Video Conferencing Tips from a Commercial AV Company

How to Achieve High-Quality Audio and Video for Effective Calls

Video conferencing technology has transformed how we work and collaborate with colleagues, clients, and vendors. Therefore, it is essential that the technology you use for this type of meeting environment be set up correctly for high-quality communications.

Over the years, our commercial AV company has supported many video conferencing setups in Southern Ontario, Canada – we could probably do them with our eyes closed now! But, no matter how many times we have assisted companies, there are always opportunities for issues to arise that impact audio and video quality. 

Please continue reading for tips to achieve the highest quality connections as you collaborate with others remotely from your Cambridge, Ontario, office.

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Make Audio a Top Priority

We always recommend that our clients prioritize audio when planning a video conference. This priority is because video can sometimes be unreliable when impacted by network bandwidth issues. So, even if the video drops during a call, the conversation can continue if there is sustained and quality audio.

Consider these tips to maintain high-quality audio.

• Use array microphones to help listeners participate in the entire room experience and not just hear from the person sitting near the microphone.
• Microphone placement is important, so place it with care. Avoid positioning them by HVAC vents, elevators, and hallways that could cause distracting background noise.
• If your room has echoing tendencies, install acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, carpeting, or even plants to help absorb the bouncing sounds.
• The direction of sound can make communication over video seem more natural, so place audio speakers near the video screen to create more connection with the virtual attendees.
• Always run an audio test before an important meeting! It will reduce stress and allow you time to troubleshoot any concerns.

Invite Others to Your Space with Video

With so many cameras and video options available today, turn to a commercial AV company like Balaklava for guidance in selecting the one that’s right for your space. 

Consider these tips to produce high-quality videos for meetings.

• Place the video camera at eye level for meeting participants to create a “seat-at-the-table” environment for virtual attendees.
• Arrange seating so everyone in the room faces the camera. This tip may require a “V” shaped or “U” shaped table layout.
• Draw the shades in your meeting room and rely solely on the room’s artificial lighting for your call. We recommend this because natural sunlight will dim and brighten throughout your meeting, causing the video camera to adjust its light settings and interrupt the sharp video display for moments.
• Install your video screen where everyone in the room can see it. Consider a larger screen to assist with file sharing and virtual collaboration.
• Choose a tabletop that will not reflect light and produce a distracting glare.
• Try to avoid backgrounds with movement that could be distracting. These backgrounds include hallway windows and outside traffic.

We will all become video conferencing experts before long! But while you are still working out the hiccups, contact us at Balaklava, a commercial AV company ready to assist with your technology needs in Cambridge, Ontario.