What is Video Conferencing?

Video Conferencing gives you the ability to conduct a voice call with two or more people whilst adding a visual element so that you can see and talk to all people on the call, regardless of where they are located. Video Conferencing benefits most businesses because it means meetings can still go ahead, regardless of where people are based whilst reducing the cost implication and maintain strong relationships. You can use video conferencing calls to hold daily/weekly team meetings, sales meetings or even interview potential employees.

To have a successful video conference call, each person needs a video camera (most laptops have them integrated but you can purchase a separate web cam), microphone and speakers (again, these are normally integrated within a laptop but you can purchase them separately.)

You’ll also need compatible video conferencing software (usually cloud-based) to conduct the video conference call. This will enable you to see everyone on the call in one screen. Usually the screen is segregated for a visual of each person and when a person speaks, their visual is made bigger so you can identify who is speaking.

To ensure that the quality of the video conference call remain stable, we would also recommend a stable and reliable broadband connection.

Advantages of Video Conferencing

• Increase in productivity – meetings are likely to be more productive because participants tend to be more efficient in getting the point across, quickly and succinctly.
• Save money – by not having to travel to meetings, your travel expenses will be significantly lower.
• Flexibility – you can easily join a video conference call from your phone, tablet or laptop, so there is no need for you to be physically at a desk.
• Enhance communication and collaboration – rather than waiting until you are physically in the same room for a meeting, you can have an impromptu video conference call with ease.
• Reduce your carbon footprint – no need to travel to a meeting when they can be done via video conferencing, greatly reducing your businesses carbon footprint.

Disadvantages of Video Conferencing

There is one main disadvantage to video conference, although it is more like a caveat; you need a strong broadband connection because video conferencing is transmitted via an internet connection. If you have low bandwidth, your video call will be fuzzy, there will be delay or distortion in audio.

However, it is an easy fixed solution so it shouldn’t hold you back from the obvious advantages of video conferencing.