Video conferencing is here to stay! While it used to be primarily for companies to conduct meetings with out-of-town clients, it is now also a vital part of doing business internally for companies with remote employees. Video conference calls allow people to communicate much more effectively than voice-only conference calls. With the addition of video, you can read body language and facial expressions, as well as share documents and other information during the call.
There’s a huge variety of both hard and soft codec video conference calling systems, so how do you decide which is best for your company or organization?
What is a Codec?
First of all, we should probably define what a codec is exactly. In the simplest of terms, it’s a piece of hardware or software that encodes and decodes AV signals to allow for easier delivery. Raw AV data is much too large to transport efficiently, so it needs a codec. A hard codec system includes a piece of hardware that assists with the transportation of AV data, while soft codec systems are software or cloud-based.
Advantages of Soft Codec Video Conferencing Systems for San Diego Businesses
Many of our clients are choosing soft codec systems due to the cost and the flexibility of such systems. Hard codec systems need to be hardwired in, while soft codec systems do not. With a soft codec system, you can plug a hi-def USB camera right into a laptop and get the video conference call going.
Soft codec systems require a robust, reliable internet connection, and since most San Diego organizations have this, a soft codec system is typically more than adequate for their needs. Some of the more popular soft codec systems are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, and Skype for Business.
When Should Your Organization Consider a Hard Codec System?
Hard codec systems still have their advantages over soft codec systems. Most importantly, they are more secure, which makes them preferable for government organizations. Historically, they were also more reliable since they didn’t depend as much on the internet. Of course, a reliable internet connection and good bandwidth speeds are pretty much standard in commercial facilities these days.
Don’t Forget About the Conference Room Itself
Your company could be using the most high-end technology out there for video conferencing, but if there are issues related to the conference room itself, those on the other end of the call may still experience frustration. For example, conference rooms with high ceilings or those surrounded by glass could cause sound reverberation, making it difficult for your call’s recipients to decipher the conversation. It’s important to address any challenges in the room with an AV integration company before deciding which video conferencing system to go with. You may need to install sound deadening panels, ceiling microphones, or incorporate some other solution to get the best results.
Let a San Diego AV Company Help with Your Video Conferencing System
If you want a reliable, feature-rich video conferencing system, it’s important to work with a San Diego AV integrator that is experienced with all types of video conferencing technology. The team at Fluid Sound can help you decide which type of system will best suit your organization, and can design and install a complete conference room setup—everything from displays, to microphones, to speakers and more.
Contact us to learn more.