Q: What are the new advantages of videoconferencing?
A: The Problem —
Initially, the Internet had been of little use to Jim in coaching his clients in their performances as comedy often involves facial expressions and stage business that demands split-second timing.
The "jaggies" we associated with web video interfered with transmission so badly, Jim never knew what a client was really trying to show their coach.

In the past, clients had two workaround options if they wanted to show their split-second timing, :
1) video tape themselves, then snail mail/FedEx the tape and call up for Jim's notes on their writing and performing while they were also viewing a copy of their video tape on their end.
or:
2) spend over $3,000 flying Jim across the country, putting him up in a hotel and feeding him for a week or longer; all this required weeks of advanced planning. If the client got ill or a client's business conflicted, then:
a) the client's investment could be partially or totally lost.
b) Plus, really learning to be a world-class speaker or stand-up comic takes 3 months to a full year.
Jim needed to be seeing what the client was actually doing on a weekly basis.
c) Visiting them a few times was not a viable compromise.
Nuts!

The solution —
Jim can now see your split-second timing instantly.
Anywhere.
Any time.
Jaggy video caused by skipping frames is yesterday's news.
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Why do I want to show Jim my new bit right away?
A: Instant feedback from an expert can save you time.
It takes literally 10 times longer to re-memorize a change in your act or speech than it takes to memorize it in the first place.
Besides, do you want the bit to be just funny or do you want it to be hysterical?
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Q: How does this new technology work?
A: Jim now has a super-fast Internet connection of 11MB/second!
This means that Jim will now be able to offer you coaching at full-motion, 30 frames per second (fps) video shown full screen wherever you are in the world.
...Jim will have access 24 hours/day, 7 days a week.

Just thought up a hot new bit? — Need a last minute appointment to get Jim's instant feedback?
...No problem!
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Q: What do I need on my end?
A: However, for full-motion video which is smooth like you see on TV, you would need at least:
1) a 350kbps connection (most residential "DSL lite" now do 1,000 kbps aka 1 mbps); at 9-11mbps on Jim's end, Jim's got plenty of headroom to receive all of whatever you can send via your flavor of broadband.
2) minimum system requirements: a desktop or notebook PC with 233 MHz Pentium II processor, or the equivalent on the Macintosh platform, etc.
...Yes: you can be on a PC one day and a Mac the next day as Jim's software solutions are "cross-platform".
3) a very inexpensive webcam connected via USB or FireWire.
Update: as of 2012, most new computers offer 2 or more GHZ processor speeds and built-in webcams (look for a little pin hole in the top of your computer monitor).
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Q: Why does Jim need 9-11MB/second?
A: Jim needs the extra overhead to make sure he gets all your signal. Plus, some clients may have the ultimate in fast corporate, government and entertainment industry connection speeds which Jim must match.

Remember, whatever presentation skills you want, "Comedy is a fast-lane profession!"
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Q: Can you help me find a workable broadband solution that doesn't cost a mint?
A: If you are having trouble finding a viable broadband solution in your area and/or deciding from a multitude of options, Jim can advise and lead you to a solution costing half of what you may think you need to pay for this crucial service.
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Q: How can I show you a video recorded with my digital camcoder immediately after my presentation?
A: Depending on your video gear and computer make/model/version the operating sytem, there are now a host of options. We can find the best one for you.
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Q: Does the webcam have to be on me throughout our appointment?
A: We can turn the webcam part of videoconferencing on/off; no biggie.

Plus, if you are inside or outside the USA, video conferencing is free.

You can use either:
1) a webcam either built into your computer monitor or connecting to your comuter via USB or
2) a digital camcorder connecting to your computer via FireWire.

If you are in a shared bandwidth situation, Jim's can throttle the bandwidth throughout your appointment; so, you only broadcast to Jim at the full 30fps when necessary.
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Q: Can this also work for team-written sitcoms and keynote speeches?
A: We can do all those script writing and script conference calls now via videoconferencing which can show all our faces and scripts at the same time on everyone's computer screen.
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Q: Is there an extra cost if I use more than one computer— at work, home, on the road, etc.?
A: This coaching solution is all about perks and portability, for your nomadic "anywhere-now" lifestyle.
In fact, you can do all our videoconference coaching appointments on someone else's computer just as easily.
1) software you will need on your end will be provided free of charge and is either already on your computer or can be installed automatically.
The number of computers you want to put the software on is irrelevant: friend's PC, ones at work, etc.
It only takes a 1-5 minutes set up.
For free!
2) Jim's coaching fees remain the same whether or not you wish to use the videoconferencing option; Jim can turn it on/off instantly at anytime during a consultation.
3) In fact, with the videoconferencing option there are no long-distance phone charges, either in the USA or Internationally.
...In short, this option is all perks for you.

If you are traveling with your laptop, it probably already has a webcam installed; so, you should be able to have videoconference coaching appointments via the Internet connection in most hotel rooms.
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