desu ka /vs/ deshou ka?

[Laughing Larry]

hi,

what's the different between "desu ka" and "deshou ka" at the end of a question??

thanks

 

[Gackt21]

Desu ka vs deshou ka?

Desu ka is polite but not as polite as deshou ka.

Da=is
is very plain.

 

[Calicoes]

Desu ka vs deshou ka?

Desu ka is polite but not as polite as deshou ka.

Da=is
is very plain.

Is this the only difference please, or can it sometimes acquire different meanings depending on context please?
Sorry for the stupid question and sorry for asking more rather than replying

 

[nice gaijin]

desu ka is factual and to the point, "is it?"
deshou ka is softer and more like "could it be?"

"softer" phrasing is often seen as being politer