Wireless technology is undeniably fantastic. Bluetooth, wireless microphones, wireless comms, wireless internet—all have their place and shine when used as intended. When freedom of movement or extended range is required, wireless is unparalleled.
Yet, if you’ve ever encountered signal dropouts or interference, you’ve glimpsed the limitations of wireless. Traditional wired connections have their own valuable niche and can minimize potential weak points in your setup. Discover which (or a combination of both) is best for your next event!
Wireless vs. Wired: What’s the Difference?
Wireless technology is all around us nowadays. From the Wi-Fi in your home to the cellphones in our pockets, we’ve become quite accustomed to instant communication and seamless technological integration without the use of wires.
Without getting too deep in the weeds, wireless devices transmit their data over electromagnetic waves. This data is picked up by a receiver, which allows us to enjoy a completely wire-free experience. Most wireless devices have a certain range in which they’ll work before they lose connection, but other devices, like smartphones, can work almost anywhere in the world without a wire in sight. However, wireless technology can be disrupted by other signals, causing the dread “technical issues” we’re all familiar with.
Wired technology, on the other hand, transmits the same data through, well, wires. While this means the range of how far you can use the device is small, you’ll almost always have a clear connection unless the power is out or the wire itself is physically damaged.
Essentially, wireless gives you a more aesthetically pleasing, wide-range approach, but wired technology provides a lot more security in the device working without much hassle.
Should You Use Wireless Technology?
While wireless technology does have its issues, that’s not to say you shouldn’t use wireless event technology. The key to success for any event is looking at all the details, and that includes when and where to use wireless technology. For example, outdoor events may thrive with wireless technology, since you may not have the needed outlets for wired solutions. Smaller, more personal venues may also benefit from wireless technology, since there’s less overall “data traffic” and likely won’t disrupt wireless connections.
You may also use wireless technology simply for the aesthetic. It can be difficult to hide all the cords required by wired technology, and if you need a clean, neat appearance without too much effort, wireless technology was designed to make tech sleek.
Where Wired Technologies Shines
For ultra-technical and time-sensitive (down to the millisecond) delivery of video and audio, wired solutions reign supreme. They offer simplicity in setup and cost-effectiveness when freedom of movement isn’t necessary—cue the celebration!
In locations bustling with wireless traffic, such as downtown areas near emergency responders or hotels with in-house unions operating on their radios, going wired can eliminate the headache of coordinating wireless frequencies.
Consider this: If you’re managing several small breakouts simultaneously, a speaker on a wired microphone with a wired video cable can be a game-changer. No worries about interference between microphones in breakout rooms, and no concern about attendee wireless signals (cellphones, laptops, Bluetooth headphones, etc.) potentially causing havoc.
Wired solutions may not always seem glamorous or cutting-edge in today’s day and age, but sometimes, foolproof and straightforward are precisely what you need.
We Think of Every Event Detail for You, Down to the Wire
No matter the event you’re planning, our team is here to make sure every detail is thought out. We’ve partnered with hundreds of people just like you to help bring their event to life—and that includes making sure they have the needed technology on hand day of the event.
Our experience means you’ll have the industry experts in event planning and execution, so we know all the best practices and latest tech in the industry. Reach out to us today to see how we can best serve your next event!