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Camera
Captures the participants so people at other locations can see them during the video conference.
VIDEO CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT
What Equipment Is Needed for Video Conferencing?
When setting up a video conference, double-check that you have the equipment needed at every participating site. At minimum, a video conferencing setup requires a camera, codec, microphone, speaker and monitor.
Video conferencing is nothing new, but selecting video conference equipment is not always straightforward. The right combination of hardware and software helps people see, hear, communicate and collaborate without requiring unnecessarily complex equipment.
Core requirementsCamera + codec + microphone + speaker + monitor, supported by suitable video conferencing software.
QUICK ANSWER
What equipment do you need for video conferencing?
Each site participating in a video conference requires, as a minimum, a camera, codec, microphone, speaker and monitor. Software and connectivity then support the video call, audio communication, collaboration and other communication features.
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Codec
Handles the video and audio information required to transmit communication between conferencing participants.
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Microphone & speaker
The microphone captures speech while the speaker allows participants to hear people at the other location.
04
Monitor or display
Provides the visual interface for seeing remote participants, shared information and the video meeting.
INSTALLATIONS
View our solutionsA visitor kiosk that fits your space
HARDWARE OPTIONS
Complete touchscreen solutions
Combine Teleportel software with the touchscreen format that best matches your reception environment and visitor management process.
BY SECTOR
Visitor experiences for different environments
Reception requirements vary by location. Digital visitor management can support the way guests, patients, contractors and other visitors arrive in different environments.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Essential video conferencing hardware
A functioning video conference depends on both visual and audio equipment. Each participating location needs the basic components required to capture, process, display and reproduce the conversation.
Video camera
A camera provides the visual connection between participants. A low-light sensor can automatically adjust exposure to help produce a clearer image in changing lighting conditions.
Audio equipment
A microphone and speaker allow participants to speak and listen. Clear audio is fundamental to effective video conferencing.
Display
A monitor, desktop display, tablet or compatible device gives participants a way to see the people they are communicating with.
THE ROLE OF THE CODEC
Why does video conferencing need a codec?
A codec is part of the communication process that handles video and audio data so it can be transmitted between participants.
In modern cloud video conferencing, much of the underlying processing can be integrated into the software, device or service. This can make video communication possible without investing thousands in complicated traditional conferencing equipment.
- Process video communication
- Process audio communication
- Support remote participants
- Work with cloud conferencing
- Enable video chats
- Reduce hardware complexity
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
Video conferencing is more than cameras and microphones
Hardware creates the physical connection, while software can provide the communication, collaboration and integration features used during and around the meeting.
Cloud video conferencing
Connect participants through cloud-based video communication and video chats.
Data collaboration
Support full data collaboration when participants need to work with information during the conversation.
Text chat
Give participants an additional written communication channel alongside audio and video.
SMS
Use SMS as another communication method where it forms part of the configured workflow.
Telephone
Combine video communication with conventional telephone communication when appropriate.
Audio conferencing
Support voice-based conferencing alongside visual communication.
Language interpretation
Online language interpretation can support communication where participants need language assistance.
Message service
Messaging can complement live communication and help people exchange information.
Agenda & email integration
Integration with agenda and email tools can connect video conferencing with everyday business workflows.
DEVICE COMPATIBILITY
Video conferencing across desktops, smartphones and tablets
Modern video communication does not have to be limited to a dedicated conference room. Compatible software can allow people to participate using desktops, smartphones and tablets.
This flexibility is useful when employees, customers or other participants are working from different locations and using different types of devices.
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Meeting-room displays
- Remote video terminals
SELECTING EQUIPMENT
How to choose video conferencing equipment
Select equipment around the way people will actually communicate rather than assuming every video conferencing environment needs an expensive or complicated hardware installation.
01
Start with the location
Consider whether participants will join from individual desks, mobile devices, conference rooms or dedicated video communication points.
02
Check audio and video needs
Make sure the camera, microphone, speakers and display are appropriate for the environment and number of participants.
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Choose the software features
Decide whether you need cloud conferencing, collaboration, text chat, telephone, interpretation, messaging or agenda and email integration.
MINIMUM SETUP
Video conferencing hardware and software requirements at a glance
A practical setup brings the essential hardware together with the software functions needed for the intended communication workflow.
