Intro

Video conferencing and Web conferencing are two major forms of conference that are now important in all categories of enterprises. The prefatory provisions of this technology are to interact within the company and outside an enterprise/industry or with a cluster of audiences who share comparable ideas without facing the hassle of Live Seminars or meetings. It is rather fast-paced, economical, and the adequate option to coalesce with your desired audience while bringing in no significant changes in others’ carrying.

About

In an episode of something like the NBC sitcom The Office, admin assistant Pam distracts her supervisor by trying to convince him that the company needs him to find the distinctions between two photographs. The punchline is that they have been all images of the same person.

That is primarily how web and video conferences work today. When comparing the product lines’ features for characteristics, they are pretty much indistinguishable. Every significant web conferencing service presently includes details, and every teleconferencing service includes screen sharing.

The only real distinction between both web and video conferencing products is their roots. Video calls over IP were simply not feasible at the beginning of the internet. Video required more frequency band than the average internet access provided, as well as more computational power than the average connection to the internet provided.

Is video conferencing the same as web conferencing: A guide to understanding the basics

What is the basic difference between video and web conferencing? Which one is economical, or which one is worth the investment? Which platform is more compatible with your requirements and what do you need to connect with your audience effectively? Stuck and confused between these questions and searching for an appropriate answer? We have it all here. In one shot of this blog, you will find answers to all your queries. We have discussed:

✅What is Web Conferencing?

✅What is Video Conferencing?

✅ Difference between Web Conferencing and Video Conferencing.

✅Best platforms for Web Conferencing in 2023.

What is Web Conferencing

If we analyze web conferencing closely, then we will find that, in broader means, it is the technology of dissemination of information through digital screens, apps, and/or internet content, mostly in real-time. This broad spectrum includes virtual meetings/conferences which can be achieved using proper software, to webinars (On YouTube or Zoom) serving the purpose of Live lectures and Classes/Presentation and webcasts (pre-recorded videos uploaded on the web for different value-adding purposes).

As a result, web conferencing can be referred to as an across-the-board term for all kinds of collaborative sessions, meetings, and activities conducted for the exchange of ideas with the sheer usage of web and internet communications. This enlists activities like video chat, text-based communication, and/or voice communication.

What is Video Conferencing?

When we come to Video Conferencing, then it seems more like a narrow version of web conferencing, particularly set up for an in-team meeting or discussion with a limited number of people. Unlike web conferencing, it can’t be one-way content and all the participants usually participate actively. Also, it can’t get uploaded in the recorded form because Video Conferencing is a real-time activity.

The aim of this is to replicate the face-to-face meeting. For Video Conferencing you will require some dedicated technology like a desktop or a laptop, in addition to a webcam and a mic. You can also associate interactive technologies like a whiteboard to make the session more interesting and informative. However, the term Video Conferencing refers to virtual face-to-face meetings with a group with the right video and audio tools. Also, this has to be conducted within a group instead of a one-to-one discussion.

A clear-cut difference between Web and Video Conferencing

Have a quick walkthrough of all the differences which divert the path of Web Conferencing from Video Conferencing and vice versa.

Aim

The primary aim of web conferencing is to be able to share your content with your audience without impacting the quality of video while you Conference. Video conferencing is mostly useful for real communication, establishing friendly relationships with teams, incentivizing collaborative efforts, and asking for input. While web conferencing is useful in Interaction between individuals from various geographic regions, broadcasting hour-long meetings, and conveying a significant amount of data to a group in one direction.

Investment.

When it comes to cost, web conferencing costs are similar to Video Conferencing. For web conferencing, the required gadgets are a laptop/desktop alongside a webcam. Also, it requires a good Internet bandwidth Speed. This form of internet connection is excellent for staging conferences with numerous geographically diverse invitees. Because video conferencing is a more technologically advanced solution, it has a higher initial investment. While Video Conferencing requires a little more set-up like mics, whiteboard, speakers, etc.

Standard/Quality

If we talk about the quality we are going to get in both the Web and Video Conferencing, then there’s a sheer difference between them. On one hand, Video Conferencing is known for its hassle-free, High Definition picture, and sound quality during calls. On the other hand, web conferencing sometimes goes through issues like, images freezing and pixelating, restricting dialogue because of the low bandwidth. Web conferencing is best for sermons and video conferencing is best for conferences due to video quality.

Usage

Since it does not necessitate authorization, web conferencing is comparatively simple and easy to use. All that a person requires is a browser extension. Individuals should also have a link and be able to enter their name without being validated because the administrator does not generate user profiles ahead of time.

A video conferencing system, with exception of web conferencing, is developed by an administrator who generates user profiles for each user and issues personal credentials to all participants. To participate in a video conference, an individual must log into an application server using the administrator’s credentials.

Connectivity

A video conference could be held over the online platform or through a firm’s local area network. A video conference necessitates a Windows machine, a webcam, and a headphone jack for each attendee. A participant’s system capabilities can be expanded by using elevated cams and audio phones. Web conferencing is distinct because it requires a reliable internet connection to direct connectivity to the conference from any geographical area.

Number of Audiences

Another distinction between web conferencing and video conferencing is the significant fields. Web conferencing is commonly used in briefings, online workshops, and correspondence courses. The requirements and needs sometimes replace web conferencing with video conferencing for users. The solution is used in both infrequent and regular meetings, negotiations, and discussions.

