Skype Vs Polycom – Which the Better Video Conferencing Option?
With working from home becoming the new norm, video conferencing is a necessity for you to periodically ‘meet’ all your team members together. How will you keep up with the times?
That technology plays an integral part in our lives cannot be denied in today’s fast moving world. It is not surprising therefore that through technology you can participate in a meeting without being physically present!This means there is no reason for your businesses not remaining productive even when staff are not in the office physically. It is now inevitable to embrace this technology that has greatly revolutionized the way business is conducted. This review will help you choose the best conference option for your virtual meetings.
Table of Contents
What are the Differences BetweenSkype and Polycom?
Skype |
Polycom |
|
Background Noise Suppression |
No |
Yes
|
Device Pairing Capability |
Bluetooth-compatible wireless headset needed for pairing to be possible |
Device pairing capabilities possible. |
Call Quality |
Questionable |
Reliable
|
Video Quality |
High possibility of blurry images during video call |
Lower Possibility of blurry images during call |
Call handling features |
Calls, videos, instant messages. |
Call waiting, forwarding , do not disturb functions |
Audio features |
Voice mail, wireless hotspot network access |
6 meters microphone pick up range with availability of loudspeaker options |
Security |
Basic |
Log-in password, SRTP and Wi-Fi encryption |
Skype Vs Polycom – How Do They Compare?
Whereas Polycom is an IT company that makes and sells business communication products, skype is a free, easy to use download through which many individuals and businesses communicate. Paying a little more affords you more benefits. How do these 2 products perform in comparison?
Audio Features
Both Skype and Polycom have integrated various audio features geared towards ensuring that clients have the best possible experience when using them to conduct business.
Polycom trio makes use of technology it has branded Polycom HD Voice that is sure to allow conversations to flow naturally and with clarity. The Polycom HD Voice technology suppresses background noises so much so that even noises such as typing on one’s keyboard is not heard. As such meetings are able to proceed without any background-noise interruptions thus greatly maintaining business productivity.
On the other hand, with Skype background noise suppression can only be achieved through the use oftactics like wearing headsets when using Skype so as to limit the amount of background noises. Similarly, ensuringone’s environment is quiet and less disruptive also helps to limit the amount of background noise.
Lastly Polycom is able to pick up voices within a range of 6 meters very clearly. This enhances the audio quality experience during a conference call meeting, ensuring everyone within a 6-meter radius is heard clearly and without any problems to audio clarity.
Skype does not have technology that is able to pick up voices within a range of 6 meters. As such audio clarity in Skype can be questionable especially when conducting meetings via Skype.
Call Quality
Both Skype and Polycom have invested in ensuring calls have the best possible quality. Polycom uses features such as call forwarding, transfer, and receive among others toensure excellent quality calls. Moreover, its noise-proof technology also improves call quality.
With skype, it is possible to design the computer microphone used in a skype call with video conferencing features to ensure maximum skype call quality.
Video Quality
An HD webcam greatly improves video quality when conducting a video call on skype. Similarly, the Polycom EagleEyecameras focuson active speakers ensuring images reflected during a conference call never go blurry.
Security Features
The Polycom Trio provides for encryption of media via Secure Real-Time Protocol (SRTP), login using password and Wi-Fi encryption. Though Skype also has in place measures to ensure that conversations are private and clients feel safe when using Skype, its security features are not as advanced as those present in Polycom.
Skype Vs Polycom –A Comparison Review
Polycom
Polycom has a wide array of voice, video and telepresence solutions and services that connect people wherever they are. The Polycom Trio series enables teams to express their ideas clearly whether through video, audio or content sharing.
The Polycom Trio 8800
- Conference Phone Flexibility: Video conferencing and content sharing can be easily added, ensuring...
- Outstanding Audio: Hear every inflection, without the distracting background noise. Room filling audio up...
The Polycom trio series are designed to revolutionize how we conduct conference meetings. It use of the best technology to enhance video and audio performance is commendable.
Technology such as Polycom NoiseBlock ensures that conversations flow smoothly without interference from unwanted background noises. The Polycom Trio series is more geared towards video performance. In addition to the legendary high voice quality, the phone comes with 2 port Gigabit Ethernet switches, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The phone also has hybrid registration support which enables simultaneous connection to multiple platforms. Up to 3 separate lines can be registered. User adoption can be accelerated by pairing with his/her portable devices using IP, USB or Bluetooth.
Pros
- Specifically designed for video performance
- Noise block technology
- 6 meters’ voice pick-up range
Cons
- Not specific on capacity to have a 360-degree voice pickup range.
Skype
Unlike the Polycom Conference phone which is a complete device on its own, Skypeis a software by Microsoft freely downloaded from the net. Millions of people across the globe use skype to make free voice and video one-on-one or group calls, share files, or send instant messages to other people on skype. Skype can be downloaded and used on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. It is suitable for home use and small businesses of up to 20 employees. Skype for Business allows transactions of up to 250 people.
All the same, one can choose to pay for a more feature-enhanced version.These include calling phones and sending SMSes. For businesses, it can bring together the entire ecosystem of staff, customers and partners on very many activities.
Considering that Skype does not have a noise proof technology it would not be prudent to conduct serious business meetings on Skype. Moreover, technology that ensuresvideo conference calls maintains sharp clarity without getting blurry is also lacking.
Pros
- Easy to use and maintain
- No payments required after installation
- Supports video call and group calls as well
- Supports Instant messaging
Cons
- Poor video quality
- Basic security features
- No Background Noise suppression
Conclusion
The Polycom conference meeting phone has very exquisite features that make it one of the best devices to use when it comes to conducting conference meetings. It can be used for whichever office setting thanks to its noise proof technology and other advanced features.Skype is also capable of ensuring people hold meetings through videos by the technology it has incorporated into its system. It also comes free.Therefore for serious business transactions Polycom is the better option. Skype being free is more appealing in a social context of interactions between friends or businesses that favor a casual/dress-down image.
Verdict: Which is better- Skype or Polycom?
Though both Skype and Polycom have different purposes and both impacts, the features available in Polycom but lacking in Skype, makes Polycom a safe and better option for any person considering conducting conference meeting or video calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polycom Trio?
The Polycom trio series is an IP phone that is design for conference rooms. It has technology that greatly enhances its audio capabilities ensuring the quality of audio is smooth and clear. It also has powerful video and content performance.
How do I set up a Skype Video Call?
Setting up a Skype video call is fairly easy. You will have to tap on the Skype button that appears next to the person you want to call. Then from ones call list one will select the start a new call option. Then you will proceed to select New Group call and select all the participants you desire to call. After selecting the participants, you then have the option of selecting the audio or video button.