Online meetings: Hardware for professional video conferencing

OpenTalk can be flexibly and reliably integrated into everyday digital life—whether in your home office, in the classroom, or in a job interview. But if you want to get more out of your digital meetings, you can improve quality, comfort, and professionalism with the right hardware.

1. Lay the technical groundwork
A powerful computer, an up-to-date browser, and a stable internet connection form the technical basis. For a reliable connection, we recommend using a LAN cable wherever possible. This ensures consistently good transmission quality, especially during longer meetings.

2. More presence through good image quality
When it comes to image transmission, the built-in laptop camera is often sufficient for everyday use, especially with newer devices. But even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference here: an external webcam with good resolution, autofocus, and solid light adjustment delivers a much clearer image, especially in difficult lighting conditions or more active conversation situations. Positioning is also important: a camera at eye level immediately creates more presence. This can often be achieved with a laptop stand or a few books.

3. Clear voice, clear communication
Even more crucial for successful communication is sound. Clarity creates trust and concentration. Built-in computer microphones can quickly sound muffled or echoey, especially in larger or non-optimized rooms. An external microphone or headset works better, reducing distracting background noise and transmitting your voice clearly. Those who regularly moderate or speak a lot will benefit particularly from this.

4. Use light and background correctly
Another often underestimated factor is lighting. Good lighting conditions not only ensure optimal image quality, but also make conversation partners appear more alert and present. A simple, adjustable lamp placed slightly above the screen is usually sufficient. The background should also be kept as calm as possible. Alternatively, OpenTalk allows you to use virtual backgrounds to reduce visual distractions.

5. Shared use in the room
In smaller groups or hybrid settings, it is worth setting up a shared setup for everyone in the room. Combined microphone-speaker devices, such as those from Owl Labs, capture voices clearly and reproduce the sound so that everyone can understand. Supplemented by a camera with a larger field of view or automatic speaker tracking, meetings can be made comfortable for everyone. Additional monitors help to keep an eye on presentations, participants, and chat windows at the same time.

6. Small adjustments with a big impact
Even small measures can noticeably improve daily use: a quick technical check directly in OpenTalk, a camera aligned at eye level, a quiet environment, and a stable network connection. All of this requires little effort but contributes significantly to the quality and atmosphere of a meeting.

7. Conclusion: A systematic approach to better video conferences
OpenTalk can be used without much preparation, but with a well-thought-out setup, the platform unfolds its full potential. Clear image and sound transmission, pleasant lighting conditions, and suitable devices for different usage situations make digital collaboration noticeably easier, more inclusive, and more efficient.