Desktop Video Doesn't Have To Suck

The following tips are purely for those using a desktop model of delivery.
That would include the computer and a client for peer to peer like Skype and other video conferencing applications. The meeting rooms with codecs integrated or not will have different requirements.

Wear A Headset
In order to address any audio feedback and the requirement for echo cancellation, these are a must plus you'll enjoy better audio quality. Headsets should be of the USB variety and where possible stay away from analog type connections and the cost around $40 to $60 dollars.
Aside from the audio issues being addressed it also takes care of privacy concerns.


Camera Position
The issue is not as complex as it once was with most computer having the camera builtin. If you look at these computer you'll notice the camera is at top centre position of the display. No one wishes to look up your nose so adjust the angle if you can. Also try and position the camera as close as possible to your friends video feed. Another tip is the traffic the camera is captioning. The more activity being picked up by the camera will lower the frame rate and that will affect the video quality.

Improve Your Lighting
Do you feel blue or just look it. Lighting can greatly impact the video conferencing experience.
Don't use your monitor as a lamp and use a lamp at your desk for proper lighting and if required drape a legal sized piece of paper in front of the lamp to soften the lighting.
If you wear glasses the other side will most likely see the monitors reflection on them and the trick is to reduce the brightness on your display. Also give that camera what it wants: white. Cameras are contantly trying to auto expose/white balance so wearing white addresses that.

Mind Your Bandwidth
Video Conferencing loves bandwidth and if you have it all the better. At the desktop level it may be best effort where no Quality Of Service exists. Also check that backgound applications are not hogging down the processing power thats needed for the audio and video codecs used. Also stay away from using wireless networks and plugin as the bandwidth will be more consistant.

Take your time exploring the application and it's varying features and stay with the basics of just a video conference and you'll have great success.