Look to a conferencing service or buy a conferencing bridge if you often hold conference calls that involve several parties from multiple locations. These units improve upon the quality of a speakerphone by incorporating circuitry that allows all parties to converse at once. To provide full-duplex transmissions, desktop conferencing models use a digital signal processor to eliminate feedback by removing speaker sounds from the microphone pickup. This means that both the microphone and the speaker can be active at the same time, resulting in calls that are as natural as those made with a handset. Some models are equipped with multiple microphones to better capture all the voices in the room.
Many units come with a dialing pad, while others connect and dial through a standard phone.
What to look for When choosing a system, begin by making sure that it can accommodate the number of people that typically participate in the meeting. If the system will be used with groups of more than about six people, you should look for a model that can accept several microphones for clearer sound. Wireless microphone systems are also an option for conference participants who will be walking while speaking. Ideally, you should test the equipment in the environment where it will be used, to make sure the sound level from all participants will be acceptable. Next check that the conferencing equipment is compatible with your current phone system.