subject: Video Conferencing Or Telepresence? [print this page] When the terms video conferencing and telepresence are used there is sometimes a level of confusion. As web conferencing technology continues to improve, the lines of distinction get blurred. It is easy for inexperienced persons to confuse the various collaborative technologies. There are a number of factors that must be explored for a balanced assessment. These include image resolution, bandwidth requirements and connection stability.
Which is Better?
Since being introduced in 2006, telepresence has gained momentum in the communications field. It seeks to create a more immersive experience than that offered by video conferencing or web conferencing solutions. It is considered a highly evolved for of video conferencing by some. Participants are presented life sized with the help of large screens. Video conferencing is video and audio communications between two or more end users.
Ultimately selecting one over the other depends on the end user's requirements. There is wisdom in using online meeting software that grows as the company grows, hence the popularity of web or video conferencing. For smaller companies the cost of telepresence technology is prohibitive. There are efforts underway to develop reasonably priced options to capture all segments of the market.
For people who consider the 'immersive' aspect vital to the success of a meeting, telepresence might be the best option. Users of video conferencing are generally happy with their choice, notwithstanding the possibility of connectivity and image quality issues.
The only real option that successfully combines the best of both worlds is web conferencing. Often the two options are seen as appealing to different sectors of the market. The fact is they both serve the same online meeting demands, albeit a bit differently. Web conferencing not only allows interactive collaboration, it enhances it with a number of useful features such as:
Whiteboards
Meeting recording
Remote access and remote support
Application sharing
While companies like RHUB Communications have helped to define the communications landscape, some end users still have questions. This company and other providers have delivered quality web conference solutions that are easy to use, reliable and help to cut costs.
