Posted by Ken Adams on Fri, Sep 03, 2010
When video first burst onto the consumer scene, the video format wars were limited to VHS vs. Beta. Fast forward a few decades and you’ll find an alphabet soup of video formats including: MPEG, Flash, H.264, AVI, MOV, QT, MKV, and more. While dozens of video formats exist, many of which deliver crystal clear, high definition images, when it comes to legal video, you are limited to the formats compatible with the trial presentation software that you are using.
The legal market has been slow to embrace the new and improved video formats such as H.264. Instead, nearly every
trial presentation software product depends on the MPEG-1 format. Because compatibility is important for all users of the trial presentation software, support for newer formats has not been implemented. After all, if the legal video cannot be viewed by some parties involved in the case, it is not serving its purpose.
For now, MPEG-1 is the video format of choice for legal video. It is a universal format with widespread compatibility. However, it does have its pros and cons.
The advantages of MPEG-1 are:
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Compatibility: This is a universal video format supported by all of the major trial presentation software products including Sanction, Trial Director, and Visionary.
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Compression: The MPEG-1 format is a compressed video format. Up to two hours of legal video can fit on a CD
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Conversion: Most video editing packages can easily convert raw video formats to the MPEG-1 format. For example, if you have a video camera that records video onto Digital8 or another tape-based format, the video can be imported from the camera and converted to the MPEG-1 format.
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Editing: Once you’ve converted your footage to MPEG-1, software video editing tools make it easy to work with the footage.
The
disadvantages of MPEG-1 are:
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Image quality: Video has grown up tremendously since MPEG-1 was first introduced. With today’s televisions and Internet video sites now featuring stunning, high definition video, the lesser quality of MPEG-1is noticeable and detracts from the message.
•
Sound editing: The audio track is mixed with the video track which makes sound editing a problem. Since the two tracks are mixed audio and video cannot be edited separately, making it difficult to enhance legal videos with poor audio qualities such as background noise or low volume.
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Video CD/DVD compatibility issues: While most modern CD/DVD drives can handled MPEG-1 discs, older CD and DVD players may not be compatible with the MPEG-1 format.
Despite the poor video quality, difficulty in editing sound, and potential for hardware incompatibility, if you are working with legal video in conjunction with legal trial presentation software, you may have no other choice but to convert your video to the MPEG-1 format. If you are starting with raw footage and sound is an issue, you may be able to address the sound issues before converting the footage to the MPEG-1 format. On the other hand, if your source material originates as an MPEG-1 file, the audio is already mixed with the video, making isolation nearly impossible.
With so many video formats,
choosing a format for your legal videos is relatively easy due to the industry’s lack of progress in this area. The compatible choice is MPEG-1.
Posted by Ken Adams on Thu, Aug 19, 2010
PowerPoint presentations are extremely popular in the corporate world as well as in the legal community. Being able to create graphic slideshows complete with text, audio, and video directly on your personal computer or laptop puts the power of presentation into the hands of computer users like you. Whether you’re creating your own PowerPoint presentation for use in a case or have contracted with a litigation support service to create the presentation on your behalf, generating handouts to distribute to other parties involved in the case is easy and worthwhile.
Why Create PowerPoint Handouts?You’ve put hours into creating the presentation’s content and within minutes, the presentation is over. All of your hard work may have made an impact during the presentation, but
as soon as the presentation is over, the memories begin to fade. All those beautiful slides filled with compelling facts and figures? They’re starting to fade away, turning into distant memories. By creating handouts and distributing them to the participants involved in the case, you can ensure that everyone has ready access to the information that you have compiled.
Distribute the handouts before the presentation and your viewers will be less likely to be distracted by taking notes. After all, all of the pertinent details will be provided. After the presentation, participants will be able to refer back to the information. Not only is this convenient, reviewing the presentation’s handouts reinforces the data presented.
Handout FormatsWhen you create a PowerPoint handout, each slide can potentially be printed as part of the handout. PowerPoint allows you to specify how many slides to print per page such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 9 slides per page. Three slides per page is the best choice if you want legible slides as well as an area beside each slide for the participants to jot down their personal notes.
How to Create Handouts in PowerPoint 2007 If you created your own PowerPoint presentation and are familiar with the PowerPoint product, you may already know how to do this. However, if a litigation support service provided you with the presentation, you may need to start from scratch.
