Can You Hear Me Now?
This interesting article addresses some of the key issues
regarding VoIP. A careful reading of this material could make a
big difference in how you think about VoIP.
I'm sure you've seen the cellular phone commercial, two
customers are on cell phones and one says, "Can you hear me
now?" takes a step back and repeats, "Can you hear me now?"
While commercials like that make us laugh, the truth is that as
telecommunications expand and include many different options, we
must make sure that we are not exchanging flexibility for sound
quality.
Today's telecommunication choices have expanded and continue to
progress. We have moved from the standard telephone to the pager
or beeper (which has become virtually obsolete) to the cell
phone, and now that the world is going wireless, VoIP and VoWiFi
are on the rise. Computer technology has explored every aspect
of audio and video capabilities discovering mpegs and Codecs.
When it comes to VoIP and communication you can take some steps
to make sure that you are obtaining the utmost in audio and
voice quality.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and is the
application of transferring audio as data packets over the
Internet and to a receiving computer or VoIP enabled device. You
can use three different types of methods to communicate with
VoIP. First, you can use your computer with an attached
microphone and speakers. You also have the option of using a
standard telephone, by connecting it to your broadband modem and
your telephone. You can also use a VoIP enabled telephone.
Audio Codecs are used to transfer the audio sound into the data
packet before it is sent over the Internet. Some voice Codecs
are also referred to as Voice Coders or Voice Encoders. There
are a few commonly used Codecs for VoIP. These are G.711, G.729,
and ITU-T.
There are certain programs that you can use to check your
bandwidth and help with any audio quality issues that you may be
having. You can also upgrade to a higher audio codec, such as
the G. 729 and see if that makes a difference.
Generally speaking, most people are amazed by the quality of
VoIP. Audio issues are usually mild and simple to solve. Just
upgrading Codecs can make a big difference.
See how much you can learn about VoIP when you take a little
time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the
rest of this great information.
We can expect that the future of VoIP telephony will increase
and as it does, preparations will be made to ensure that only
the highest quality will ultimately be produced. Some phones are
now hybrids: half VoIP or VoWiFi and Cellular. For these phones
audio quality is being looked at as an important factor in the
design of the phone.
Major corporations are now taking an interest in designing VoWi
Fi telephones. We can be sure that these large companies aren't
going to skimp on audio quality. For certain, there are some
properties that can't be changed, such as using a wireless VoIP
phone in a place with bad reception. But for the overall
product, voice quality is a priority when designing telephony
equipment.
With so many companies taking an interest in VoIP, even Verizon
has come out with their branded VoIP services, we can believe
that in the next five years products will burst on the scene
with many more enhanced features. Since VoIP utilizes the
Internet, one can only imagine what type of futuristic VoIP
phones will soon beset us.
While VoWiFi phones will only work outside in hotspot zones, you
can rest assured that the quality of your VoWiFi phone will be
exceptional when you are in "the zone".
Telecommunications are advancing every day, and more people are
relying on the Internet for their audio and video
communications. Instant messaging programs are embracing VoIP
with open arms, and the everyday consumer is experiencing the
power of integrated video, data, and audio. By using a simple
web cam, microphone, and speakers, people are enjoying the
freedom that is offered solely by VoIP. Users are learning that
microphones, audio Codecs, and high-speed Internet connections
can transmit in real time, and give a crystal clear sound.
Of course, one of the main components in high quality audio
telecommunications is to have up to date equipment. You need to
begin with a good soundboard on your computer, before you can
expect high quality audio from your computer's speakers.
With the new millennium and its new telecommunications we can
finally answer the question and say, "Yes, I can hear you."
This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it
can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility
that future research could uncover new facts.