Best Video Chat Software

What is Video Chat Software?

Video chat software is a standard feature of most video conferencing solutions, and it's designed to act as a backup communication channel if video and audio calls aren't possible due to bandwidth constraints. It is a tool that enables users to interact virtually through voice and video conferencing. Such solutions are used to connect two or more users via live voice and audio feed. Users from different locations can interact in real-time using video conferencing softwares for personal, educational, or business purposes.

Video chat software became popular in the early 2000s with the entry of internet-based software like iChat & Skype software. With an internet connection and software installed, users could interact from any location in the world. However, video conferencing solutions were just getting started. 2020 saw a steep rise in the manufacture of video-enabled cellular phones that make video conferencing go truly mobile. Today video conferencing has applications in medicine, international dialogue, news, business, education, and several other fields since it facilitates collaboration and is the next best thing to physical interactions.

Video conferencing has come a long way today in terms of quality, security, and features. Today most hand-held devices use such software to merge audio, video, and on-screen animation and drawings over secure networks. There are thousands of applications that have a dedicated video chat module to facilitate smooth communication.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a huge surge in the use of video chat software. As people became isolated and business operations came to a standstill, many organizations were forced to adapt to video chat tools to resume business functions or reconnect digitally. According to reports, the SaaS-based video conferencing software Zoom software managed to add more subscribers in January & February 2020 alone compared to the entire year 2019.

Video conferencing solutions make the world seem much smaller, and many of them help users connect without the need for dedicated hardware or software. Video chat software is currently moving towards providing 'telepresence,’ which is essentially more powerful, advanced, and feature-rich to cater to the needs of corporate conglomerates. They can help connect a large number of users securely with premium quality audio and video relays.

Another recent development seen in online video chat solutions is TV cams, which allow users to employ free software for video chat on their TV sets without the use of a computer. TV cameras are typically connected to other television, smartphones, or networks that allow them to Livestream via webcams.

How does a Video chat tool work?

Video conferencing tools use real-time digital compression of audio & video streams using hardware and software. However, before going into the technical details, it is best to know the technology and steps being followed in the conferencing process.

A typical voice call includes an interaction between two or more parties using an internet connection and hardware ( mobile phones or a computer, speakers, and a webcam). The call is initiated by either of the two (or possibly more) parties, and a lively exchange of video and audio information happens in real-time. Video chat software also allows text messaging, sharing of files, JavaScript exchanges, and much more.

Video chat solutions convert analog information derived from microphones and cameras into binary (digital) signals. Most such tools have an inbuilt compression software that helps 'packetize' audio and video information, which enables data to move faster over broadband internet or WiFi.

The conferencing system's video and audio clarity depend partly on the compression ratios. Solutions with higher compression ratios tend to produce a fluid and real-time interaction experience. Similarly, tools with lower compression ratios offer static and choppy video call experiences, which can be very disruptive to the cause.

The average compression rate for video call software ranges between 13:1 and 17:1. However, the speed of the broadband connection is also pivotal in determining the quality of the video call. Once the data is relayed successfully to the other end of the call, the software decompresses the signal back to its original size in an analog form. This enables the viewer to see their caller on their laptop, computer monitor, or TV and hear them through the device's speakers.

Ideally, after the above steps, users should be able to see and hear each other. However, to produce high-quality video and audio, a few extra steps need to be undertaken. Many such software use advanced features to better sync audio-video signals, while a few others use a technology called acoustic echo cancelation to improve call quantity. Such features ensure that there is minimal sound interference and overlaps happening during conferences.

Features of Video chat Software

Video conferencing solutions work with several components simultaneously. Typically such software are comprised of four different layers, namely:

• User Interface: The Video chat UI is used for planning, scheduling, setup, and calling using the software. The user interface can be either graphical or voice-based in nature, allowing individuals to control a variety of actions. Through the user interface, individuals can control the rest of the components mentioned below.
• Control/Signaling Pane: This pane helps users choose who they want to call and what type of call it could be. This pane helps manage incoming and outgoing video calls along with session parameters.
• Conference Control: This component allows users to route calls, add parties or connect with a group of users. This component is responsible for the creation of stacks at different endpoints of a call.
• Media Pane: The media pane handles the mixing and streaming of video and audio signals in a video call. It handles User Datagram Packets (UDPs), real-time transport protocols (RTP), and real-time transport control protocols (RTCP). The UDP and RTPs carry out information such as device type, frame rate, video size, etc. On the other hand, RTCP acts as a quality management protocol to detect errors during live-streaming.

Benefits of Video Chat System

Video chat solutions are used all over the globe and provide the following benefits:

1. Better Engagement: Participants in most audio conferences tend to have difficulty in concentration over long periods of time. However, video conferencing solutions enforce virtual eye contact with all members present, closely mimicking face-to-face interactions and boost engagement.
2. Efficiency: Video conferencing saves much commuting time and helps users conversate with clients, suppliers, customers, and vendors with the click of a button. Video chat office software not only saves valuable work hours but is also a greener and more sustainable alternative to in-person meets.
3. Cost-effective: Video conferencing saves you a lot of expenses that would have been spent on commuting for training, appointments, business travels, or health visits. With the help of free software for video chat, you can communicate for free using only your internet services.
4. Enhanced Collaboration: With better communication powered by video chat tools, organizations can improve collaboration and communication between remote teams and help keep everyone on the same page. Moreover, the human brain can process and remember visual data much better than audio or written data.
5. Improved Productivity: Teams can drastically improve their response time using video conference solutions. In most cases, a quick video call is much better than marking a colleague in a mail and asking a question. Moreover, video calls remove the need for having in-person conversations. Nowadays, you can invite anyone to join a video call with you through their email instantly, get on a quick call, and record the conversation for your future reference.
6. Structured Meetings: People from different organizations and locations can join in on a video call as per their availability and schedules. With invitations having fixed start and end times, you know exactly when you are expected, what the topic is to be discussed, and who are the participants of a meeting. This helps you stay prepared, save idle time, and boost productivity. Moreover, these tools allow you to share screens, raise hands and pin messages apart from providing you timely reminders.

How to buy the best video chat software?

There is a huge variety of video chat apps available for individual, enterprise, or business needs. The most popular ones are SaaS-based, which allow users to be less dependent on software installations.

To find the best online video chat software for your business, you need to look at the unique demands of your company and understand the type of conferencing needs your organization has. Another key indicator about the same would be the type of conferencing solutions that your competitors are using. Typically, most video chat tools work just fine with small and medium teams. However, it is best to read software reviews, do your own research and possibly try out the free version of the software before making a serious commitment.