Video conferencing: Personal conversations via the Internet

Crafts 4.0: When face-to-face meetings aren't possible, craftspeople can easily stay in touch with employees and customers via video conferencing. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops usually already have all the necessary features built in.

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

In the Corona crisis it is important to reduce direct contact with other people. Therefore, Video calls and conferences a suitable means to to stay in touch personally at any timeThe technical hurdles are not high, and the advantages are obvious: Exchanging information via video is more personal than a phone call and, at the same time, much more direct than an email or chat.

Technology for video conferencing is usually already available

Selected video conferencing solutions. Table: As of April 6, 2020. All information is subject to change. Photo: © Thomas Busch

simultaneously save everyone involved time and money, because travel to and from the site is completely eliminated. Most tradespeople already have the necessary technology for video conferencing: For on-the-go use, a smart phone or tabletIn the office or home office, a Notebook or PC Many notebooks already have integrated speakers, a microphone, and a webcam.

For less well-equipped notebooks or PCs, these devices must be purchased separately if necessary. As professional Alternative to microphone and speaker a Headsetbecause the audio information is often transmitted better.

Ready for the web meeting: Tips from body language expert Yvonne de Bark for a relaxed appearance in front of the webcam.

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Rely on good technology

Selected video conferencing solutions. Table: As of April 6, 2020. All information is subject to change. Photo: © Thomas Busch

In their own business, craftsmen should use equipment with good video and audio transmission Otherwise, pixelated images or poorly understandable conversations quickly appear unprofessionalTo ensure that the video transmission creates the impression of a real live conversation, your own camera should be connected to HD (1024 × 768 pixels) or Full HD resolution (1.920 x 1.080 pixels) feature.

To ensure that all data is transmitted without loss, the internet speed should be at least six megabits per second (DSL 6.000)If several participants use the same Internet connection, higher bandwidths make senseWhen making video calls on the go, please note that per minute – depending on the video quality – between one to ten megabytes of data .

Free solutions for testing

To start video calls, both parties must first install the same app on their mobile or stationary deviceAfter registering and exchanging contact details, you can start right away. Depending on the software, Up to several hundred participants per video conference possible. Free solutions are recommended for testing purposes.

Selected video conferencing solution: Zoom. Table: As of April 6, 2020. All information is subject to change. Photo: © Thomas Busch

If the functionality is perfect, later purchase solutions make sense which usually provide a much wider range of functions. Examples include Recordings of the conversations or shared file storage for better collaboration.

Tip:: For your own Data security Companies should ensure that the chosen provider an encrypted transmission guaranteed.

The providers of video conferencing software  Here you will find Information to the featured providers:
- gotomeeting.com: Fast, easy, and reliable video meetings.
- Microsoft Teams: Group chat software.
- skype.com: Talk. Chat. Collaborate.
- webex.com: Work on the go or at home.
- zoom.us: Meeting solutions.