First, you’ll need to make sure that your presentation file is in editable form. That is, when you open the file, it opens in PowerPoint where you can edit the text and other settings. If the file automatically goes into presentation mode, you’ll need to change the file’s extension from .pps (or .ppsx if you have PowerPoint 2007 or above) to .ppt (or .pptx).
Once open in PowerPoint, click on the View tab and click Handout Master. A blank page with empty squares appears. In the upper and lower portions of the page, you can enter header and footer information. Enter your law firm’s name, case information, date, and other pertinent information into the header and footer sections and then click the red X button to close this view.
Now that your handout master has been customized with your firm and case details, click the Office button in the upper left corner of the screen. Choose Print > Print Preview to enter the Print Preview screen. In the Page Setup section, you should see a textbox labeled “Print What.” Click the dropdown box and choose “Handouts (X slides per page)” and you’ll then see your handouts in the Print Preview screen. If the layout is to your satisfaction, your handouts are ready to print.
Printing and distributing
handouts ensures that all parties have access to the details of your presentation before, during, and after the slideshow. This allows participants to pay more attention during the presentation while also reinforcing the information as participants review it later. If your
litigation support services team hasn’t provided printouts for you, you can easily create your own.
Posted by Ken Adams on Mon, Aug 09, 2010
Some
litigation support services offer computer forensics as a service to law firms. The field of computer forensics is growing as businesses and consumers alike conduct business and personal transactions on computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. In law cases, digital evidence is often stored on electronic devices. Sometimes the evidence is readily available to anyone who looks while other times, the evidence may be hidden or “wiped clean.” Either way, computer forensics experts can provide the litigation support that you need by going in and finding evidence.
Why Turn to Litigation Support Services to Search for Electronic Evidence? If you’re in possession of a hard drive, Flash drive, CD, DVD, digital camera, or other media device that may contain evidence, it’s important to know where to look. For example, if you’re working on a divorce case and suspect that a digital camera contains explicit photos, casually looking at the camera’s memory card may not yield results. After all, the images may have been deleted to avoid discovery. However, litigation support services offering computer forensics have the expertise and tools to “undelete” files.
Types of Electronic EvidenceElectronic evidence takes many forms including photos, videos, email messages, text messages, instant messages, word processing documents, spreadsheets, and Internet files. Using computer forensics utilities and techniques, computer experts can provide the litigation support that you need by digging in and finding the data.
Finding Hidden or Erased DataComputers readily give up secrets. Web histories, temporary Internet files, and cookies are well known for revealing a user’s Web surfing habits. Because they are well known for this, many users know how to delete their tracks. However, did you know that some operating systems have what’s known as an index.dat file that keeps track of all URLs visited, even if Web histories have been erased? Many users don’t know this, but computer forensics do. This is but one example of the many resources available to computer forensics professionals.
Another common tool used in litigation support is data recovery software. Even if a hard disc, portable storage card, or digital camera has been erased or reformatted, data recovery software makes easy work of retrieving the so-called deleted files. Many computer users are unaware of how erasing and reformatting really work. Data isn’t actually erased during deletions or formatting. Rather, the data is removed from the computer’s index and the hard drive space where the data resides considered “available.” Until new data occupies that “available” space, the original data can be recovered.
Computer Forensics CertificationsComputer forensics certification programs validate the certificate holder’s expertise at computer investigations. Many programs exist ranging from general certifications such as the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner and Certified Electronic Evidence Collection Specialist to vendor-specific certifications such as Discover-e Certification and AccessData Certified Examiner. Like other forms of evidence, chain of custody practices are as important as the evidence itself. Choosing certified computer forensics experts helps to ensure that the evidence is gathered, documented, and secured in a manner acceptable to the courts.
While litigation support services have typically focused on more traditional services, some are beginning to branch out into computer forensics. As always,
look for demonstrated expertise in the given field. In this case, certification is an excellent starting point.
Have you outsourced computer forensics? Share your experiences.
Posted by Ken Adams on Wed, Jul 14, 2010
Video is a powerful medium that serves many purposes ranging from entertainment and education to acting as a witness by documenting people, places, and events. In the legal industry, legal video plays a commanding role both inside and outside of court. The applications of legal video are as varied as the cases that are filed. Three common ways that legal video is used are as an informational tool, as an eyewitness, and as a tour guide.
