What Is Video Conferencing? A Definition of Video Conferencing

 Video conferencing is a technology-enabled type of meeting where two or more people, in different geographic locations, conduct live visual conferences through the internet for the purpose of communicating and collaborating. Video conferencing software (or hardware) enables transmission of high-quality audio, static images—sometimes full-motion video images—and text-based messages between multiple locations. As long as they have a webcam (an embedded camera), a desktop, laptop or mobile phone device can be used for video conferencing. 

 

What Are The Main Types Of Video Conferencing?

 

There are two types of video conferencing: point-to-point(inboud) and multipoint conferencing systems(outbound). With point-to-point conferencing systems, two people in different locations can collaborate and communicate. Multipoint conferencing systems have the ability to facilitate communication and collaboration for three or more people located in different places.

 

Benefits and Advantages of Video Conferencing

Using video conferencing, companies can lower business travel and meeting costs; shorten project times and improve communications for remote workers and teams. It may also reduce your need for conference rooms with robust audio/video buildouts.  

What does that mean for video conferencing?
Unlike audio conferencing, through live videos, the sharing of documents, visual presentations, whiteboards and flip charts, companies are able to hold efficient meetings where team members and customers are able to exchange non-verbal communications. This results in the building of a stronger sense of community within and between companies, as well as with customers. It's easy to develop a stronger sense of familiarity with individuals when you are able to see them, even when you have never met them in person. It’s also easier to identify if you have been able to satisfy a customer by just looking at her/his body language.

What is the Difference Between Web Conferencing and Video Conferencing?

There is much confusion in the industry with the terminology of “web conferencing” and “video conferencing.” They are often interchanged and in reality, they are two different conference solutions.

Is video conferencing or web conferencing better?

Both video and web conferencing utilize a camera-capture image to combine this visual component with the audio component. This is where the similarities end.

Web Conferencing allows a presenter to deliver a presentation over the web to a group of geographically dispersed participants. It is usually software based and operates over your laptop. The presenter is not very “interactive.” Participants usually interact through the use of chat, whiteboards, and desktop sharing. In more passive instances, audience members may simply not interact or sit in a listen-only status. Participants can see what’s on the screen but cannot make changes.

Video Conferencing uses video and audio to connect two or more points across the internet for two-way conferencing over distance. Cameras are used to enable participants in a virtual conference to see the presenter and sometimes, the other participants. It requires the use of webcams or other video equipment connected to a network and uses more bandwidth than web conferencing.

Differences between both are cost and a quality of image rendered: “you get what you pay for.”

Web conferencing frequently has issues with frozen images and pixilation because of low bandwidth, which limits interaction. This makes web conferencing good for speeches, but for meetings, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Video conferencing is used more for meetings but comes with a higher upfront cost.  Video conferencing is loaded with high definition video, crystal clear sound, and a more lifelike interaction to simulate a face-to-face experience between users.

Deciding which solution is right for you depends on the importance of the meeting.  If it is an important meeting, you will likely want the HD image and high audio quality that only video conferencing can provide.  Web conferencing works well for broadcasting a single message or speech.  If reliability, quality, and dialogue interaction is important to you, high-definition video conferencing is the best option.

If you are considering implementing a web or video conferencing solution, please contact    to learn more about what distinguishes the two and which solution is right for your environment.