Videoconferencing lures, reassures

Applications 'exploding' as technology improves

Aside from business applications, videoconferencing is also being used for marriages and teaching.

(CNN) -- A live voice can be somewhat reassuring, but there's nothing like a live picture to bring a sense of relief. Following the terrorist attacks last September, videoconferencing technology helped deliver that relief to thousands of people.

"When people are panicked, they want to see the face. They want to hear the voice too, but they really, really want to see the person," said Elliot Gold, president of Telespan Publishing.

Gold has been in the videoconferencing business for more than 20 years, and sees its use growing since 9/11. During the first weeks and months after the attacks, many people were either afraid to get on an airplane, or frustrated by lengthy security checks when they did fly. Companies that may not have used videoconferences in the past turned to this tool, expecting to use it as a stop-gap measure until there was less anxiety about flying.

But something happened along the way, says Scott Etzler, CEO of Intercall in Chicago. They got used to it.

ON CNN TV For more stories about science, technology and space, watch Next@CNN  at 1 p.m. ET on Saturdays and 4 p.m. ET on Sundays   CNN NewsPass VIDEO Watch how Teleportec technology allows for special videoconferencing Play video   EXTRA INFORMATION Intercall's Scott Etzler talks about how September 11 affected videoconferencing  Sprint's Natalie Palmer discusses the future of high-tech conferences

"While people clearly are getting back on airplanes, now they're asking, 'When do I really need to be on that plane, or when can I use a conferencing service?' Because they've been able to use it, and have seen how effective it is," said Etzler.

Costs have also dropped dramatically in the past few years, says Gold. Five years ago, an average system could cost between $40,000 and $100,000. Today, he says, a decent system can go as low as $10,000 to $11,000.

Because of those hefty price tags in the past, videoconferences used to be a fairly elitist tool. Sessions were reserved for a major speech by the CEO, a board of directors meeting, or a report to stockholders.

But now, says Sprint's Martha DeGraw, employees in any number of departments can find effective uses.

She says the applications are "exploding," from sales presentations to department meetings and distance learning. And it's not just talking heads anymore. Users can share data, audio and video files.

For instance, employers can get a sense of a job applicant's demeanor during a videoconference interview that's not possible in a phone interview, yet it's cheaper than flying in the job candidate.

Creative uses

Individuals are finding some creative uses as well.

"For many years now, it's been difficult to get a chapel in Japan for a wedding. Some couples wait up to two years," says Telespan's Gold. As an alternative, some of these couples are flying to Hawaii, and sending their ceremony live to locations anywhere.

Sprint's Gil Perez demonstrates the latest in videoconferencing, which has found effective uses in everyday worklife.

One of the companies offering such services is Marriagelive.com. Company spokesman John Page says it gives friends and family members a chance to share the moment via their computer.

And the company Teleportec adds a little mystery and dazzle to videoconferencing. Their holograph-mimicking technology is reminiscent of the old Star Trek trick, "Beam me up, Scotty."

"You get all the benefits of being in another location without having to physically go to that other location," says vice president Phil Barnett.

The technology is being used for meetings and entertainment, but Barnett says some educational possibilities are also being explored. Schools in Texas and the United Kingdom are sharing teachers. Barnett says a Latin teacher in Texas teaches a class in the UK, and a chemistry teacher in the UK teaches a class in Texas.