Top Reasons VoIP is used for Video Conferencing
Video conferencing has become a popular method of communication over the recent decade as companies look to streamline costs and host long-distance meetings rather than travel. Yet, it has become even more popular because of social restrictions and the call for lockdown.
You may be searching for a way to make video conferencing as efficient as possible for your organization and are looking at various options. If so, you may be wondering if you're making full use of technology, and is VoIP used for video conferencing?
In this post, we will define what a VoIP video call is and work out if there is a difference between the technology and video conferencing itself. We will also cover what hardware you require to make video conferencing a success.
VoIP Video Calls
VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol.” In brief, this is a technology that will allow you to transfer data types (including video and voice) over the internet. You’ll connect with the IP address of the other party and, so long as both parties have suitable equipment, can have a conversation while also seeing the other person.
Is There a Difference Between Video Conferencing and VoIP?
Many people think that video conferencing and VoIP are one and the same, but they are not. Certainly, both solutions require an internet connection, but video conferencing apps may not have the same level of functionality as a system that is specially designed for the purpose.
A VoIP phone system has many additional features that a straightforward video conferencing app may not have. For example, it will give you the option to record calls directly so that you can always have accurate notes of your meeting and verify any details from the conversation in the future. This is also a great tool for training or to help improve customer service skills. Video conferencing apps may not support call recording or may have significant restrictions if they do.
With a VoIP-based system, you can also manage the call more efficiently. For example, you can transfer calls to a different extension or set up a separate connection without any hassle. Most video conferencing apps do not permit this or make it too hard, which can ruin the flow of a meeting.
If you’ve ever used one of the proprietary video conferencing apps, you may notice that you cannot use the system to make an emergency call. While you hope you never have to use this solution, it is baked into a VoIP phone system. What's more, your details will automatically be forwarded to the emergency call center when you get in touch so that they can deploy help more efficiently.
Does a Zoom Meeting Use VoIP?
You can use a VoIP phone system to connect to a Zoom meeting. Zoom also has a separate, dedicated VoIP phone service.
What Is Video Conferencing?
Video conferencing is a way to communicate with a remote party over the internet. It is used to stage presentations, multi-party calls, and has become a popular business tool in recent times.
With video conferencing, you can both see and hear the other party in real time, so long as you have the right equipment. You can also share your screen and use a chat facility. Video conferencing is based on the same technology as a VoIP phone system.
Is video conferencing hard to use? If you have the proper hardware and all participants are similarly equipped, video conferencing is quite simple. You just need the log-in details and information to connect at the right time, and you can set up a successful conference.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, uses sophisticated technology to convert a person’s voice into a digital signal. The signal can then be sent over the internet rather than through a conventional telephone line to the third party. You can use VoIP solely over the internet by connecting a call between two computers. However, you can also call a regular phone number, and in this case, the signal is converted to the traditional telephone signal before it gets to the other party.
What Hardware Is Required for Video Conferencing?
If you want to set up a successful Charlotte video call, you must have the right hardware components. To begin with, you must ensure fast computer processing speed, as otherwise video and audio quality will suffer. You must also have a strong network bandwidth since, if there is a communication issue, videos may freeze or halt, also known as “buffering.”
What are other hardware devices required for video conferencing? All parties will also need a high-resolution camera, a speaker, and a microphone. Most computers already have these devices installed, but you can buy good quality external cameras as well as microphones should you wish.
If you want to use a dedicated VoIP video conferencing system, you will need custom-made desktop IP phones. These come equipped with large display screens, Bluetooth capability, and more.
In Closing
You may have several options when it comes to video conferencing, and you can choose from commercial apps or a dedicated VoIP system. The latter approach has several advantages over a traditional video conferencing app and could be more appropriate for your organization. If you are interested in further details about this type of system or thinking about setting up a business phone service in Charlotte, have a look at some of these resources from SafeCall. Alternatively, get in touch with a friendly team member directly.