Online Meetings — Webcam and Headphones

Most of us are now using the computer, tablet, or cell phone for live meetings or recording video content. One of the primary tools for getting this done is a webcam.

Webcams are typically built into any laptop and all-in-one computer setups. If you have a stand-alone monitor, typically you will purchase a USB connected webcam to set on top. Nothing prevents a laptop user from using a USB webcam, and you may find the picture quality greatly improved because your monitor angle does not directly impact your camera and external equipment is typically higher quality.

I highly recommend those using a stand-alone monitor or a laptop purchase a USB webcam to set on top, even if you have a camera in your laptop. For effective meeting experience, you need to be looking directly at your monitor screen and have the camera position be ABOVE your eye level. If you have a laptop sitting on a desk or your lap, and you look down at it, it will add weight to your features and give many viewers an EXCELLENT viewing angle of your nose hairs! Some options are:

All of these models have face recognition technology. Do NOT purchase a webcam that doesn’t automatically focus. You do not want to be adjusting the camera focus point every time you move during a one hour or longer meeting.

Most webcams have a microphone, which is good if you are in a quiet room with soft surfaces to absorb background noise or echoes. Some even of noise-canceling features. Since most of us cannot guarantee a quiet space for all meetings, I highly recommend investing in some cordless headphones. Even an inexpensive Bluetooth stereo headphones with microphone will normally give you a much better audio than if you just use the built-in microphone or the one in the webcam. This is a necessity if you are using your phone or tablet for the meeting or in a noise space. Some options are:

Almost all meeting technology (WebEx, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, etc…) has customizable settings for the webcam and audio. Please take the time to review these features and ensure you have them set to maximize your meeting experience. Depending on your setup, you may find investing in a “light” will improve your video image quality but don’t forget to check your meeting settings. A lot of issues can be resolved, just be adjusting the video and audio settings.

If you need some help recommend the best setup for you and running a few dry runs to make sure it is all working correctly, just reach out!

Headsets for Phone and/or Computer

You should have one or more headsets to use with your cell phone and/or computer.

Let’s start with your cell phone. By the time you pay all the fees involved, California fines start at $150 and increase with each subsequent ticket. Most of the newer vehicles have Bluetooth technology, but I would suggest you NOT use that. Here are some reasons why:

  • Most of us don’t start and stop a conversation at the same time we start or stop driving. Using a headset allows you to continue the business conversation/meeting seamlessly when moving from behind the wheel, leaving your vehicle, and walking into a building, etc….
  • Vehicle Bluetooth normally does not include good noise cancellation features. This means that radio and road noise can be a significant distraction.
  • Vehicle software security is typically significantly behind because most vehicles do not receive updates unless they are in for service at a dealership. Because of how Bluetooth software works, quite often your vehicle will ask for permission or download a copy of your contacts. Depending on your client/contact information, this could be a significant security risk…especially considering California holds companies liable for any client PII information breaches.
  • Newer Bluetooth technologies can handle MULTIPLE devices simultaneously. This means you can have one headset connected to your computer, your work cell phone, and your personal cell phone all at the same time. Vehicle Bluetooth technology almost never has this option.
  • When you are having a client/business conversation, that information should typically not be “shared” with everyone in the vehicle, and especially not with people around your vehicle. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to VERY private conversations while walking by a vehicle parked in a parking lot. For example, a lawyer should not be sharing your divorce information with everyone at the grocery store parking lot. In this example, the lawyer was unaware that his car audio was easily heard by everyone in a 10′ radius.

Here are some headsets perfect for usage with your cell phone and/or computer:

Sometimes, especially if you do many longer meetings via, you may want a more substantial headset that has longer talk time and can block some background noises. Here are some options:

Give me a call and I would be happy to help you pick the right device and how to use it to minimize technical conflicts.