A Guide to Web Conferencing From Your Home Office

If you work from home, video meetings and web conferencing are a daily norm. Sometimes it may even be your responsibility to facilitate the online meetings. If it’s your first time planning a video conference, you might feel overwhelmed, wondering where to start. We’ve got you covered.

In addition to fast, reliable internet from Kosciusko Connect, here are a few tips to help you plan successful online meetings.

Pick the Right Program

While you can use free video conferencing services like join.me, CyberLink U, and Skype’s group video chat, using paid software will likely produce better results. Even if free software seems efficient at first, error messages and buffering issues may follow close behind. Topping the list of PC Magazine’s Best Video Conferencing Software as the best for free tier of service is RingCentral Office. The lowest-cost plan offers features like analytics for IT administrators and visual voicemail for $20 per month.

Get Good Video Conferencing Equipment

Your laptop’s built-in webcam might work, but you should consider using a camera with a resolution of 1080p and speed from 30 to 60 frames per second. Business Insider’s top choice is the Logitech C920. It’s an Amazon bestseller that you can purchase for somewhere between $64 and $79.99. If you’re interested in ultra HD, Business Insider also recommends the Logitech Brio 4K. Even though it costs more, at $199.99, you’ll see why people love Brio’s stunning 60-frames-per-second image quality.

Audio is important, and the echo of “Can you hear me now?” is haunting to video conference regulars. To solve this issue, invest in a noise-canceling headset that delivers clear sound. Forbes recommends the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2, a wireless headset that’s compatible across PCs and mobile devices. But prepare to pay about $350 for the privilege of high-end audio. Forbes also recommends the Logitech G433, found on Amazon for under $100.

Be Mindful of Your Filming Area

Make sure you’re ready to appear professionally on your web conference. Unless you wish to appear as a spooky silhouette or fuzzy outline, follow these final tips:

1. Position yourself in front of a light source with no illumination at your back.
2. Natural light is best, but a lamp will do.
3. Clear clutter from the background and look at the camera lens to convey eye contact.
4. Keep body movements to a minimum.

With fast fiber internet from Kosciusko Connect, high-quality video meetings are right at your fingertips. Check out our speeds and packages here.