These large systems often include multiple high end displays, dedicated document cameras, auto-tracking speaker cameras, remote control systems, and sophisticated sound systems to capture voices cleanly from a large room. Often intended for departmental conference rooms, small group systems are available in two configurations. Other systems are based on PC technology. Using standard host processors and operating systems with dedicated videoconferencing hardware and software, conference room PCs provide a high level of PC-functionality while being heavily oriented towards videoconferencing applications. These are intended for personal or single-person use, not for small groups.
Personal systems are lower in cost, and feature displays and cameras designed for individuals.
However, installing and configuring these systems can be a trying experience. Another form of personal system which is gaining in popularity is the videophone, a stand-alone device that provides all the audio and video processing needed for videoconferencing and which fits cleanly on a desk or kitchen counter. The goal of a videophone is to make it as easy for the user to connect with video as it is to connect with voice-only. Today s videophones are about the size of traditional business telephones and incorporate a built-in camera, microphone, video display, and appropriate buttons for dialing, speakerphone operation, configuration and control. The current crop of products such as the Motion Media mm220 videophone use specialized processors on the inside to provide audio and video quality and price points that were unheard of just a few years ago.