Web Conferencing v/s Video Conferencing: Know The Difference

The terms ‘Video Conferencing’ and ‘Web Conferencing’ are often used interchangeably. But they are not!

Video conferencing tools require special software and hardware to help people collaborate and communicate with global audiences, whereas web conferencing does not. At the same time, the former does not always require an internet connection to connect with a set of participants. For the latter, network connectivity is MUST.

However, video and web conferencing share the same benefits for the user, such as cost-effectiveness, streamlining communication and increasing productivity. These advantages can enhance business growth and streamline communication errors depending on the conferencing software they choose.

The difference between these concepts may seem vague, but we will discuss them in detail today. Read further to get a better understanding of web conferencing and video conferencing.

What is a Video Conference?

A video conference is a full-duplex real-time session that allows audio and video data transmission between two or more people. Users can interact with a group of attendees and exchange various media assets even without any internet connection. All one needs is a robust server that controls multipoint video conferencing sessions.

With technological advancements and video conferencing software, individuals can connect using electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. Confidentiality is high as it requires authorisation or physical access to an endpoint. As this technology is used primarily as a live communication medium, it can be integrated virtually with any system.

Usually, organisations use video conferencing tools to organise business meetings, training, remote working, or telehealth services.

What is a Web Conference?

A web conference is a real-time communication system that enables audio and video transmission between two or more people. It needs an internet connection to connect with end users and is used mainly to share presentations, information, or any content with global audiences. Using WebRTC technology or third-party plug-ins, participants can connect, communicate, and collaborate with each other in the digital domains.

Unlike video conferencing, web conferencing can only be hosted by one person, or rarely two.. However, the confidentiality level is fairly lower, and people with webinar links can connect with their electronic devices. Mainly used to share content, this conferencing tool enables participants to record and download sessions.

Businesses use web conferencing to organise webinars, distance education, product launches, and trade shows.

Now that you know the meaning and applications of video and web conferencing tools, it’s time to understand the difference between them. Following are the four major differences between web conferencing and video conferencing.

What Are The Differences Between Web Conferencing & Video Conferencing?

Objective

Web conferencing primarily focuses on sharing content across digital realms. It’s ideal for face-to-face communication among people located in different geographical locations. The host can share valuable information and convey brand messages while promoting its products and services.

On the other hand, video conferencing’s main objective includes live communication with specific users. It’s ideally suited to virtually connecting with internal team members and discussing important business affairs. Moreover, participants can communicate in a more realistic way as if they were physically present.

Cost

Web conferencing is comparatively more economical than video conferencing tools. Participants must have an electronic device that supports a webcam and a stable internet connection. Also, the rate of return on investment is higher than video conferencing as it reaches a larger audience base.

Video conferencing comes with a higher upfront cost. These systems require installing special equipment and servers which control multipoint video sessions. It needs more tech-savvy solutions for connecting top management executives across the globe.

Quality

Due to low bandwidth, web conferencing sometimes produces frozen images and pixelation. Most web conferencing tools support SD video quality up to 460p, which further affects audience engagement in the long run. Hence, many prefer audio over face-to-face discussions.

On the contrary, it produces high-definition images and crystal-clear sound effects. Almost every video conferencing tool supports quality up to 4K Ultra HD, stimulating a face-to-face experience between participants.

Way of Use

The security level of web conferencing tools is relatively low as it don’t require authorisation. A participant needs a web browser, a stable internet connection, a meeting link, and a password.

Conversely, video conferencing is quite sophisticated and requires authorisation while connecting with other participants. The administrator must create user accounts and issue personal credentials for each attendee.

To Conclude:

In a nutshell, the ideal solution between video conferencing and web conferencing tools will solely depend upon the objective and target audience of the meetings. If the meeting is internal and requires a high level of confidentiality, opt for video conferencing solutions is imperative. On the other hand, web conferencing is ideal for broadcasting promotional activities or sharing brand messages with a large audience base.

Companies intend to adopt conferencing tools that eliminate bandwidth restrictions and are easy to use and affordable in the near future. Some of its popular solutions include desktop IP video conferencing, HD in-room video conferencing, and complete telepresence.

To know more about which video conferencing & web conferencing tools can suit your business, connect with us instantly.