Legal Video as an Informational ToolVideo is often used to provide background information to the parties involved in a case. If a case involves a specific procedure and it’s important for all parties to understand how the procedure is normally carried out,
a legal video detailing the process can be effective. For example, if a case involves an automobile accident where an aftermarket windshield failed to support the car’s roof, a
legal video showing the car manufacturing process, explaining federal motor vehicle safety standards related to the windshield, and featuring windshield-specific crash tests would be informative and illustrative. This same video could show the contrast between factory and aftermarket auto glass installations as well as detail the theories behind the failure of the glass in this particular case. Informational legal videos can oftentimes illustrate complex topics and tell a story through pictures more effectively than a speaker or written text could.
Similarly,
“day in the life” videos are regularly used to illustrate a participant’s life either before or after an incident, or both. For example, if the car accident severely injured an occupant, a day in the life video could illustrate exactly how that person’s life has been impacted by the accident. While the victim could appear in court in a wheelchair, a video showing her daily struggles to eat, bathe, and get around could be more effective at detailing the accident’s impact and long term effects.
Legal Video as an EyewitnessLegal video is regularly used to record and preserve testimony as is done in the case of
legal depositions. In addition, in some cases, video may be admissible as evidence such as security surveillance tapes, videos filmed by private investigators, and videos that captured an accident or other event as it occurred. For example, what if a red light camera captured the car running a red light just seconds before the accident occurred? What if a passerby happened to catch the accident on video?
Legal Video as a Tour GuideAnother common use for video in a legal setting involves taking the parties involved in the case to locations that otherwise might not be accessible or practical. For example, in a case involving an accident at a manufacturing plant, it might not be practical to take everyone to the factory to see the equipment and the working conditions involved. However, sending a single cameraman to the scene and presenting the video to the parties involved in the case can serve the intended purpose.
Legal Video GuidelinesLegal videographers must follow specific federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations concerning legal video evidence. Because of this, it’s important to select a videographer who specializes in legal video and adheres to all applicable regulations.
Video is a powerful legal tool that can help win cases as well as keep cases out of the courtroom. It can serve as an informational tool, an eyewitness, or as a tour guide. Are you using video to its fullest in your practice? What other roles has legal video played for you? We’d love to hear your stories. Please feel free to share below.
Posted by Ken Adams on Wed, Jul 14, 2010
Video depositions are invaluable tools that serve several purposes including discovering information and preserving testimony for trial. In both cases, videotaping the deposition is a smart move. However, the process is stressful enough for those involved and the presence of video equipment could add to the stress. Fortunately, you can help your witnesses by following these video deposition tips.
Preparing the Witness for Video DepositionsNo doubt, you’ll prepare the witness for the deposition process beforehand. While you’re at it, prepare the witness for the video camera so that when it’s time to shoot, there won’t be any surprises.
Let your witness know that the camera isn’t expecting a performance; it is merely a tool to document the process.That said, appearances do matter because the video could be played in court. Because of this, the witness should dress appropriately. Instruct the witnesses to dress the way they would dress for a court appearance. For example, men should wear a jacket and tie while women should wear a jacket with an understated blouse. Both genders should avoid tiny patterns, bold colors, stripes, and shiny (or noisy) jewelry.
Depending on the case and the witness’s profession, professional attire may add credibility. For example, a doctor wearing a lab coat reinforces the witness’s credibility. The same is true of a police officer in uniform.
Where to Shoot Video DepositionsWhile shooting
video depositions in your law office’s conference room may be customary, there’s no reason why you can’t shoot a video deposition at your witness’s office or home or at a crucial location related to the case.
Shooting the video deposition at your witness’s location can help to put the witness at ease as it is less intimidating than law offices. In addition, the witness does not have to drive through rush-hour traffic, locate parking, or sit in a lobby waiting for you – all of which adds stress and contributes to nervousness.
No matter where the deposition will be filmed, try to keep the background neutral, professional looking, and non-distracting.
Video Deposition Seating ArrangementsOnce you’ve staged an area for the video deposition, pay attention to where you and the witness will be sitting. For example, seating the witness in front of a window will create a silhouette-like effect which is undesirable. You should sit as close to the camera as possible so that when the witness answers questions, she is looking toward the camera, not off to the side. Make sure to have a glass of water handy for the witness to sip as needed.
