Everyone's video conferencing experience may be vastly improved by using the following tips and techs.

 

  1. Optimize bandwidth. Insufficient bandwidth can kill desktop videoconferencing quality. Bandwidth problems result in the skipping of videoconferencing images and decreased window size. Enhance bandwidth to the computers you plan to use for desktop videoconferencing. Consider connecting a wired connection (usually an ethernet cable) wherever possible. Wireless users should install a signal booster and stay close to the wireless router.

  2. Reduce the burden on CPU and memory. Videoconferencing is extremely CPU- and memory-intensive. Don't do any processing, downloading, or other heavy lifting on your computer while you're on a videoconference, and close all unnecessary applications to improve memory resources.

  3. The Webcam dictates the image quality. For the best image quality, use a top-notch camera such as:

    • the iMac's built-in camera

    • I use a Logitech's HD Pro Webcam C920, which offers 1080p widescreen video calling and recording and has a nice microphone built in. The software allows the camera to automatically follow your face

    • most contempory tablets and smartphones have acceptable cameras built in but some don’t have a decent camera on the screen-side which is essential for video conferencing. Keep the camera lens clean.

  1. Microphones matter. For best results with mobile phones and tablets, use a Bluetooth microphone, a wired headset, or a clip-on microphone that has noise-cancelling features and a wide pickup frequency range. Mute your microphone when it's in listening mode, and conduct videoconferences from quiet, indoor meeting spaces.

  2. Eliminate background noise or echoes.

    • If you hear background noise, echoes, or feedback, mute your microphone to see if it corrects the problem. Echoes and feedback are usually caused by either a microphone with it’s sensitivity turned up too high, speaker volume that’s too loud, or a combination of both. Often this will happen on a laptop where both these elements are in close proximity to each other.

    • Determine whether you or others have called by phone and by computer simultaneously into the same meeting from the same location, since that can cause interference.

    • Remove nearby electronic devices, especially phones or other wireless devices.

  3. Light up your face. Good lighting is critical for high-quality images. Experiment with lighting by moving it around. Avoid having direct sunlight on your face or behind you. If light is insufficient, try using the OXYLED T100 Dimmable Eye-care LED desk lamp..

  4. Check your background. Walls, furniture, and desktop items appear very clearly on desktop videoconferences. Make sure your background is clean and appealing, and adjust the mirror effect to optimize the look. A plain, light-colored background generally looks best.

  5. Speak to the camera. Most videoconference participants speak to the person on the screen -- avoid this tendency and speak to the camera directly instead. This is most noticeable when incoming video is projected on a large TV screen, but outgoing video is captured via the desktop in front of you.

  6. Learn the videoconferencing system beforehand. Be sure you understand and have practiced using your videoconferencing system well ahead of time -- not minutes before or during the meeting. Download the desktop video client and make sure it installs. (Many enterprise security settings require permission to install it.) Learn its chat function. Try out the whiteboard. Select and deselect the camera or microphone. The more you know, the better you will look.

  7. Dress to impress. Wear clothing you would normally wear for an in-person meeting. Royal blue, burgundy, purple, and gray generally contrast well with a light-colored background. Avoid complex designs that the webcam cannot pick up effectively.