Latest Generation: Simple Doesn’t Mean Less

The latest addition to the all-in-one video bar lineup is Yealink’s MeetingBar A40, launched in September 2024. While video bars are known for their convenience, they can sometimes fall short of the stability, security, and management features needed for robust corporate use. Yealink addresses this with the A40, offering:

• Improved stability through its one-cable solution that handles sharing, BYOD and PD charging all from one desk cable.
• Enhanced security with Android 13 and Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) support, protecting against cyber threats and data breaches in Teams environments.
• Simplified IT management through remote monitoring, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.

All-in-One Solutions: Beyond Video Bars

While video bars are effective for small rooms, Yealink offers a broader range of all-in-one solutions, including devices that integrate touch displays with built-in cameras, microphones, speakers, and digital whiteboards. These solutions offer plug-and-play simplicity but also transform workspaces into collaborative hubs. So how do you choose between a video bar and an integrated board?

Modern Style: MeetingBoard Solution

The MeetingBoard is ideal for newly constructed or renovated offices, where no legacy devices need to be reused. With a similar budget to a video bar, it offers more features like digital whiteboarding for enhanced hybrid collaboration. It’s also perfect for open spaces, executive offices, or even lobbies, as its movable floor stand allows for flexibility without requiring wall mounting. The dual-system compatibility (Android and Windows) ensures it fits into any office workflow.

Traditional Style: MeetingBar Series

For meeting rooms with existing TV setups, Yealink’s MeetingBar series offers a sustainable and budget-friendly solution. It easily attaches to any screen and is perfect for small spaces like huddle rooms or phone booths, where quick setup and affordability are key.

Conclusion

Whether you’re upgrading an existing room or setting up a new collaborative space, Yealink’s all-in-one solutions provide the right mix of simplicity, flexibility, and performance. With options like the MeetingBar A40 and MeetingBoard, Yealink covers a wide range of needs to ensure seamless hybrid collaboration.

Learn more about Yealink’s all-in-one solutions in this guide.

The post Simple Videoconferencing Solutions: Video Bars & More appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The ALF-UC1 (Gen2) features dual screen HDMI outputs. Output 1 is configured for 4K UHD video while output 2 is intended for 1080P displays.

ALF-UC1 (Gen2) Features

The system is both HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 compliant — ensuring connectivity with a wide range of video sources. Switching between presenters is quick and easy as the screen can be split for connecting multiple presenters. The system’s Multiview capability supports 4 + 1 or 1 + 4 making it easy to show up to 4 presenters on one display and a fifth presenter on the second display.

The ALF-UC1 (Gen2) supports multiple sharing and connection methods. These include 4K HDMI and USB-C dongles. The UC-1 system facilitates either direct connection or by using an external dongle. The on-screen moderator controls enable users to manage who can and cannot connect at any given time, with support for Android, Airplay for IOS, Miracast (Windows), and MAC OS over the local network.

The UC-1 Generation 2 now features a secondary HDMI output that can connect to an additional display device, a recorder, a confidence-monitor, or remote display in another location.

Read Next: DisplayNote Updates Screen Sharing Software

Wireless Screen-Share Feature

The ALF-UC1 (Gen 2) also has a wireless software application that provides a way to connect wirelessly to the unit from any Windows or Mac OS platform. The local ‘Screen-Share’ feature from the ALF-wireless media application enables the connected user to view the shared content on their own computer, further allowing them to share this content into a VC Call as a ‘share screen’ – enabling far side participants to see the content shared to the ALF-UC1 (Gen2), without the presenter(s) being in the VC Call.

The ALF-wireless media application provides an intuitive interface and makes for quick and easy use of the features built into the application. These features include sharing the screen, the ability to share the full screen or not, freeze screen, local share, and a host of additional settings such as audio selection on the USB connections and quality of the latency.

The Alfatron ALF-UC1 (Gen2) also supports USB peripheral device sharing over a Wi-Fi connection. Device control and configuration can be managed via the Web GUI. Third party control is available via IP/LAN (Telnet) and RS-232 (Serial) protocols. Further, front panel control is provided for USB host switching between local USB-C wired or wireless connections, or it can be set to auto switch. Additional attributes of the ALF-UC1 (Gen2) include support for both the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi bands, plus a LAN port with 1 Gbps speed.