Ideally, you should have the shooting area, camera equipment, and all other details in place before the witness arrives. This ensures that the witness has less time to fidget and worry. When the witness arrives, remind her of what to expect in a calm reassuring tone.
Video depositions are regular events for legal professionals, but for witnesses they are brand new. By preparing your witness for what’s to come and choosing a non-stressful location, your witness will be more relaxed in front of the camera.
Posted by Ken Adams on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Process service providers specialize in serving legal documents such as subpoenas, citations, writs, complaints, and other documents issued by the courts to the individuals specified in said documents. In general, the person serving these documents is an impartial third party.
In some instances, only a sheriff or constable can serve specific documents. Laws regulating process services vary from state to state with some states requiring licensing.
For example, in Texas, individuals providing process services must be licensed, which requires mandated continuing education, training, and successful passage of a licensing exam. Whether licensing is required in your state or not, look for a process service provider that has demonstrated a commitment to the trade through continuing education, professional associations, and other ongoing involvement in the industry.
Process service providers often provide other legal services with process serving being a portion of their businesses. For example, private investigators often serve legal and civil process documents as well as conduct private investigations. As licensed private investigators, again this varies by state, private investigators may be authorized under their existing licenses to act as process servers and thus, not required to obtain a separate process server license.
Sworn peace officers such as marshals, constables, and sheriffs are also often called upon to serve process of service papers, especially when a writ requires detaining a person or possession as part of the process.
In some states, non-licensed individuals are allowed to serve civil process documents, usually up to a certain number per year, as long as they are not parties to the case. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by having a friend serve the documents, doing so could be problematic as non-registered process servers do not have the training and expertise to carry out the law. If the paperwork isn't filled out properly, the case could be delayed or the process deemed invalid.
When choosing a process service provider, it's smart to choose a licensed provider who fully understands the state and local regulations governing the process. In addition to the legal knowledge required, process servers must also be skilled in dealing with irate people. For example, it's not unusual for a person being served to become agitated and upset. The old saying, "Don't kill the messenger" comes to mind as the individuals tend to take out their frustrations on the process server. Because of the danger involved, make sure to ask about insurance and bonding.
Serving legal documents is a job that requires expertise, interpersonal skills, and some degree of risk. In some states, it also requires licensing to ensure that all of the above are adequately adhered to through training, testing, and insurance and bonding requirements. If you're in the market for a process server, look for a process service provider who takes the business of process serving seriously: look for a true professional.
Nationwide professional process service providers often have higher standards and expectations than the state that you're in. Because serving papers is a business, process servers employed by these providers are expected to adhere to the state's requirements as well as to the company's standards. Look for a company with high expectations, experience, and a commitment to providing you with timely, consistent results.
Have you used a process server recently? What were your experiences? We'd love to hear about it.
Posted by Ken Adams on Fri, Jun 18, 2010
Whether you're considering a career as a court reporter or looking for a reliable court reporter to provide you with court reporting services, it's important to understand the skills of the trade. Not only must court reporters have excellent stenography and listening skills, they must also be accurate, detail oriented, and grammar and punctuation experts. In addition,
court reporters need to understand legal terminology, follow courtroom and legal protocol, and act professionally at all times.
Stenography Skills
Court reporters use a steno machine to transcribe the spoken word into text. These machines feature a 22-button keyboard that is used to enter syllables and sounds. Unlike at computer keyboard where each letter key represents a letter of the alphabet, the steno machine's keyboard keys represent syllables and sounds. These keys are used in conjunction with one another with combinations of keys creating a printed symbol representing the sound uttered. Once trained in stenography and with a great deal of practice, a stenographer is capable of transcribing text at rates far faster than even the fastest typists.
After creating a steno tape of the proceedings, the tape must be translated from the steno machine's shorthand into readable text. The court reporter either reads the tape into a dictation machine for later transcription or translates and types the tape. Fortunately, new technologies, such as real time reporting, are largely eliminating this tedious task.
Real Time Reporting Skills
Technology has progressed to the point where "real time" court reporting is a reality. With real time court reporting the court reporter's steno machine is connected to a computer and real time reporting software. Other legal participants can connect to the real time feed and view the transcribed text as soon as it is transcribed by the real time court reporter. A real time reporter must be a skilled stenographer who is also comfortable with technology. Not only must the transcription be set up properly amongst all participants, the real time reporter may also need to package the transcripts for distribution.
