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Screen Mirroring Vs Screencasting: The Biggest Difference Explained

Sharing content and information across platforms have become very easy and seamless nowadays. From media streaming, screen mirroring to casting there are multiple ways to collaborate and interact with different devices. But if you’re not a tech geek, it is sometimes possible to confuse between these terms and what it signifies.

Depending on what content you want to be shown and how you prefer to go about it, it is important to be aware of these differences and understand their function. Therefore, to better understand both screen sharing technologies, this article will break down the basics of screen mirroring and screencasting and the major difference between the two.

What is ‘Media Streaming’?

Streaming has become a general term of use, especially when we talk about streaming media, a podcast or a slideshow. Streaming refers to is a continuous flow of information, in the form of visual and/or audio data.  In other words, streaming means delivering data “live”, whatever sort of content you have on your device’s screen.

What is ‘Screen Mirroring’?

Screen mirroring is a technology that allows you to switch the media, file or information that’s displaying on your Android, Apple or Windows device to a larger screen or projector for a better viewing experience. 

As the name suggests, screen mirroring “mirrors” your smartphone, tablet or computer and show it on your TV screen, projector, or external monitor without needing to use a cable which means it will present an exact replica of what’s going on on your computer or mobile device, including any movement you make on your device. In screen mirroring, you connect your device to the same network to which your streaming device is connected. You can connect it wirelessly or through a wire.

Screen mirroring works great for viewing local content such as pictures, videos, documents, and professional or educational presentations. It also gives you the option to switch to presenter mode, where you can choose to present only the slideshow while still getting to look at your notes.

Examples of screen mirroring include AirPlay, Zoapi wireless screen presentation system, Miracast, etc.

What is ‘Screencasting’?

Screencasting, on the other hand, allows you to play content from your device to another, for example playing a movie or film from a phone or a tablet on a TV. This gives you access to watch shows, movies, and other content on the big screen. But here you need WiFi to share those contents. The major difference between screen mirroring and screencasting is the way in which the content is shared and displayed on the screen. When it comes to screencasting, your TV wirelessly receives online content via a digital media player to a TV via a wireless connection. Screencasting uses an app to wirelessly share movies, video clips, and audio files form your tablet, phone or laptop to your TV screen. 

The benefit of screencasting is that you can use your phone or tablet while casting a movie without any interruption. Since screencasting app functions by using a wireless connection to set up the cast and then use other platform’s servers to stream, you can use your phone or tablet simultaneously while streaming. 

Screencasting can be done through products like Chromecast which can be plugged into any TV with HDMI ports. 

Differences between “Screen Mirroring” and “Screencasting’’

Differences In Screen Mirroring Cast Screen
Description Mirror the device’s screen, so that the same thing is visible on another screen. Allow one to play content from one device onto the other.
Screen Two screens play at the same thing. Two screens can show different things.
Content Everything on the primary screen is visible on the secondary screen. Plays only the content.
Multi-tasking Not supported. The phone screen needs to be fixed on the same page while playing something. Some devices have presenter mode to help you access files and notes while presenting Supported. In Cast Screen, when the content has been cast, the phone can be used to check messages, scroll social media or take a call.
Screen time-out If the screen of the primary device is blacked out, the secondary device also blacks out. The screen of the primary device can be blacked out while playing something.
Apps Almost all apps support Screen Mirroring. Not all apps support casting.
Local content Supports local content such as photos and videos. Typically does not support local content.

Now that you have a fair understanding of the two technologies, it becomes easier to choose the one that suits your requirements. Generally, for businesses and in workspaces, organizations require screen mirroring technologies that assist them in meeting rooms and conference halls. If you only need to stream movies on a larger screen at home, it is recommended to opt for screencasting devices. 

If you’re also looking for a similar wireless presentation system that packs all screen mirroring, video conferencing and collaboration tools in one device, you can check out Zoapi. 

Zoapi is a screen mirroring and collaboration device that manages your meeting rooms/ conferences and helps you efficiently work through your meetings. Zoapi’s wireless screen sharing option for meeting rooms, conferences and smart classrooms helps you connect and collaborate with your teammates in just 30 seconds. 

Not just limited to screen mirroring, Zoapi also helps you connect with your clients and employees from across the globe with multiple video calling app support and up to 16 screen shares at a time.

Check out the all-in-one Zoapi Hub in action! Schedule a demo – https://zoapi.com/

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