The Video Conferencing Question: To IP, or Not IP?
Legal practitioners have turned to PohlmanUSA Court Reporting of St. Louis, Mo. for cutting-edge video technology since the firm first added the service in 2002. It allows case participants to attend out-of-town depositions and meetings without spending the time or adding the expenses of travel and lodging. All parties communicate real time using a simultaneous, two-way video and audio transmission.
With such rapid advances in related technologies, the question is no longer whether to tap into video conferencing – it’s what technology to use.
Two different technologies – internet protocol (IP) or integrated services digital network (ISDN) – can be used to video conference. The principal difference is that IP video conferencing transmits voice and video via the internet while ISDN uses regular telephone lines to convey the information.
So the question is: to IP, or not IP? The pros and cons of each:
Since IP video conferencing transmits data over the internet, there are no long distance telephone charges. The technology is easier to access, and is monitored regularly by information technology (IT) personnel. Its larger bandwidth offers faster call transmission, and there is tighter data security. The downside is some older video conferencing systems are not IP-capable. Plus, the large data transmission may slow down an entire data network.
The reliance of ISDN video conferencing on ordinary telephone lines results in higher clarity and reliability than an IP solution. Additionally, the information bypasses data networks, eliminating a network overload. However, ISDN operates on a limited bandwidth, and additional line installations may be required. Plus, the status of an ISDN network is only monitored when calls are in progress, meaning a failed network could go unnoticed until it is time to place a call.
For faster connection and to avoid long distance charges, PohlmanUSA typically seeks to set up an IP-to-IP connection. What happens if some parties are not equipped to handle IP technology? No bid deal. PohlmanUSA simply arranges a “bridge” to connect it with an ISDN system. One bridge can connect up to four sites.
When ISDN service is “bridged” to an IP connection, the party using ISDN technology must initiate the conferencing call to the party/parties using IP, which means that long distance charges will apply for the out-going call. Prices for all services vary by city.
The ease, convenience and cost savings of video conferencing is making it an increasingly popular business solution for law firms across the nation. In 2009, the PohlmanUSA saw revenue related to video/ telephonic conferencing rise by 25 percent over 2008. So far in 2010, revenues for the service are up another 133 percent over 2009.
The company provides the service on a total turn-key basis. As the situation dictates, it will find a suitable facility (anywhere in the U.S.), locate and set up the equipment, schedule all parties and then invoice them for the session as mutually agreed.
