The Endpoint The Videoconferencing unit (this is also known as the endpoint unit). The endpoint has a built-in camera and speakers. In most cases the camera is a tilt, pan and zoom camera.
The Microphone Most systems come with a 'POD' type microphone which can pick up a whole room.
The Remote Control All videoconferencing units come with a remote control unit which is used to interact with the unit. It is used to input IP numbers, pan, zoom and tilt the camera, access the menu etc.
Output Device A projector is the ideal device to connect to the VC unit. The image can then be projected onto a screen or Interactive whiteboard. A monitor or TV screen could also be connected to the VC unit but the image may be too small for group video conferencing.
Optional Equipment To enhance the videoconferencing experience the following equipment could also be used.
An Interactive Whiteboard is ideal to project the image from the Video conferencing endpoint.
Microphones You may also want to use additional microphones .
For classroom use it is common for the teacher to use a lapel microphone, while the children pass round a wireless hand held microphone.
The audio is the most important element of the videoconferencing experience. Low quality sound results in a poor quality conference.
The built-in speakers may need to be enhanced by connecting an external amplifier and speakers to the videoconferencing system.