Audio Visual Insights for Web-Conferencing and Live Streaming

Hello IT Pros,

So the question has come up so frequently in the past few months "which camera is better the HuddleCam's or the PTZOptics"? We decided that a blog post was in line to review the details of this question. There are some core differences between the product lines that makes this decision not as hard as it may seem at first. Let's take a look at this decision tree which take the four main video camera requirements into consideration.

1. Web Conferencing - Only requirement being USB
2. Traditional Video Conferencing - Only requirement being HDMI or DVI
3. Broadcast Video - Only requirement being HD-SDI or HDMI
4. WebCasting - Only requirements being IP Streaming or RTSP/RTMP Streaming

Here are the core differences that make up this decision tree:

1. HuddleCamHD provides USB cameras that work with both PCs and Macs. Where PTZOptics driver set only works with PC's.
2. PTZOptics offers USB, HDMI, IP Streaming and HD-SDI built into the different cameras models. These video outputs are preferred by broadcast users who are using video switching equipment. 
3. WebCasting - Traditionally webcasting is done via a RTSP stream to a media delivery network or server. Today the word "Webcasting" can have alot of different meanings. Even a USB camera being used for YouTube Live could be considered "Webcasting" but for this decision tree we put YouTube live in "Web Conferencing" and RTSP/RTMP streaming in "WebCasting".

HuddleCam HD Cameras

HuddleCamHD USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 video conferencing cameras include professional options such as camera presets and RS-232 control. The ability to control these cameras with a Crestron or AMX control systems puts them a step above standard logitech webcams. But the entire line including the wireless USB model the HuddleCam Air are all USB.

PTZOptics Cameras

PTZOptics video conferencing cameras offer a wider array of options for broadcast and traditional video conferencing systems while still supporting USB 3.0 (only for PC's and not backward compatible with USB 2.0). This camera line offers the greatest flexibility for professionals who require multiple video outputs, using IP streaming or remote PTZ control. The PTZOptics cameras also support UVC and ONVIF control protocols used for control over USB and IP respectively.

Summary

A closer look at the back of these two cameras should give you a clear idea of which camera will fit you individual conferencing needs. PTZOptics is the "swiss army knife" of conferencing cameras offering a variety of video outputs while HuddleCamHD focuses on USB web video conferencing. The pricing is also very different and because these cameras are available through multiple online and distribution outlets we have only focused on features. If you have more questions about the differences between HuddleCamHD and PTZOptics please reach out to one of our expert device strategy consultants here at Conference Room Systems.