What Is The Difference Between Video Conferencing and Web Conferencing?
A conference is a real-time video or audio communication between two or more people. Members of a conference can see and hear one another. Also, participants can exchange different media assets, such as video, audio, files and so on.
This article explains the difference between video conferencing and web conferencing to help you decide the best conferencing option for your meeting sessions.
Web Conferencing
Web conferencing is a video or online audio activity that takes place in real-time with compelling content sharing, such as presentation slides. The platform used usually is a web browser and a direct link to the event. The web browser represents the endpoints with the use of WebRTC technology or other applications which connect to the event once the installation is complete. A web conference is also called a webinar.
Video Conferencing
Video conference systems need special equipment and client applications to work. Unlike web conferencing, you can conduct video conferencing without using the internet. However, you will need a server to manage multipoint sessions. You can organize different types of conferences, such as web conferences, depending on the capabilities of your system.
Comparison Between Video and Web Conferencing
Equipment
A video conference between two individuals needs a webcam for both locations. A stable internet connection is also mandatory. For presentations or bigger groups where the high-quality video is necessary, a specialized room created for video conference is required for every person to participate.
For web conferences, every participant must have access to a computer, and each of these PC must have the same software, such as Lotus Sametime Unyte or WebEx or Live Meeting.
Costs
Video conferencing is costlier than web conferencing. The latter requires less equipment and allows you to conduct a large seminar or conference without the need for a larger room because members only need to log in from their machines.
Also, you do not need to pay for useful internet or lighting. Thanks to technological advancements, video conferences have become more competitive. If you do not require HD video images; however, the benefit of all the members being able to visible may cost extra.
Sight
One notable benefit of video conferencing is that participants can watch each other’s body language and can make eye contact as they do not work only with online or voice messages. As such, everyone gets involved in the meeting and do not focus their attention on other unnecessary things.
How to Use Web and Video Conferencing Tools?
With assistance from a reliable provider, web or video conferencing can be easy and stress-free. Use either video or web conferencing to connect with teals on different locations, remote workers, suppliers face to face, talk to customers, launch products and services, conduct training sessions, present products or services to potential customers, or current reports to senior managers. There is only so much you can do with both video and web conferencing.
Advantages of both Video and Web Conferencing
Affordable
Everyone has a mobile device, laptop, or PC, and while purchasing video conferencing equipment is costly, in the long run, web and video conferencing will save you a lot of money because it reduces travel expenses considerably.
Streamlines Communication
In today’s world, workers can perform duties remotely around the world and do not need to be confined in the same place every day of their lives. A webinar or a video conference will make sure remote employees feel like part of the organization and make confident communication is crystal clear.
Improved Productivity
Meetings and training of workers can be more productive with webcasts and video conferencing because everyone can attend regardless of their location, thus enhancing communication between departments and employees. This speeds up meetings and decision making, thus improving engagement and let employees to work efficiently.