Introduction To Codecs And VoIP	2.0/5.0 (3 votes total) Rate: Select 1 - Terrible 2 - Poor 3 - Average 4 - Good 5 - Outstanding
Masni Rizal Mansor October 02, 2006

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is the science behind transmitting audio over the Internet in the form of data Packets. During VoIP’S inception, people were concerned about the quality of Audio being transmitted over the Internet. Since its development, VoIP and audio Codecs have improved greatly. To get the most out of your VoIP connection you will need to take the time and effort to keep your computer up to date. If your computer is running on a slow processor or a very old operating system, your computer may not be equipped to handle VoIP or produce the highest audio quality.

By first comparing your system to your VoIP’S service provider requirements, you can save time and make sure that your computer is equipped and ready for Voice over Internet Protocol.

If you are having trouble with your VoIP’S audio quality, then you may need to check your soundboard. If your computer has an out of date soundboard, it will affect the overall quality of your audio.

Regularly make sure that all of your audio and video Codecs are up to date with your Windows Update program. Check and make sure that you have DivX installed and upgraded as well. This will help offset any complications you may be having with poor audio.

As long as you have updated your Audio Codecs, and checked for newer drivers, you should be all set for Voice over Internet Protocol. For VoIP to produce great quality audio, you will need to make sure that you have a High Speed Internet connection. This can be either DSL or Cable Modem, but VoIP may have problems with Dial Up- again check with your VoIP service provider. There are some providers who do have VoIP service that is compatible with Dial Up Internet connections.

Many people prefer VoIP over standard telephone systems due to the fact that they can experience great audio quality- many people will never know that you are calling from your VoIP service. And VoIP has other benefits beside great voice quality.

VoIP offers telephony features that are typically offered with PSTN networks for a fee. Yet, if you check with your service provider, many of these same features are included absolutely free with VoIP. These services and features include Voicemail, *69, Call Forwarding, Caller Id, and Call Transfer.

Not only residential users are becoming fast fans of VoIP but business owners are making the switch as well. In the early days, businesses were concerned about switching to VoIP, for they needed to have high quality audio to run their businesses.

Now, many businesses have come to learn that VoIP does offer great audio as well as applications that are specifically designed to handle all of their business needs. These programs and the ability to interact with customers in real time have made the switch to VoIP one of the best decisions a small business could make.

Some more benefits for using VoIP with businesses include flexibility and customer service. Call centers have learned that the high audio quality and ability to integrate web features, Email, and audio have made VoIP the perfect solution for their needs.

Many call centers are opting to outsource their work to other countries, and by utilizing VoIP, call centers can exist virtually worldwide.

Another benefit for small businesses incorporating VoIP service includes greater productivity for mobile employees. VoIP a great way for mobile employees to stay connected to their main offices. They can also take advantage of the great long distance and local calling plans. Since VoIP can be used anywhere there is a High Speed Internet connection, the employee who travels frequently, the sales man, and those who work from mobile offices can maintain a high level of interaction with their employers, fellow employees, and clients or customers.

VoIP has proved that it offers great audio quality and is a perfect choice for meeting both residential and business telephony needs. As technology continues to advance, we can know that as we conduct our transactions over VoIP, that the listener on the receiving end is hearing us with crystal clear audio clarity and that the future of VoIP will only have greater products readily available for its users.