Telepresence

Telepresence is a new generation of video conferencing that simulates a person’s physical presence in the room. It provides a level of visual interaction where the natural conditions of communication are reproduced.

For example, the participant’s image is displayed at a 1:1 scale, the slightest facial expressions are conveyed, video and audio signals are precisely synchronized, communication tools (cameras, microphones) are made as unobtrusive as possible, and eye contact is perfectly maintained.

The telepresence effect is achieved through a number of elements. In addition to essential equipment (special widescreen displays, cameras with specific matrix resolution, speakers, microphones) and software, a dedicated lighting system, sound panels, and even identical interior elements of conference rooms are required. All of this makes video communication almost three-dimensional, immersing participants in a virtual environment.

Such communication is practically indistinguishable from face-to-face interaction and does not depend on the geographical location of the sites. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, users can benefit from the same collaboration tools as in standard video conferencing, such as slide shows and file sharing. Although telepresence expands the capabilities of video conferencing, its adoption remains slow because the solution relies on sophisticated high-tech equipment.