Lectures by Videoconference

Dr Patrick Dixon - Videoconferences - Video explanation followed by studio tour and demo

Why videolinks can be better than being there in person

(Archive article from 1999 but of historical interest)

• Conferences are the ideal place to showcase new ideas and management tools

• Use the tools of the future to talk about the future - the medium is the message

• Many messages about the digital world can only be delivered remotely

• Videoconferencing shows the power of virtual communication to build effective teams and relationships

Limits to globalisation with current management models

• The current pace of globalisation cannot continue using old management models - more international face-to-face meetings, more travel

• Already many industry leaders spend more than 6 weeks a year at 35,000ft

• Time away from home is often doubling every 24 months

• We have to find other ways to work - and videoconferencing is one

World-class remote lecturing

• The aim should be that when the audience looks at the big screen, they forget that the podium is empty

• This trick of virtual reality can be achieved using a high-tech multimedia studio

• Well lit presenter in front of a large multimedia screen

• Presenter appears on screen as if being filmed in the venue on the podium

• Good camera images / excellent sound clarity

• Able to walk around / see whole audience clearly

• Able to engage the audience / ask questions / react

So how is this done?

• Top quality standard videoconference PC in venue

• Capable of 384kbps (3 pairs ISDN data lines)

• Received picture projected on huge screen / sound to sound desk

• Images to presenter provided by camera (s) operated by technicians

• Sound to presenter provided by roving microphones

• For extra call security and stability it is best to use a Bureau, which tests both sites in advance, dials to both, and monitors the connection

How much does it cost?

• Example: London to US using BT Bureau (00 44 207 298 4055)

• Total call and bureau charges 2 hours = approximately $1100

• Speaker fee is less than half normal - and no travel costs