Desktop Videoconferencing Additional Features
In addition to the basic video chat capabilities of most desktop videoconferencing software, there are other features that may be activated that can expand the use of this type of program. Listed below are some of the major features
Text Chat
In some cases, video or voice chat may not be convenient. Users of iChat, Skype, Oovoo and Windows Live Messenger all have the ability to send instant text messages while engaging in or in place of conducting a videoconference. This feature is convenient in that it allows users to send private messages to others participating in the videoconference without the entire group seeing them. It is also useful for sending questions to presenters, or when speaking out loud would cause a disturbance, such as in a library or an office cubicle with neighbors nearby.
Media Display
This simply means an ability to replace the live webcam image with a picture stored on your computer. At the simplest level, this is a type of "privacy shade" that keeps you from being seen. However, since the picture can generally be changed at any time, you could use it to present a prepared presentation. Some software also allows for timed slideshows and even video clips to be shown to remote users. Picture-in-picture effects that combine two images on the screen at once are also possible. This feature is available with iChat, Skype, Oovoo, and Windows Live Messenger.
Screen Sharing
Here, you make your computer screen (or portions of it) visible to the remote users. This is a live feed that allows for annotation, whiteboarding, and display of material that isn't easily converted to an image format. Generally, the quality of the desktop display is lower than actually sitting in front of the computer, so small text and details may be lost. This option is available with iChat, Skype, Oovoo and Windows Live Messenger as well as Adobe ConnectNow's web site.
Remote Collaboration
Remote collaboration takes screen sharing to the next level by allowing remote users to actually take control of a document or image displayed on your computer and edit it. This is a relatively high-end use of desktop videoconferencing and generally requires additional set-up and experience, but it has great potential for small group collaboration. iChat, Skype, Oovoo, and Windows Live messenger all have this capability to some extent. Adobe ConnectNow's web site is perhaps the best system for this type of interaction, as the web site has the ability to read, develop and edit documents in numerous formats.
Sending Files
Because things like remote image display and desktop sharing do not generally operate at the full-quality seen by local participants, it is common to send presentation materials to remote sites so that they may view them on their own machines and simply follow along during the videoconference. Although the files could be sent ahead of time via email, all the videoconferencing software discussed here allows for easily sending files during a conference. This is not only convenient, but may be required if the files to be sent aren't available ahead of time.
Adobe Connect Pro
In addition to offering all of the features listed above, Adobe Connect Pro is a powerful videoconferencing and online collaboration tool, which gives the user the ability to present recorded presentaions, collect data from participants, create virtual learning environments, and many other options .