Marketing Director at Alfatron Electronics, Tiaan’s Hoogstad, comments on the new ALF-UC1 (Gen2) Wireless Conferencing System, “For technology managers and others who are regularly involved with preparing and conducting meetings, the new Alfatron ALF-UC1 (Gen2) merits a close look. This is a compact, versatile tool that enables one to bring the computer, camera, laptop computer, and other components typically used in meeting rooms into a unit that centralizes control of the equipment. Most importantly, its intuitive operation enables presenters to focus on the message as opposed to worrying about how to make the system work.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 3, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Video Collaboration

Look For: Enhanced Communication and Productivity
Avoid: Stressing the Network

Video applications are used across industries for everything from collaborating and problem solving with colleagues, to training sessions, to providing customer services like telehealth appointments. While the use of this technology grew exponentially with many working from home, these applications are so entrenched in business operations that they won’t disappear with return-to-office mandates. Employees will still reach for videoconferencing to connect them with others who aren’t in the same office building — whether that be with a colleague or client in the same state or in another country.

Networks — wired and WiFi — must be resilient enough to withstand the growing dependency of video collaboration. They must support the upload and download of real-time data; otherwise, meeting attendees will experience distorted video, speech delays and other issues.

To keep communication and productivity on track, IT professionals must have:

• End-to-end user experience metrics that measure how capable networks are of supporting video platforms. Metrics measured must include latency, jitter, dropped packets and the Mean Opinion Score.
• Real-time analytics for video collaboration software and all other network devices, applications, and infrastructure to identify and resolve issues with pinpoint accuracy.
• Complete visibility into the entire network ecosystem so there are no behavior and performance mysteries.
• Automatic, proactive alerts to issues as soon as they occur and before users are impacted, rather than reactive alerts from inconvenienced users.

The 6GHz Frequency Band and WiFi 6E Migration

Look For: Expanded Connectivity
Avoid: Interoperability Issues

WiFi 6E appeared on the market soon after the release of WiFi 6. While the two deliver similar benefits for enterprises, WiFi 6E devices are alone in their ability to use the new unlicensed 6GHz spectrum. This is the first time in over a decade that the amount of available unlicensed spectrum has changed so this is far from your run-of-the-mill migration.

Yes, the 6GHz spectrum will be less congested and offer less signal interference since it will only allow 6E devices, and adds 14 additional 80MHz channels and 7 additional 160MHz channels. Yes, the faster data throughput and lower latency are exciting, especially for technologies such as cloud computing, augmented and virtual reality, and instantaneously uploading / downloading extremely large files.

But, networks and network ecosystems are going to significantly change with the new frequency band. Migrations need to move slowly and steadily to avoid interoperability issues. Technology leaders must prep their teams to be ready to:

• Analyze end user metrics to predict which departments need the upgrade first. Migrations are expensive and time consuming; that time and money should be spent where the ROI will be the greatest.
• Redesign AP deployment to better provide 6GHz connectivity. The 6GHz spectrum uses shorter wavelengths than its 2.4GHz and 5GHz predecessors. Existing AP placement may not offer the best support for the new technology.
• Ensure redesigns don’t cause roaming issues for devices on any of the three frequency bands.
• Watch and analyze three frequency bands 24/7. Issues of any sort can occur at any time; if all three frequency bands aren’t analyzed 24/7, IT professionals will be missing data. There’s always the chance that the data that teams don’t have will be the data that is needed to identify a root cause and make it possible for IT to implement a resolution.
• Compare network performance before and after transitions both to identify issues and determine if the expected ROI is delivered.

AI-Powered Network Automation

Look For: Complete Wired and WiFi Assurance
Avoid: Manual, Reactive Operations

Enterprises need issue-free wired and WiFi networks. If networks aren’t issue free, organizations need solutions in place that will drastically:

1. Reduce the number of issues
2. Reduce resolution times

Fewer issues that are in turn resolved faster than ever result in networks that spend more time working optimally and less time causing delays in business continuity. When almost every single business process is dependent on the network, network assurance is a critical need.

