Telepresence is renowned as the next step in video conferencing. Using the latest in virtual reality technologies, telepresence brings a very ‘real life’ atmosphere to meetings with life-sized people and imagery alongside crystal clear audio. All of this combined creates a distraction-free environment, allowing all members of a conference to fully focus on the tasks at hand, almost completely eliminating any chances for misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

What Is Telepresence?

While a typical video conferencing system includes monitors, microphones, and speakers, a telepresence system is much more complex. Telepresence systems are highly integrated setups that include multiple monitors, multi-channel speakers, numerous microphones, and advanced codec on both ends. By using telepresence systems, users receive a much more interactive experience, allowing for much more efficient methods of communication and collaboration.

A telepresence setup usually consists of three large, high-quality screens set up around a table, giving the feel that all members involved in the meeting are in the same room. Instead of individual microphones, multiple microphones are positioned on top of the screens, as are the cameras or webcams. This allows for much more flexibility in room positioning and much more space to explore new ideas and present information. Professional speakers are also positioned in key locations around the room.

The large screens are positioned together in a ‘wall’ arrangement, giving the viewers a complete, panoramic view. Using multiple cameras provides unparalleled image quality and using state of the art technology, spatial accuracy can be employed. This means that when an individual speaks, the audio speakers give the listener a feel for the location of the speaker in the meeting, contributing to the feeling that they are actually present in the room.

Why Use Telepresence?

Telepresence can be useful for a vast range of situations. With more screen space and clearer sounding audio, individuals can understand and read other members even more precisely, allowing for near-perfect communication, wherever you are in the world. With these added bonuses, you can also involve more props or presentations into meetings more clearly than you would if using standard video conferencing platforms.

As stated above, by utilizing market leading technologies, telepresence gives users the feeling that virtual members are actually present in the room. This allows for complete concentration during a meeting, allowing members to easily focus on what is important, minimizing the risk of errors and putting the organization’s best interests first.

Telepresence is also the perfect tool for collaboration. With optimal screen space, users have the ability to work simultaneously on projects, contributing effortlessly, ensuring tasks are completed quickly and accurately. You may also want multiple departments present, ensuring everybody in the organization is in the loop in regards to how far along a project is and whether every aspect is on target. You may also find a need to project presentations on screen, allowing for even greater accuracy, with no risk of losing crucial screen space.

ADDITIONAL READING
Conference Room Cable Management Checklist
AV System Integrators: Are They Really Necessary?
Top 10 Conference Room Projectors of 2017