Best Practice

A Web Conference application featuring both audio & video presentation will ensure total flexibility of operation. Broadband too (512k and above) is the basic level of Internet access you should consider for successful operation with a Quality of Service (QoS) rating above 85% desirable. Click here to test your broadband.

To ensure the smoothest possible meeting experience you are recommended to consider the following:

1) Audio
Headsets with intergrated microphone & earpiece should be used by all meeting participants to ensure against the unpleasant experience of echo and feedback effects. Check that headsets are connected to PCs prior to joining the meeting and that they are not in use with other applications such as Skype. USB models provide the highest quality audio but those with analogue "jack" type connectors are normally adequate too. Tabletop microphone/speaker sets with echo cancellation might also be used and are particularly useful in situations where several users together are participating from a physical room location, such as in a boardroom

Allternatively, audio Teleconferening might be used but tends to be an expensive substitute. This however can be a useful option where participants have no access to the internet and need to take part verbally from a landline or portable phone.

2) Video
Web Cameras might be considered optional but seeing the other people you are online with will be useful in ensuring a good quality experience. Simple web cameras do the job and those rated at 1.3Megapixels or above offer great quality. Video cameras on the other hand are more expensive but offer high quality & flexibility in multiple person locations such as board rooms. Avoid IP cameras used in web-based monitoring & remote security applications which are not normally suitable.

Ensure software drivers provided with the web camera are installed before joining your first meeting and that the camera is free from use by other applications. Most crucially, ensure that the device is connected to the PC (amazing how often this gets forgotten about).

3) Internet Connection
Where possible your PC should be cable-connected to the broadband router or network. Wireless works but better quality can be assured by hard wiring.

4) Operating Platform
Ensure the web conferencing solution you work with is truly multi-platform and available to users of any operating system, browser, & PC or Apple Mac.