CloudMeeting functions with any audio accessoriesand any USB webcam connected -- or not connected, if you prefer -- to your PC. However, through experience we know that the quality of these accessories has a tremendous impact on your ability to clearly hear, be heard, and be seen -- so choose accordingly.

We've written up the following to help you be an informed user:

CloudMeeting's Recommendations
How to choose a webcam
How to choose a headset
Hints for clear audio


CloudMeeting's Recommendations

We recommend Plantronics headsets, period, due to their superior noise reduction capabilities and quality construction. Specifically any of the analog models: Plantronics Audio 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90; or the Plantronics USB models: DSP-100 to DSP-500.

For a web camera, we recommend:

Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000

This has the best resolution on the market, excellent low light performance, really stable software drivers. Has a flat base for CRT monitors only. Don't use the embedded microphone, it seems to generate its own freeway noise.

Logitech QuickCam Zoom

Every bit as good as the Pro 4000, the only difference we perceive is that it doesn't work with Apple computers like the Pro 4000, which means, if you have a Windows PC....

Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro

As good as the Pro 4000; but only buy it if you really plan to use it with a notebook; it only hangs on those really thin screens. The true "road warrior" can complement it with a folding Plantronics DSP-400 headset.

Creative Labs NX Pro

Good web camera with a single versatile stand for any type of monitor; good value; a bit lightweight when it just sits on top of a CRT monitor. Dont confuse the plain NX with it, which has lower resolution.

Logitech QuickCam Messenger

If you aren't concerned about image resolution and want something really inexpensive, buy this one. It has the same stable drivers as Logitech's top-of-the-line webcams.

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For a Web Camera, or "webcam", the following are the principal factors to consider:

1) Where it sits

Your webcam should sit at eye-level on top of your monitor or screen. Eye contact and facial expressions are an essential part of communication, and the point of having integrated video is to include them. If you have a CRT monitor, a webcam with a flat base will sit on top of it. If you have an LCD monitor or notebook, your webcam must be able to hang on the thin form factor.

Dont just set your webcam on your desk people will have the sensation of lying on the floor, looking up at your chin.

2) Resolution

Your typical options here are 640 x 480 pixels, or 300k total, vs. 352x288, or 100k; note the former has three times the resolution of the latter. The former we recommend, you will be surprised at the clarity; the latter we dont after the wow factor wears off, you will be disappointed.

3) Frames per second (FPS)

Better webcams allow you to see up to 30 FPS, which is television-quality motion, but typically on an open Internet connection you will get 24 FPS tops. If you have low bandwidth you can expect to see 10-15 FPS; dial-up will give you 1-2, the equivalent of a still photo a second. CloudMeeting continuously adapts the video FPS to your bandwidth.

4) Low light conditions

In offices with faint fluorescent lighting, a low-budget webcam will often leave your fellow conferees wondering why you appear to be sitting in the dark. Our recommendations wont.

5) Stable drivers

To run a webcam, you must install the software specific to it. Some cheaper webcams software can be a bit confusing to install, or, worse, it creates conflicts with other software or your operating system.

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Choosing an Audio Headset

In choosing a hands-free headset, you should consider the following parameters:

1) USB vs. Standard analog headsets

The standard headsets we recommend are excellent, and you wont miss anything; but the USB ones have the advantage of Digital Signal Processing, and theres only one plug to worry about sticking into one slot, instead of sorting out which of three holes two plugs go into.

2) One-ear or two-ear

We only have one mouth, so you wont be listening to anyone in stereo. But two-ear headsets are often preferred by those who want to damp surrounding noise a bit more and concentrate better on their CloudMeeting call. One-ear headsets are generally lighter and more compact, and leave your other ear available if the phone rings.

3) Comfort factor

Traditional models sit on the top of your head, but there are two-ear models which sit on your ears and behind your head depends on your hairstyle.

4) Durability

It may sound fine for the price; but will it last?

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Hints for Clear Audio

Besides quality audio components, the most basic rule of good PC web communications is to avoid having anything except your voice feed into your microphone, and the simplest way to resolve this is to use a high quality hands-free headset. The earphones obviously contain the incoming audio, as opposed to desk speakers which broadcast it, and the microphone is positioned directly in front of your mouth, making for consistent and clear speech transmission and reinforcing good noise reduction technology to screen out the extraneous.

Common Audio Errors and Tips for Avoiding Them

Listening to speakers while using a common microphone

You will hear fine, but beware of creatingan annoying feedback loop and echo effect for your fellow meeting participants. If you must use speakers so several people can hear aloud, try the following:

Use the speakers in conjunction with your noise reduction headset microphone, and not a common microphone.

If you need to turn up the audio, turn down your microphone sensitivity, or click your microphone off (just click on the little microphone icon under Settings) if you are principally just listening; dont forget to click it back on to speak.

Buy a PC speakerphone or special PC microphone intended for group participation at a single location.

Buying a really cheap headset or microphone

A lot of distortion, rumbling background noise, echo and other problems are attributable to a poor microphone, and not poor bandwidth or inclement conditions on the Internet (these CloudMeeting resolves for you). A cheap headset with poor noise reduction technology can also perform the miracle of allowing the audio coming into your ear to feed back into the microphone (especially if you turn up your hearing volume), creating a feedback loop.

Poor positioning of the microphone

Usually down and off to the side (too quiet) and occasionally nearly brushing your teeth (you end up overmiked). For this reason the CloudMeeting Configuration Wizard lets you see your voice level so you can experiment with different positions, and record and play back your voice in order to confirm your configuration.

Selecting (or not) "Microphone Boost"

If you use an analog headset, you may be given this option or "20 dB enhancement" when you are configuring your audio. Although it sounds great, your need for it depends on your soundcard. If you don't need it but select it, you will be "overmiked" and your listeners will hear a lot of noise and distortion. If you do need it and don't select it, you may be inaudible. Click on the audio configurations icon when you enter your first CloudMeeting call and experiment to see which is best. This is not an issue if you use a USB headset.

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