To see where videoconferencing technology is heading, we first need to see where it came from and analyze the major turning points and developments. The very first video conferencing device was presented by AT&T at the New York world’s fair back in the 1960’s. This was more of a novelty than a pragmatic communications device — It was far too expensive. Later in the 70’s the Network Video Protocol was developed and considered an improvement. In the 80’s the Integrated Services Digital Network, ISDN, was introduced. This development was significant because there was finally a way to connected endpoints through the central office. ISDN also maintained a reliable connection through a guaranteed bit rate of video and audio. ISDN gave us the ability to transfer two video and voice connections simultaneously over one line. This was the first step in making videoconferencing practical.
Even with the development of ISDN, manufactures still used proprietary protocols in their equipment. They tried to corral clients into purchasing only their products for reliable and consistent communications. These systems were expensive and difficult to use. Also, they only worked within one company’s network. At the time it would be like having a fax machine that can only send faxes within the company’s network.
Late in the 1990’s videoconferencing standards established by the ITU, (International Telecommunications Union), created an even playing field. Manufactures had to build to these standards. This freed end user to pick and choose the best solution for their particular application without the worry of who they can and cannot connect to. The first standard, H.320 worked seamlessly through ISDN. The end-user connected through the central office with no problem. They only needed long distance service. This was reliable, but long distance costs were high and International video calls cumbersome because of the International tariffs.
The next critical development is the IP, Internet protocol standards, H.323 and SIP. This made videoconferencing simple and easy to connect anywhere in the world with no long distance costs. Now you can have high definition, HD, video conferencing through IP, Internet Protocol. We can now seamlessly connect to the desktop and notebook. We can also connect to any mobile device like the iPad, iPhone and Droid on a videoconference with a simple and free downloadable app. Just like we have cell phone numbers and email addresses, we will all have videoconferencing numbers for the office, the home and the boardroom. Videoconferencing will be a part of our normal communications like email, texting and cell phones. You will see video numbers on business cards, just like you see an email address and cell phone number. Company web sites will have direct meeting room access with security using passwords and credentials.
J.W. Hornyak Videoconferencing & Telecommunications
Instant Access