Capture
A camera captures video and a microphone captures the participant's voice.
Process
A codec or integrated software handles the audio and video information used by the conference.
Output
A monitor displays remote participants while a speaker reproduces their audio.
Connect
Cloud video conferencing or compatible software establishes communication between different locations.
Collaborate
Data collaboration and text chat can extend the meeting beyond basic audio and video.
Integrate
Telephone, SMS, messaging, language interpretation, agenda and email can form part of a wider communication solution.
WITHOUT COMPLEX EQUIPMENT
Modern video conferencing can reduce hardware complexity
Video conferencing equipment does not necessarily have to mean a room full of specialist hardware. Cloud software and compatible everyday devices can simplify how people connect.
Cloud-based communication
Move more of the conferencing functionality into software and cloud services rather than relying entirely on dedicated equipment.
Flexible endpoints
Use compatible desktops, smartphones and tablets as communication endpoints for different participants.
Integrated communication
Bring video, audio, chat, messaging and collaboration together within a broader communication environment.
The goal is not to buy the most equipment. The goal is to have the hardware and software required for clear, reliable and useful communication.
BEYOND THE MEETING ROOM
Video equipment can support more than scheduled conference calls
The same basic video communication components can also be used where a person needs to communicate remotely with someone at a physical location.
A camera, microphone, speaker, screen and communication software can form the basis of remote reception, customer assistance, consultations and other live video interactions.
View Teleportel Examples
VIDEO CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT EXPLAINED
Quick answers about video conferencing requirements
Core hardware and software requirements for setting up practical video communication.
What is the minimum equipment?
A camera, codec, microphone, speaker and monitor are the minimum hardware components identified for each participating site.
Do you need a camera?
Yes, when visual communication is required. The camera captures participants for the people at the remote location.
Do you need a microphone?
Yes. The microphone captures speech while a speaker reproduces audio from the other participants.
Do you need a monitor?
A display is needed to see remote participants and visual information during the conference.
Can video conferencing use the cloud?
Yes. Cloud video conferencing can support video chats and communication without relying entirely on complex dedicated equipment.
Which devices can be compatible?
Video conferencing can be compatible with desktops, smartphones and tablets, depending on the software and setup.
For each video conferencing location, start with the essentials: camera, codec, microphone, speaker and monitor. Then select the software, collaboration and integration features required by the people using the system.
TELEPORTEL VIDEO COMMUNICATION
Build video communication around the way your organization works
Teleportel combines video communication with cloud conferencing, collaboration and communication features for desktops, smartphones, tablets and dedicated interaction points.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about video conferencing equipment
Answers about cameras, codecs, microphones, speakers, monitors, cloud conferencing and video conferencing software.
What equipment is needed for video conferencing?
At minimum, each participating site needs a camera, codec, microphone, speaker and monitor. Suitable software and connectivity are also required to establish and manage the communication.
What hardware is required for a video conference?
The core hardware consists of a camera for video capture, a microphone for audio capture, a speaker for audio output, a monitor for visual output and a codec or equivalent integrated processing capability.
What software is needed for video conferencing?
The software depends on the intended use. Features can include cloud video conferencing, video chat, data collaboration, text chat, SMS, telephone, audio conferencing, language interpretation, messaging and agenda or email integration.
What does a codec do in video conferencing?
A codec handles audio and video information so communication can be processed and transmitted between participants.
Can I use a desktop computer for video conferencing?
Yes. Compatible video conferencing solutions can work with desktops as well as smartphones and tablets.
Can I use a smartphone or tablet for video conferencing?
Yes, provided the video conferencing software supports the device and the device has the required camera, microphone, speaker and display capabilities.
Do I need expensive dedicated video conferencing equipment?
Not necessarily. Cloud conferencing and compatible devices can reduce the need for complicated dedicated equipment, depending on the communication environment and requirements.
Why is lighting important for video conferencing?
Lighting affects camera image quality. A camera with a low-light sensor can automatically adjust exposure to help produce a clearer image under changing lighting conditions.
Can video conferencing include screen or data collaboration?
Yes. Video conferencing software can include data collaboration and text communication alongside live audio and video.
Can video conferencing integrate with email and calendars?
Video communication can be integrated with agenda and email workflows where the selected software supports those functions.