Enterprises can try to achieve network assurance through purely manual means, but they will fail. Networks are too complex for this to be possible. Assurance depends on real-time analytics from every single connected device, all infrastructure, and even nearby networks. IT professionals cannot analyze thousands of data packets a second. They need AI-powered network automation.

When teams have the support of these solutions, they have:

• Complete network visibility provided by a solution that never sleeps
• Real-time, automatic problem detection, notification, and identification (root cause analysis)
• Recommended resolutions
• Proactive network testing
• Automated remote troubleshooting

AI-powered network automation solutions deliver in-depth network analytics, down to the device level, so that technology leaders know the precise behavior and performance of their network, and what is needed to improve it. Generalities are not the answer. Enterprises want the best network for their users – and their users have specific needs and pain points. Understanding these, and designing a network that improves user experience, will also improve business performance, reputation and revenue.

AI-powered network automation solutions provide the needed capabilities in a cost-effective and scalable way. This is modern wired and WiFi assurance.

The Details Matter

A network that must be significantly updated or redesigned every year is one that is doing no one any favors. Networks need to meet the needs of enterprise users right now and be adaptable enough to continue providing optimal support for the next three to five years. Build your network to support the three trends of video collaboration, WiFi 6E and the 6GHz band, and network automation, and your network will be resilient, reliable, and give you a competitive edge that lasts beyond 2024.

Roger Sands is the co-founder and CEO of Wyebot, Inc. He has 20+ years of executive management experience under his belt, gained from working with both successful networking startups and Fortune 500 companies, such as the following: Hewlett-Packard’s WW WLAN business, Colubris Networks, Accton Technology, 3com, USRobotics, and Bytex Corporation.

The post Top Three Network Concerns for Technology Decision Makers appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The just announced keyboard solution, along with the company’s new Signature M750 mouse provides users with work solutions that are designed for seamless device swapping to support a single mouse and keyboard across users’ work and personal computers. Logitech states the new Signature Slim Combo MK950 enables users to streamline their workflow processes through the ability to customize keys, buttons, and ready-made Smart Action templates using the Logi Options+ app, which is available for both Windows and MacOS operating systems.

Logitech also points out that its latest product can be used as a visual upgrade to users’ work and home spaces through the Signature Slim Combo MK950 keyboard’s laptop-like typing experience that provides users with a familiar and comfortable feel. The global company stresses the keyboard 62% recycled plastic for the graphite finish and 48% recycled plastic for the off-white (K950) model.

Some of the other features the Signature Slim Combo MK950 offers include a quiet typing experience using the company’s Silent Touch technology, as well as the ability to provide 8-degrees of typing angle, and as much as 36 months of battery life for the keyboard and 24 months of battery life for the companion mouse.

The post Logitech Introduces Signature Slim Combo MK950 appeared first on My TechDecisions.

21:9 Aspect Ratio

Sony says the 21:9 Ultrawide Full HD aspect ratio at 2,560 x 1,080 input signal support opens doors to a new dimension of visual engagement. Whether it’s the latest business presentation, a videoconferencing platform or dynamic content sharing, this extended format provides greater immersion and versatility for users.

According to the company, 21:9 projection displays offer a new dimension of immersion and engagement across various applications, making it essential for those who seek to captivate, educate and entertain. Projectors empower architects to showcase designs in detail and businesses to grab attention at trade shows. In live theaters and performances, projectors elevate visual effects, while libraries and museums use them for wide-format document displays and interactive exhibits. Going beyond, in upscale restaurants and interior design studios, these displays create more immersive and engaging environments.

Enhanced Communication

As the business landscape continually evolves, seamless communication and collaboration are paramount. Sony’s firmware update improves compatibility with today’s leading video collaboration platforms, which are designed to elevate meetings and presentations. With 21:9 aspect ratio support, users can now enjoy a wide, panoramic view of content, enhancing videoconferences and presentations for participants.

This firmware update expands upon Sony’s key projection differentiators, including Reality Creation, which enhances the overall sharpness, resolution and quality of pictures, graphs, or text, and Ambiance which measures the room’s brightness using an ambient light sensor and optimally calibrates additional visual settings. Together, these technologies, combined with 21:9 aspect ratio, create even more realistic and immersive visual experiences that unlock new levels of collaboration.