Communication Skills
Whether a court reporter specializes in traditional stenography or real time reporting, excellent communication skills are a must. In order to transcribe the spoken word into text, a court reporter must be an attentive listener. In addition to being able to hear the words being spoken, the court reporter must also know how to properly punctuate the resulting sentences so that the sentences accurately reflect the speaker's meaning. For example, a misplaced comma could change the meaning of a sentence. It is the court reporter's job to ensure that the meaning is clear and accurate.
Professional Skills
Court reporters must have a professional appearance and act professionally at all times. They work in a variety of settings including at depositions, mediations, and trials. They are in the presence of lawyers, judges, juries, witnesses, and litigants and must act appropriately and impartially. The court reporter is responsible for creating an accurate, legal record of the proceedings and must act dutifully. In many states, a court reporter must be licensed or certified with some states requiring that the court reporter is also licensed as a notary public. For example, in Texas, court reporters must be certified by endorsement or by passing a state licensing examination. Once licensed, court reporters in Texas must accrue ten hours of continuing education with two and a half of those hours focused on ethics and rules in order to renew their license.
There's more to court reporting than meets the eye. A court reporter must be highly skilled, professional, and committed to service.
Posted by Ken Adams on Thu, Jun 10, 2010
Medical records retrieval is a routine practice that most law firms deal with on a regular basis. However, medical records retrieval is time-consuming and tedious. Not only must you deal with subpoenas, authorizations, and other forms, you must also comply with HIPAA regulations and constantly follow up with providers until the records are finally released to you. By outsourcing medical records retrieval, you can focus on your area of expertise while your litigation support company handles the retrieval process.
Outsourcing medical records retrieval also frees up your staff for other important tasks. While you could create your own medical records retrieval team or hire a full-time specialist, handling medical records in-house can be costly. Not only does each employee incur a salary, you also must pay payroll taxes and provide benefits such as health insurance coverage, sick leave, and vacation. By outsourcing the process, you pay only for the services you need at the time you need them.
Teaming up with a litigation support service that specializes in medical records retrieval allows you to manage your caseload without having to hire and train additional paralegals or rely on temporary medical records clerks. For instance, if you have a heavy caseload one month followed by a month with no need for retrieval services, you won't need to add addition staff members only to let them go once the workload eases. Since your litigation support service understands your requirements, each time you need help, you don't need to spend additional time training a new hire.
In addition, outsourcing leads to consistent, reliable results. Once you find a medical records retrieval company that serves your needs well, you can then rely on this service to continue to provide you with excellent service case after case.
Retrieving medical records isn't overly difficult, but it is a process with specific requirements. For example, medical records aren't always stored at a physician's office. First, the medical provider needs to be contacted and asked about where the medical records request forms should be sent. Once the correct mailing address has been obtained, the record request forms as well as a HIPAA authorization form and a check for copy charges needs to be sent. In a perfect world, the provider would receive the request and fill it right away. However, it's not unusual for a request to sit in a pile on some clerk's desk making follow-up calls an absolute necessity.
While this process is simple, especially if you have just one case involving just one health care provider, it becomes more complex as your caseload grows. Outsourcing to a medical records retrieval specialist takes this burden off of your firm and allows you to focus on other details of the case.
Whether you run a one-attorney law firm or have dozens of attorneys working on cases, outsourcing medical records retrieval can save your firm money and ensure that the records you need are retrieved in a timely manner.
Posted by Ken Adams on Tue, Jun 01, 2010
When it comes to
court reporting services,
real-time court reporting delivers benefits that traditional court reporting simply can't. Thanks to the computerization of stenography and sophisticated transcription software that translates the court reporter's keystrokes into legible text, it's now possible to see what's being said in real-time. While delivering testimony in real-time is an exceptional innovation that has changed court reporting dramatically, it's but one of many real-time court reporting benefits.
In fact, the instant computerization of the spoken word allows attorneys to immediately markup the testimony and highlight areas for later recall. For example, as the court reporter transcribes the oral testimony into the steno machine, the software translates the machine's output into text. Not only is that text able to appear on television monitors in the court room, it appears on computers hooked up to the system. In addition, the text can be broadcast over the Internet, allowing for remote delivery. Whether the attorney is in the same room as the court reporter or connected remotely, the attorney can mark issues, view real time testimony, and even quickly search the text for earlier discussions.
