CODEC: Bettering quality and speed
In order to have a video conference, both the audio and video streams need to be coded and decoded. So a codec videoconference is necessary; because without it, you would not be able to view or hear the information. Thankfully, there are ways to secure free video codec, mostly from online sources. Most downloading sites that offer music and videos will also offer codec software as well. You just may have to search around a bit. In short, a codec will transfer the information from analogue to digital and also from digital to analogue. Codec compression is necessary in video conferences because without it, the data size would remain large and would take a long time in transfer. Viewing it in real time would be difficult. A video codec is used to compress the data for digital video, whereas an audio codec will be used to compress the data for the audio parts of the transmission.

Codec is a very important part of video conferencing because it enables the videos to be seen and the audio to be heard. If you were to not use Codec, then you would not be able to have a proper video conference because there would be no way for you to see the information that is coded. Although this all might seem quite complex, in reality it is not that difficult. Basically how a codec works is that it samples the signal several thousand times per second and then compresses it for transmission.

What different Codec's are available?

There are many different types of codec's available but it depends on what you need in order to figure out what codec is best for you. If you are only using a web cam for your video conference, then you will have less information to code and decode but if you are having a video conference for a large boardroom of people with multiple cameras and screens, then you will need to invest in more codec's. One of the bigger codec's, used for larger projects is the G.711 codec. This particular codec can sample the audio at 64,000 times per second. This will be enough for most of your video conferencing needs. Another common codec is the G.729A codec. This particular one samples at a rate of 8,000 times per second. This is a very commonly used codec and guarantees good sound and video concentration.

How do you choose a codec?

Since there are such a wide variety of codec's on the market, you have to make sure that you purchase or download free video codec that is right for your needs. Basically, if you look at it this way you should be fine: the more information, whether it be video or audio that you need to compress, the higher capability codec you will need. For example, playing a movie on your computer screen will require a small concentration of codec, but running an entire multi-screened video conference will require a much higher level of concentration from the codec. It is best to speak directly with the person whom you purchased your video conferencing unit from because they will most likely be able to tell you exactly what sort of codec is needed for the particular operation that you are running. Since there are so many different applications of video conferencing, one codec may be good for one aspect while it will not be sufficient for another. Even by walking into your local computer store, you will be able to have your specific questions answered quickly and efficiently. Just describe to the person what sort of set up you have for video conferencing, and if they are familiar with the technology, they will be able to point you in the right direction.

As we have learned, a codec video conference is the only way that a video conference can actually achieve its potential. Without the proper codec's installed, there is no way that you will be able to see the video or hear the audio properly in real time, so when you purchase your video conferencing equipment, remember to keep this in mind. If you are only looking to get video and audio on your computer, then the process is simpler. If you click on 'properties' you can find out what kind of video and audio compression it uses, which will help you to decide which codec you need because codec's are used to decipher methods of audio/video compression. You can also download mega packs of codec's so that you will be prepared for any need you may have. Compression codec software will usually already be installed on most of the newer models of computers, so you will be able to access your videos and hear the audio as soon as you set up the proper codec. Video conferencing is a great tool but you need to make sure you have all the right resources in order to make sure the process is as smooth as possible.