Some additional details on the distinction between Web and Video Conferencing.

 

Particulars	Video Conferencing	Web Conferencing
Aim	Live Conference	Sharing Content
Bandwidth Connection	Optional	Mandatory
Encryption/Privacy	High Authorisation	Low Authorization
Security	Available	Not available because it handles a mass Audience
Hosts	As per the server’s capacity	1-2 hosts.
Attendees/Audience number	As per the server’s capacity	Not specified/unlimited
Video Quality	4k/Ultra HD	Upto 720p (with fiber net)
Mode of receiving feedback	AV response and feedback	Chats
Usage	Can be used anywhere	From Desktop and Laptops.
Incorporated AI tools	Can be integrated virtually	Using Google Calendars.
Where to use	The occasion is a Small discussion. (End to end)	Workshops, training, meetings (mass)

 

Are there any specific requirements for Conducting Web Conferencing?

Yes, you are going to need a set of equipment, which is mandatory for conducting web conferencing, and if you lack even a single unit, then you might not be able to conduct your web conference successfully.

1. Webcam.
2. Mics/Microphone.
3. Internet
4. Required App/Software.

If you don’t have any of these components, then you won’t be able to host a web conference. So, make sure you have all of this equipment alongside a strong internet connection.

A platform for Web Conferencing and Video Conferencing in 2023

Softwares are the spines of Web/Video Conferencing systems and with the growing popularity of such apps in recent times, different software companies are introducing multiple apps with distinct features. Let’s check out a few trending software that can be easily incorporated into your system for the successful hosting of seminars/meetings/training/workshops, etc.

Click Meeting

For 2023, ClickMeeting is a dependable cloud-based virtual meeting tool. With ClickMeeting, you can conveniently conduct a meeting over the cloud, start preparing conferences and create customized open-call links that include your product branding and logos. You can try it for free by going to its website.

Attribute

1. Enables the automated processes of live webcasts.
2. Meetings are recorded.
3. Quality audio and video meetings are supported.
4. Includes unlimited and live streaming on Facebook.
5. Screen sharing is supported.
6. Presentations and smartboards can be shared.

Pros

1. It includes webinar data analysis so you can see how the conference performed.
2. You may include any number of members.
3. Attendees can call toll-free numbers.
4. Conferences are streamed in HD quality.

Eztalk Cloud meeting

Eztalks cloud meeting is another fantastic video-unified communications tool to think about. It has video conferencing physical equipment that ranges from Meet Mini to M410 that is developed to assist each room. Both sound-visual conferencing are supported by Eztalks Cloud Meeting.

Attribute

• Webinar presentation sharing, whiteboards, and audio conferencing are all supported.
• Screen sharing is supported.
• Has a whiteboard for brainstorming and visualizing ideas for faster decision-making.
• Instant messaging is supported on Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, and browsers.
• Online storage is supported.

Pros

• Make it simple to regulate your sessions.
• Rooms are simple to set up.
• You can hold an infinite number of meetings with the premium upgrade.

Cons

• The free plan has limited functionality.
• The web conferencing choices are inadequate.

Zoom Cloud Video Conferencing

Zoom cloud video conferencing is yet another fantastic cloud meeting software that makes video GoToMeeting very simple. It is planned to make it simple to join meetings, invite people, and collude from any device.

Attribute

• You can work collaboratively with other tools such as Slack, Okta, and HipChat.
• Allows for high-definition video and audio conferencing.
• Allows you to save meetings to the cloud.
• Enables a wide range of people to take part.
• Integrates Outlook, Gmail, Google Calendar, and iCal.

Pros

• Helps in holding encryption key secure conferences.
• You can look up previous meetings.
• File integration is supported.
• Communities can be freely exchanged.

Cons

• When particularly in comparison to other cloud video conferencing tools, it is pricey.
• Clients will struggle to traverse its interface on their first time.

Go to meeting

GoToMeeting is the final cloud meeting tool we are unable to leave out from the cloud conference software list of 2023. It operates on a web-based platform that is compatible with the majority of web browsers. It also has a windows version and a phone version. As a result, regardless of the platform you use, you will be able to hold evident cloud video or audio meetings. GoToMeeting provides speakers as well as free toll numbers for attendees to use.

Read more blog: What’s Better: An Audio Conference Or A Video Conference?

Attribute

• Conduct conferences by responding to calls with specific codes.
• Private meetings take place.
• Endorses the presenter’s quality cloud recording of the conference.
• You can conveniently share a screen that contains your windows pc activities.
• You can customize your video conferencing options.
• Conferences can be easily scheduled.

Pros

• It has a simple dashboard.
• It has external hardware tools to help the meeting run smoothly.
• Because you must enter codes to join the meetings, they are extremely secure.
• It has a smart search feature that allows a user to view conferences and texts.
• With creation tools, you can mark and bring to light segments of the display you wish to share.

Cons

• To use it, you must first create an account.
• The free version is only available for 14 days and has limited features.

Summary

Now that you have received all the necessary details on the Video and Web Conferencing. Toh must have understood the eerie similarity and distinction between these two modes of conferencing. With the new age of AI, you can incorporate these tools into your system and use them accordingly. Additionally, for such blogs, you can stay tuned to our website.