In important meetings, when commitments are being made, the existence of a recording can be valuable. However, prior approval of all participants for the recording is a good idea. Be aware that the existence of a real record may inhibit free communication and may stifle the full communication that videoconferencing is supposed to achieve. The care and effective use of microphone devices is an important consideration in the use of videoconference equipment. The educated videoconference user should be aware of the microphone's technical process that takes place in the videoconference system.
Microphones belong to the transducer family, devices for converting one form of energy to another.
Different microphones are used for different applications. As you sit at a table before the screen of the videoconference system, microphone placement varies. Microphones may be installed in the remote control unit of the system, installed in the walls and ceiling, on a table top, or a hand held microphone that may be passed around the room so each participant can be heard. The different technologies are all used to accomplish the same job but with different degrees of success. Five types of microphones are now on the market.