien spaceships that you place on top of the conference table. In fact, to be quite frank, they are quite sharp looking units with an appearance of "importance." They come equipped with up to date microphones and speakers. The majority of them have a three sided shape to them to better distribute the incoming and outgoing conversation. The different quality is noticeable in the speakers, the microphones, and the price of the unit. As an add-on feature, these units also have the option of a wireless microphone so that it is now feasible to walk on around the room and still be part of the conference.

The sound quality is a very important issue when dealing with different units. Here's why, there is something called "half duplex." What that means is that when ever the microphone is activated the speaker will automatically shut off. All this allows for is a one-sided conversation that ends up being choppy at best. Let's say that you are having a conference regarding the new marketing strategy for your company. If anybody in the room makes a sound such as dropping a pen or even sneezing, the speaker will shut off and you will not hear what the other end is saying. You only hear bits and pieces like a poor quality child's toy. Most of today's tabletop teleconferencing units come as a standard full-duplex. But it does not hurt to be sure about that. With full duplex, it allows for a more natural face to face flow of conversation. Most units also come with built-in technology that prevents echoes with in the equipment.

Although you think that the compatibility is common sense when it comes to just an analogue built in wall jack. 80% of the time, that is the case. The other 20% you will get units that have digital technology that does not come with that feature, but only as an add-on. You have to buy an adapter to plug into the regular phone lines. After you purchase the equipment, please do not overestimate testing the performance. Do this by having two or more people on either end of the conference call and have them share a natural conversation. Make sure each party speaks at the same time to simulate a live in person business meeting.

Pricing for some small office units would range anywhere from $400-$600. For little more power and reach ability, you're looking at about $1000. For the fully automated high end top-of-the-line unit, expect to pay anywhere from $2000 plus adapters for the digital jack to the analog jack are anywhere from $100-$200.

These units are perfect for two-way communication between two groups of people. They're also great for two-way communication between managers, directors, and higher ups to their subordinates. Unlike Web conferencing, you will not be able to share files or do online presentations. However, anything that you could talk about face-to-face in a conference room or over a cup of coffee, can be accomplished through teleconferencing equipment.

Jason is the owner of Effective Conference Calls, the website that makes conferencing a sinch