These days, your best bet to have a conference where not everyone can be physically present is to either web conference or video conference. These two options are both good, but which is better?

When it comes to conferencing, it’s usually the most efficient way to take depositions, even when in remote locations. Even if the witness is at the same address as the court reporter, the attorneys may not be present. However, the witness and the attorney can both be connected to a computer or table software that lets them see and hear the other.

The software that allows for video streaming of each party allows the attorney to ask deposition questions. The witness can then in turn answer, just as if both were in the same room. What legal video conferencing allows parties to do is have a deposition even if the parties are in separate rooms from each other. This does require a room with specialized equipment, a large screen, cameras, speakers, microphones, and a hard-wired connection.

Technology has improved to the point where computers, smart phones, and tablets can remote stream with good quality. However, videoconferencing offers unique benefits in that the quality of the video and audio is often unmatched. It lets a deposition go on when both parties are not in the same room, but it also requires a room with the equipment to do so.

While videoconferencing used to be the only traditional option for depositions when you had a remote party, technology is now challenging what used to be a monopoly in the field. Web conferencing may save you lots of cost as well as allow you to conduct a deposition remotely using your laptop, mobile device, or tablet. It’s much more economical and is an attractive option, particularly if a room-based option like video conferencing seems too expensive.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you which option you choose. Web conferencing has advanced to the point where it is nearly as convenient as video is and does not require any specially dedicated equipment. Since it works using nearly any device, it’s also a practical choice. However, no one can argue that if you choose to do video for your deposition that the conferencing will provide unrivaled high-quality video and audio.

What’s the big difference? Video uses special equipment, while web conferencing can be done using a simple computer. Knowing you have a good connection to the Internet is key for this to work for web conferencing, however, and not all computer webcams or tablet cams are going to necessarily deliver the quality you want. So if you do go the route of web conferencing, make sure your technology quality and connection are high.

You may end up choosing web or video off of your preferences. Maybe you don’t have time or the budget to go video, or simply desire the convenience of web conferencing. Think about which works best for you and then go for it!

All things considered, there isn’t necessarily a pressing need for extra high tech equipment that covers all the bases. Extra video width, while nice, isn’t really a necessity for courtrooms. Even if there were a need to have more width to show that type of video, it would be hard to imagine why. A video covering a deposition would already have the focus in view, so extra width would likely add up to a little bit of extra scenery in the forms of walls and cups on the table.

That being said, standard equipment is still a basic need in the courtroom, as any certified court reporter could attest. There are a lot of high quality products out there. Let’s go into examples of equipment that may be necessary, what they do, and the best options for each.

Projector
Projectors used to follow a lumens limit, but these days, 6,000 lumens is a standard amount for a projector. These levels will allow for a clear, bright image with normal lighting. In the case that you find that the lighting is not sufficient, the lights can be dimmed, but this often adds unnecessary stalling and distraction. A model you might want to check out is the Eiki LC-XL200A.

Screen
There are many screens out there that you can use. One standard is the Da-Lite 100” Deluxe Insta-Theater. This screen is nice to use because it’s super quick to install in courtrooms, saving you time (and potential embarrassment). Try the Floor Model C for a nice wide screen that doesn’t need a tripod, instead using an easy separate floor stand base. With a wide screen, the jury and court should be able to see any presented evidence clearly and without issue.

Audio
Of course, it’s always important to have high quality, working audio. Amplified speaker sets can provide clear sound– and a lack of clear sound is a problem in court. Try the Samson Expedition XP150, a portable PA set with good power, easy connections, and a mixer.

Tech Table
One thing that hasn’t changed is the need for a decent place to put all your equipment on. For this, you need a tech table. Your laptops and more have to have someplace to rest! There are many nice tables out there to choose from. Look for something that is easy to operate and is light enough to move without issue, but still sturdy enough to hold everything without collapsing. There are many good varieties on the market. You can go with a name brand or a medium range priced table– the choice is up to you!