LAS VEGAS -
A variety of vendors are demonstrating systems for real-time video exchanges using cellphones and PCs. One such vendor is MediaNet Innovations, Greensboro, N.C., which told Credit Union Journal it is expecting the technology to move into the mainstream.
"If you have an expert with some knowledge you want to leverage you can now share that person with everyone, with every branch and with every member," said Karsten Madsen, CEO and founder of the company.
Under the MediaNet solution a thumbnail photo of the person with whom you are interacting appears in the corner of the monitor. The process starts with a chat function and the member has the option of turning on a web camera. The member can receive a verbal response to a written question.
"We can also help the member by taking control of their computer with their permission," explained Madsen. "We can then help them fill out forms or a document."
Madsen said the investment needed by the member and especially the credit union is not large, with the CU incurring a cost for the software and for incoming calls. The member can download free software to interact with the credit union. Madsen said the system has the same level of security as online banking solutions.
But what about the herky-jerky transmission quality that has long been the hallmark of online video? Madsen said MediaNet has a patent pending on technology that uses a TCP/IP connection that sends and receives the video in "packets" and in a demo for Credit Union Journal the video quality was smooth, and in real time with no delays.
