The Quality of Video Playback in Online Meetings: Server vs. Screen Sharing
Finally, found a way to explain it
Practically, it’s been one of the very first features we worked on, back in 2020: the ability to share a video during a meeting while playing it from a server, instead of screening the video by using screen-sharing .
But most people just didn’t understand. Whenever I spoke to anyone about it, they would usually just shrug: “I don’t mind sharing a video while using screen sharing.” Some of them would add — “I don’t see any difference” (because they didn’t see from the viewer’s perspective, huh!).
I almost gave up. Recently, I managed to appease the frustration with humour, by creating this 40 seconds video:
Hope you liked it-:).
And now, if you want to know about the technical background, read the following:
Screening and sharing videos during presentations and meetings? — Read this
In the realm of online meetings, the method of sharing video content can significantly impact the viewing experience. This following paragraphs explain why videos played directly from a server, often deliver superior quality compared to those shared and screened via screen-sharing. Understanding these differences can enhance the effectiveness of virtual presentations and meetings.
When a video is streamed directly from a server, it is optimized for playback. The server is designed to deliver high-quality video files that are encoded for efficient streaming. This means that the video is processed and transmitted in a way that maintains its resolution, frame rate, and overall visual fidelity. Additionally, server-based playback often utilizes adaptive bitrate streaming, which adjusts the quality of the video in real-time, based on the viewer’s internet connection. This ensures a smoother playback experience with minimal buffering and interruptions.
In contrast, screen sharing involves capturing the content displayed on a user’s screen and transmitting it to other participants in the meeting. This method can lead to several quality issues. First, the resolution of the shared screen may be limited by the sharing software or the capabilities of the user’s device (graphics card model and CPU). Furthermore, the frame rate may suffer due to the compression techniques used during screen sharing, which can result in choppy or lagging video playback. If the upload speed of the presenter is not stable or high enough the quality will also be reduced, even when using a powerful device with a strong graphics card. Additionally, any distractions on the presenter’s screen, such as notifications or other applications, can detract from the viewing experience.
Moreover, when using screen sharing, the video is subject to the performance of the host’s computer. If the host’s device is under heavy load or has limited processing power, it may struggle to deliver a smooth video experience. This can lead to dropped frames, lower resolution and an overall diminished quality compared to a video streamed directly from a server.
In summary, the method of video playback during online meetings plays a crucial role in the quality of the viewing experience. Videos streamed from a server are typically of higher quality due to optimized encoding, adaptive streaming capabilities, and reduced reliance on the host’s device performance. Understanding these differences can help individuals and organizations choose the best method for sharing video content in virtual environments, ultimately leading to more engaging and effective meetings.
