Web Conferencing vs Video Conferencing is a topic that comes up frequently in boardrooms and executive suites. When it does, the answer depends on the type of business you are in.
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 IMS Technology Services to learn more about what distinguishes the two and which solution is right for your environment.
Which conferencing option is right for you?
It is important to understand that there is no single best web or video conferencing solution – or a one size fits all. Consider the goals and structure of your meetings and choose the option and conference provider that will help you to hold a high-quality and effective conference.
- If you want to hold a non-interactive presentation in which you will be the sole speaker, to a large audience, a webcast is the best option.
- If you need to collaborate on a project or document and interact with your audience, then a webinar will work better.
- If audio and video quality and security are on the top of your list and you have the means to invest in a trusted conferencing company and the specialised equipment needed, then video conferencing will be the right choice for your business.
What are the advantages of video conferencing and web conferencing?
The focus on reducing business expenses is ever-present. Any type of web or video conferencing is a great solution that allows you to continue to connect and work with people in different locations, even if you’re not in the same room.
There are many advantages of using web or video conferencing. Here we break down the top three.
- Cost-effective: Everyone has a desktop, laptop or mobile device and while investment in video conferencing equipment may be expensive, in the long term, video or web conferencing will save your business money as it significantly reduces travel costs.
- Streamlines communication: In a modern workplace, employees can be working remotely across the globe and are no longer confined to working in the same physical location. A video conference or webinar will ensure remote workers feel like part of the team and ensure communication is clear.
- Increases productivity: Staff training and meetings can be made much more efficient with online video conferencing and webcasts, as they can be attended by all employees, no matter their location, improving communication between employees and departments. This allows meetings to be faster and more decision-focused, enhancing engagement and allowing employees to .get the work done.
How can a business best use video and web conferencing tools?
With the help of the right provider, onboarding video or web conferencing can be seamless and stress-free. Use either web or video conferencing to connect with remote workers, or teams across multiple sites or locations, talk to customers and suppliers face-to-face, run training sessions, launch products and services, make presentations to senior managers, or present and demo your products and services to prospects, or ask your provider to help with a web or video conference event with a managed Q&A session.
Use cases for web conferencing or video conferencing are unlimited and can really transform the way you connect, communicate and collaborate.
For more information on how web or video conferencing can work for your business, or explore the audio conferencing and teleconferencing needs of your business, call 1300 849 300, or contact us.
Who Wins?
Simply put, if the meeting matters and collaboration is important, you’ll definitely want to look for high-definition image and audio quality that video conferencing can provide. With features like screen sharing, a centralized admin console, directory-based calling, the ability to stream and record your meetings and a series of ultra high-quality video conference room systems, Lifesize provides a feature-rich solution based on the absolute importance of face-to-face communication.
Conclusion
Let’s face it. Video Conferencing is good if you are out on the road. But the fact of life is that you are most probably using Web Conferencing or Traditional Teleconferencing more often. The main reason being, it is cheap and you don’t need to carry any additional device with you. Moreover, if not handled well it can be really dull to sit through a web conference call or video conference. Here I am trying to show you some obvious differences between these two types of Conferences so that you can choose which one works best for you in your organization
Both video conferencing and web conferencing are recent advancements in the field of communication. These two systems offered by Skype, Google Hangout, Cisco WebEx, etc., have become popular with businesses for different purposes.