Costs will vary depending on your specific requirements.
| Video Phone |
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How It Works:
Video phone uses a technology called H.324 which sends video and audio over a
standard analog phone line, the same line that is used for homes and fax machines.
The screen is built in or you can use a TV or Computer monitor.
Advantages:
• Low Cost
• Uses Standard Phone Line (POTS line)
• Simple to Setup and Use
• Encryption not necessary for HIPAA since it uses standard phone line
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Limitations:
• Low quality audio and video
• Choppy video
• Only works with other H.324 device
Estimated Costs:
• Videophone ~ $300
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| Skype |
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How It Works:
Skype is free software. You will need a USB web camera, speakers, microphone (or headset).
These will need to be installed on your desktop computer.
Skype will allow you to place encrypted audio, video calls and share your desktop. You do need Broadband
Internet (500 kbps up and down to work well)
Advantages:
• Software is free
• Easy to use
• Provides audio, video and desktop sharing
• Uses 256 bit AES encryption for HIPAA compliance
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Limitations:
• Needs Broadband Internet >500kbps
• Only works with other Skype users
• Point to point calls only - no conference calls
• Video quality only as good as the web camera
Estimated Costs:
• Software - Free (www.skype.com)
• Web Cam w/ headset ~ $200
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| Software IP Based (H.323) |
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How It Works:
Software that is installed on your computer along with a USB web camera and headset
which communicates over Broadband Internet (500K or higher).
Advantages:
• Low Cost
• Easy to use
• Provides audio, video and desktop sharing
• Interoperable with any H.323 video teleconferencing system
• Uses 256 bit AES encryption for HIPAA compliance
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Limitations:
• Needs Broadband Internet >500kbps
• Needs a powerful computer
• Software has been known to crash
Estimated Costs:
• Software ~ $250
• Web Cam w/ headset ~ $200
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| Desktop IP Based (H.323) |
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How It Works:
Sits on your desktop and can communicate video and audio using H.323 technology over a standard
computer network. Can also double as you desktop computer monitor. Your connection does need at
least 500 Kbps to work well. Will work with any H.323 compliant device.
Advantages:
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Limitations:
• Needs Broadband Internet >500kbps
Estimated Costs:
• Basic videoconferencing system including camera ~ $5,000
• Multi point option is an additional ~ $3,000
• Presentation option an additional~ $1,000
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| Small Conference Room IP Based (H.323) |
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How It Works:
Works the same as the desktop IP based system. Better quality camera and microphone than desktop.
Designed to accommodate a small or medium sized conference room (15-20 people)
Advantages:
• Easy to use
• Provides audio, video and desktop sharing
• Interoperable with any H.323 video teleconferencing system
• Uses 256 bit AES encryption for HIPAA compliance
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Limitations:
• Needs Broadband Internet >500kbps
• Higher cost
Estimated Costs:
• Video Unit ~ $7,000
• 42" Flat Panel Display an additional $ 1,300
• Cart ~ $300
• Multi point option an additional $3,000
• Presentation option an additional $1,000
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