Zoom Tips and Tricks: Usability, Performance and More

• Utilize a suitable internet connection speed. Slow connections will cause lags, skips and other jarring audio and video issues. Sending 1080p HD video requires 3.0 Mbps (up/down)
  • Check your speed here.
• Avoid using the laptop’s internal mic. The proximity to the speakers and keyboard increases feedback and the jarring clickety-clack of your typing, while the distance from you increases echo. Don’t be that participant causing the audio problems!
  • Even the cheap headphones that came with your late-model smartphone have a an in-line microphone that will offer cleaner, more readily understandable sound quality. The older iPhone or Android headphones with the 3.5mm jack can be plugged into a laptop or PC. 
  • Many PCs and laptops can also be paired with your favorite Bluetooth earbuds or handsfree calling device and will be a significant upgrade over the PC/laptop internal mic and speakers.
  • It may be worth investing in a lavalier microphone. These start at $20 or so and will provide professional audio quality. Here's an inexpensive model.
• Where possible, raise your camera level off the desk. No one wants to look up your nostrils. 
• Good lighting will improve the appearance of your video feed immensely. 
  • Digital camera sensors lose image quality as ISO sensitivity increases, even as megapixel count remains constant. If your video feed looks grainy, noisy, or otherwise unpleasant when participating in a web conference, chances are you just need better light, not a better webcam. 
  • Light quality matters just as much as quantity. 
    • Color temperature: Many incandescent lights tend to create a yellow, dingey appearance. The traditional incandescent bulb emits light that is roughly 2500K. Consider using bulbs rated for a color temperature between 5000 and 6000K, the color temperature of natural daylight. 
    • Directionality: Even, front lighting is preferable. In each of these examples the light source is the same window. The only change is the direction from which it is lighting the admittedly non-photogenic subject. 
      • Bright backlighting will make you appear silhouetted. If your home office has this issue, you will want a light on your desk as a fill light.

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