Modern businesses can’t function without high-quality videoconferencing hardware. As more employees work from home part-time or full-time, video calls with customers and colleagues worldwide have become essential.
Investing in superior equipment can boost productivity by cutting costs associated with travel expenses. This includes prices for air tickets, hotel rooms, meals, and employee travel time.
High-Quality Video and Audio
In an era when travel to international customers and colleagues is becoming less common, high-quality videoconferencing hardware such as Neat is essential for connecting with people worldwide. While free software like Skype can connect with people worldwide, business-class videoconferencing equipment is designed for a better, more immersive experience.
While video quality tends to receive the most attention, audio is equally essential for a successful videoconference. Clear, high-quality audio ensures that participants can hear each other clearly, which leads to more effective communication and collaboration.
It’s also essential that your video conference hardware is easy to use. Light and slimline equipment that’s easy to set up on tabletops in small or large conference rooms or huddle spaces is ideal. This means your staff can quickly get into a virtual meeting without downloading new software or learning how to operate a new tool. It’s also worth considering a portable solution to take your session on the road when needed.
Better Lines of Communication
Videoconferencing systems enable companies to work more efficiently and productively, with reduced travel expenses, shortened meeting and project times, and higher quality communication and collaboration among team members. Intangible benefits include greater inclusion in the workplace culture and higher employee satisfaction levels.
The technology behind high-quality videoconferencing hardware captures analog audiovisual (AV) input through the camera and microphone, which is then digitally encoded using codecs to compress AV data for transmission over a network. Once transmitted, an endpoint device decodes the data—typically a computer monitor, TV, or projector—and displays it for participants to view and listen to during meetings.
Traditional on-premises videoconferencing systems require a dedicated hardware suite and a separate AV system to capture and transmit the data. In contrast, cloud videoconferencing solutions are more user-friendly and integrate seamlessly with existing business applications and software like Microsoft Office and VoIP phones. They also offer a range of features for collaborative meetings, including screen sharing, whiteboards, and text chat.
Better Collaboration
Videoconferencing tools provide better collaboration capabilities than traditional audio-only conference calls. They allow participants to share their screens and documents during meetings, allowing them to work together in real time regardless of location. This can make a massive difference in the productivity of remote employees.
High-quality cameras capture clear video and reduce lag to give participants a conference call experience that feels more like an in-person meeting. They also feature auto-framing and immersive video to help participants see everyone around them. They can also pick up on facial expressions and non-verbal cues that would be difficult to communicate otherwise.
Additionally, videoconferencing tools allow participants to save essential conversations for later reference. This eliminates the need for email attachments and file transfers during meetings, saving time. Storage options vary between hardware systems, with some offering cloud-based solutions and others delivering local server options. Some hardware systems also provide tagging and search functionality to help locate files quickly.
A More Professional Impression
Using high-quality videoconferencing hardware makes it easy to create professional-looking calls. This is important for maintaining a good rapport with clients and colleagues, especially since many businesses are now conducting meetings without the physical presence of employees or customers.
It’s also a great way to reduce costs associated with in-person meetings, including travel expenses. Whether airfare, hotel costs, or meals out, these add up quickly. Investing in videoconferencing equipment allows you to eliminate this expense and boost productivity in the process.
Several all-in-one hardware packages on the market provide the quality camera and microphone you need for an excellent videoconference. These solutions are designed to be easy for remote workers and compatible with popular videoconferencing software. They are an ideal solution for small businesses looking to boss their home working setups. Plus, they’re an excellent investment for companies seeking to hire people who prioritize flexibility.
