Simple equipment for video conferences: the basics

Terms such as remote work and home office have become commonplace nowadays: Video conferencing software providers such as Zoom, Webex, and Jitsi in particular are enjoying increasing user numbers. 

Here are the use cases for Video conferencing diverse:

Companies are increasingly using video conferencing for internal communication with their teams as well as for external communication with customers, suppliers and applicants: recruiters are using it Online Job Interviews, primarily to recruit applicants from all over the world. 

In the education sector, homeschooling also takes place via video conference, in which the teachers transmit their online lessons, lecturers from the university hold their online lectures, e.g. B. via BigBlueButton.

In order to conduct a successful video conference and to be able to participate interactively, the technical equipment is required. The right (technical) equipment enables smooth communication, thus helping against social isolation and increasing general well-being. In this article you will find out which equipment you need for a video conference.

5x different equipment 5x different picture

 

Video Conferencing Equipment #1: External webcam

Did you know that 80% of communication is non-verbal? This means that facial expressions and gestures, i.e. facial expressions and body language, are more important. In order to be clearly recognizable for your conversation partner from the picture, you need a webcam. Although many laptops have an integrated webcam, the positioning and image quality of the camera is not ideal.

With an external webcam, you can position your camera at eye level and avoid the unsightly double chin effect. 

Our recommendations:

Video Conferencing Equipment #2: Lighting

The most common cause of headaches in the home office is insufficient lighting. This can affect your long term mental health in the home office affect negatively. 

External lighting not only solves concentration and fatigue problems, but also makes you look your best in video conferences. We have summarized how you can look good in Zoom, Microsoft Teams & Co. using five tips that can be implemented quickly in a separate article.

It is difficult to get a consistent image, especially in poorly lit rooms or in rooms with changing lighting conditions. External lighting is an easy solution to help you maintain a consistent appearance, giving a more credible and professional impression to those you are meeting with.

A cheap variant here LED ring lightsr that can be quickly and easily placed either on or next to the desk with an extendable tripod and are easy to store. That LED ring light also comes with a mobile phone holder and is the most mobile lighting from our range.

If you want to set up your own permanent workplace and want to create an even higher image quality and feel-good atmosphere, the lights from The cat right for you. The lighting can be like a desk lamp be positioned on your desk or with one Bracket on the side of your table be attached - in both cases the modern lighting from Elgato is a real eye-catcher.

Video conference equipment #3: Virtual office background

To protect your privacy and not have the stress of cleaning up before an online meeting, you should use a virtual background image use. Virtual background images are simple image files that you e.g. B. in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Officery CONNECT & Co. can upload. Learn how to add your virtual background image in your video conferencing software of choice with our video tutorials.

In just a few clicks you can conceal your surroundings and use ours customizable backgrounds represent your company in a modern office. A virtual background is not only cheaper than a fixed local background, but can be 'taken' anywhere, ideal especially for remote workers and digital nomads who do not have a fixed workplace.

 

 

Video Conferencing Equipment #4: Video Conferencing Cards

Our bonus tip, which has nothing to do with technology: video conference cards!

If you often find yourself in Zoom meetings with many participants as an organizer or participant, then you have certainly experienced the following situations: Group discussions go in circles, speakers are interrupted by loud background noise or you, as the moderator, quickly lose track of the requests to speak your participants.

To fix the most common communication problems while making a video conference more fun for everyone involved, we have the Officery GAME CHANGER developed. The Officery GAME CHANGER is a bound ring binder consisting of 12 moderation cards in postcard format. During the video conference, participants can simply hold the appropriate card up to the webcam in order to draw attention to requests to speak.

The Officery GAME CHANGER is the ideal enabler for effective and at the same time entertaining communication and is well suited for stand-ups, workshops and team meetings.

Video conferencing bandwidth and software:

Regardless of whether you are the organizer or participant of a video conference: Your Internet bandwidth determines whether you can actively participate in the online meeting and get all the content or whether you are left out. If you often have problems in a video conference, it may be because your bandwidth is not sufficient. A Speedtest determines how high your download and upload rate is.

Bandwidth requirements vary for video conferencing. 

For normal zoom meetings with several participants, you need a rate of between 1,5-3 MBit/s (upload/download) depending on the image quality. You can find more information here .

If you have downloaded video conferencing software, make sure you always have the latest version and update your software regularly.

Find out in our article "5 tips for video conferences: Look good in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet & Co." how to use your equipment for your professional appearance.