Video conferencing has been integral to business operations for several years. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to communicate with clients, customers, and employees, regardless of location. Video conferencing has facilitated meetings, training, presentations, and negotiations, connecting individuals or groups in real time and saving significant travel-related expenses that come with face-to-face interactions.
However, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, real-time communication software development has taken on a new level of importance. As lockdown measures forced people to work remotely, the demand for video conferencing skyrocketed. Its ability to bring remote teams together for virtual meetings and calls has become a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. In a recent survey conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, 77% of respondents reported experiencing higher productivity when working from home, with video conferencing identified as a significant factor.
So, how does video conferencing work? We’ve decided to uncover the way it operates. Read on!
Video conferencing is the process of connecting multiple participants in different locations in real time through audio and video technologies. The process entails two key phases: data compression and data transfer and decompression.
In the data compression phase, input data in the form of analog audiovisual waves is captured and converted into digital data packets. The compression of the data is necessary to increase the efficiency of bandwidth usage. Digital data is converted into chunks of compressed data packets that are easier to transmit over the network. This phase is sometimes referred to as the coding phase.
Moving to the data transfer and decompression phase, compressed data packets obtained from the prior phase are sent to the service provider through the network. Once the packets are transmitted, the codec, a device or software capable of compressing and decompressing data, decompresses them. The decompression phase is important in ensuring the data is properly transmitted by converting the digital data packets back to analog audio and video data. This phase is also known as the decoding phase.
In this final step, the end-users can see and hear the sender's decoded audio and video feed. Codecs play an integral role by performing compression and decompression processes. These processes help to reduce bandwidth usage by transmitting smaller data packets over the network. Codecs also support noise cancellation techniques like acoustic echo cancellation, acoustic fencing, and noise cancellation to improve the quality of real-time communication.
These are the different types of video conferencing systems:
A video conference system is made up of several components that work together to facilitate a seamless video conferencing experience:
Video conferencing software has become a go-to solution for many to carry out fundamental tasks. However, modern communication solutions still have some gaps they need to fill. Listed below are the common challenges of users.
To create outstanding software and overcome those challenges, make sure to incorporate the following features:
Now that you know how video calls work, let’s figure out what good it can do for you. First and foremost, it allows for face-to-face interactions, even from remote locations, making it an excellent tool for building relationships and rapport. Another significant benefit of video conferencing is that it saves time and money. Moreover, video conferencing also promotes inclusivity and accessibility. For people living with disabilities, video conferencing provides the convenience of attending meetings and appointments without having to travel physically, removing barriers to participation.
Finally, video conferencing helps businesses to streamline communication processes and increase productivity. It reduces the time and cost of travel while allowing for effective collaboration between remote teams or international clients. It allows employees to work from different locations, increasing job satisfaction and work-life balance. Clover Dynamics can help you create custom software solution for your company’s communication needs. Contact us today, and let’s innovate together!