How to Use a Webcam Whiteboard

Business technology is always evolving and advancing; for proof, look no further than interactive whiteboards, which not only allow your office to work collaboratively on a projected surface, but which allow you to video conference using either the whiteboard's built-in camera or a camera connected to your computer. Interactive whiteboards don't all have the same features, but video conferencing is always possible with the right equipment.

Most whiteboards don't come with a built-in webcam, but all interactive whiteboards connect with your computer to use its webcam. Some solutions, like SMART's video conference room, mix and match whiteboards with video cameras; Epson's BrightLink short-throw interactive whiteboard projectors are often shown with a webcam built-in, but these are additional products that connect to the whiteboard to add video conferencing support. This allows your office greater flexibility, since you can connect existing whiteboards to the projector to enhance its basic functionality.

Setting up an interactive whiteboard is the most labor-intensive part of the process of using one. The process differs between whiteboards, but all interactive whiteboards include detailed instructions for mounting the board to a wall. You'll need a drill or screwdrivers and a measuring tape to ensure that the projector screen is mounted securely and at the correct distance from the projector to create the desired screen size. One the projector is set up -- and it's essential you refer to the directions for your specific model for this -- you configure the webcam.

All whiteboard projectors have a series of connectors on the back that allow you to connect your computer and various peripherals to the device. All whiteboards also have specific software to control how the device functions. If using the projector with a laptop that has a built-in webcam, you can simply use the projector as a second display and use Skype or Google Hangouts to host a video conference that will appear on the projector screen. You can do the same with a desktop computer that has an external webcam, using the projector as a new display.

You can also attach an external webcam to the projector directly and use the projector's built-in video conferencing software to run video meetings. Not all interactive whiteboards support this, however; check your manual before connecting an external webcam, as you may not be able to use it for meetings. If your whiteboard supports web conferencing, connect the webcam to a USB port in the projector and then follow the on-screen prompts to configure the camera. If your whiteboard is connected to the wireless network, you'll be able to web conference using its software.