Anyone who has worked with keyword searches in lengthy documents will appreciate the ability to quickly search live testimony for specific keyword phrases. For example, with standard court reporting, once a topic has been discussed or a question answered, the attorney must rely on memory or notes to refer back to these earlier discussions. With real-time court reporting, a quick keyword search brings up the exact words uttered, thus allowing the attorney to quickly find specific discussions for further exploration.
Another benefit of real-time court reporting involves attorneys working in teams. For example, a remote attorney may be able to ask questions during the deposition because the information is streaming to the remote computer as it is revealed. With standard court reporting, litigators not present during the testimony must wait for the transcripts before their input can be considered. With remote real-time court reporting, there's no delay and it's less likely that a second deposition will need to be scheduled.
Real-time court reporting goes beyond the current testimony as well. With this technology, all transcripts from an entire case can be organized and quickly called up. An entire database of the case is searchable and the case can be neatly summarized. Documents, images, and other files related to the case can also be organized within the software and links created. For example, when a witness discusses an accident scene, you can link to photos of the accident scene.
Best of all, real-time court reporting is efficient which leads to lower overall cost. Since the testimony is keyed into the steno machine, translated by the software, and delivered to your computer in real time, there's less manpower required. With standard court reporting, the court reporter must manually translate the machine's shorthand and then type the text. A one hour deposition would take more than twice that amount of time to translate and transcribe.
Get all of the benefits of real-time court reporting and possibly pay less for the service by choosing a real-time court reporting service.
How have you benefited from real-time court reporting? We'd love to hear your experiences.
Posted by Ken Adams on Fri, May 28, 2010
In the not-so-distant past,
video conferencing was reserved for organizations with money to spare. Today, business professionals from organizations large and small can easily connect with customers, vendors, employees, and colleagues using a variety of video conferencing tools. While it’s no longer necessary to invest tens of thousands of dollars in video and transmission equipment, it’s important to know the pros and cons of the many video conferencing options available so that you can select the right option at the right time.
Online Video Conferencing Online video conferencing services such as GoToMeeting and WebEx make it possible for participants to participate in online conferences – if each participant has an appropriately equipped computer. These services are paid services with recurring monthly charges. For about $50 each month, the host can host unlimited video conferences online. Participants will need a computer with Internet access and a sound card or a smart phone (if supported) in order to participate. Ideally, each participant will also have a webcam.
While inexpensive, these services have their limitations including the number of participants that can participate at any given time. Participants that do not have computers equipped with microphones will need to call in using a telephone in order to speak during the meeting.
If you need to hold regular video conferences with small groups, these services are well worth considering.
Skype Video ConferencingCurrently, Skype users with webcams can enjoy face-to-face video chats with another Skype user. A beta Skype video conferencing tool allows up to four users to participate in a video conference. These are free video conferencing options that will do under some circumstances. If you need to communicate one-on-one and the other user also has Skype and a webcam, these chats can be an effective means of communication.
For larger groups, this is not the best choice. Similar tools like Google Talk have similar limitations.
Studio Videoconferencing
While the do-it-yourself video conferencing tools have their place, sometimes it makes sense to either rent time at a video conferencing studio, also known as a telepresence room, or renting professional video conferencing equipment. For example, if your entire management team needs to attend a video conference with regional sales teams spread around the globe, you could book time at video conferencing studios. Studios are equipped with everything that you need to conduct an effective video conference including the video conferencing equipment as well as conference tables, chairs, and other necessities. Studios also allow you to project a more professional image as the studios are decorated professionally.
Not only can your teams go to studios for the meeting, many video conferencing studios will bring their equipment onsite. Either way, the setup and operation of the video conferencing equipment is in capable hands. You don’t need to worry about the technical requirements of the meeting which means that you can focus on the meeting itself. Using a video conferencing service is a smart choice for any video conference that needs to go off without a hitch. It is also ideal for larger meetings.
While there are
many video conferencing options available, each option has its pros and cons. By understanding which video conference tool is best for which situation, you will be able to hold effective virtual meetings under a number of different circumstances. For informal face-to-face chats with your far-off employees, consider using Skype or Google Talk; for regular team meetings with 15 (or fewer) participants, one of the online video conferencing tools may be sufficient.
For professional conferences where everything has to be perfect and where many participants will be involved, book time at a video conferencing studio.