21:9 Aspect Ratio Firmware Update Information  

“This firmware update is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of visual innovation and increase the longevity and power of our existing portfolio,” says Terrence Boyd, senior business manager, Sony Electronics. “We’re excited to offer our customers a wider dimension to collaborative platform viewing experiences, blending the communication barriers between on-site, hybrid and remote event participants.”

The firmware update bringing 21:9 aspect ratio support is available now for the Mid-Range VPL-FHZ85 and VPL-FHZ80 interchangeable lens projectors and is planned to be available for the Ultra-Compact VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 fixed-lens projectors at the end of December 2023.

Shop and compare Sony’s latest audio/video and information technology solutions on My TechDecisions’ sister-site AV-iQ here.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on December 6, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a mainstay in our everyday lives. Whether it be text-to-image generators like DALL-E or language processing tools like ChatGPT, sophisticated AI tools are revolutionizing the way we work.

That’s especially true in the hybrid workplace, where organizations are searching for new ways to bridge the gap between distributed employees. Given this challenge, it’s no wonder that videoconferencing has emerged as AI’s next step in revolutionizing how we live and work.

Let’s explore AI’s role in videoconferencing and how its latest innovations are improving the meeting experience.

The Rise of AI-Powered Videoconferencing

It should come as no surprise that demand for videoconferencing apps has grown exponentially since the start of the pandemic in spring 2020. Without question, virtual meetings are the bedrock of hybrid work, enabling organizations to seamlessly connect and collaborate across a distributed workforce.

This uptick in demand runs parallel with the emergence of several new competitors in the videoconferencing market. In turn, vendors have been compelled to improve their services by releasing feature-rich additions to their existing applications.

AI technologies have also advanced in leaps and bounds over the same period. In fact, reports show that AI adoption is 2.5 times greater now than it was in 2017. The market is projected to skyrocket twentyfold by 2030 to nearly $2 trillion.

Now, the two worlds are converging. Leading platforms are weaving AI capabilities into their videoconferencing tools to enhance the meeting experience for maximum productivity and performance.

Four Ways AI Can Transform the Videoconferencing Experience

Gone are the days when organizing, running and managing your virtual meetings was a clunky, cumbersome endeavor. Thanks to AI’s advantages, videoconferencing platforms are empowering organizations to kick up their internal and external meetings several notches.

Here are four of the most impactful ways AI-driven solutions can improve the meeting experience.

#1 Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural language processing is a branch of AI that enables computers to understand text and spoken words in the same way a real person can. In other words, it’s about giving AI programs the power of conversational intelligence.

Modern videoconferencing tools are leveraging NLP across a host of innovative capabilities, including:

• Voice-to-text transcription: Using NLP, an AI-enabled platform can recognize and process complete sentences as they’re spoken during the meeting. This allows the system to automatically capture meeting notes, summarize conversations and generate searchable transcripts. When machine learning tools are incorporated, videoconferencing platforms can even identify who is speaking during the meeting.
• Real-time translation: Global enterprises may be holding internal or external meetings that stretch beyond borders and include attendees who speak different languages. With AI, the meeting software can give everyone an equitable experience by automatically translating live audio into the language of any user’s choice.
• Closed captions: Likewise, NLP capabilities can analyze audio and generate closed captions to make the meeting experience more inclusive for all participants.
• Noise removal: From cars and pets to housemates and more, there’s no telling what sounds might suddenly disrupt and derail a meeting. Machine learning can be used to train AI to identify and remove those noises before they’re picked up. For hybrid teams, this is especially useful, as automatic background noise removal and acoustic fencing filters out distractions in different locations to keep meetings running smoothly.
• Sentiment analysis: Consider the customer experience use case for videoconferencing: contact center agents working on resolutions in real-time. One major benefit for agents is AI’s ability to understand sentiment and tone during a conversation. Programs can analyze a speaker’s voice to uncover pain points and frustrations during the interaction. This allows managers to evaluate both customer experience and agent performance for future improvements.

#2 Conversational AI

Although they’re also built on NLP, conversational AI programs stand on their own. In simple terms, conversational AI refers to platforms that can chat and interact with users. That said, their capabilities stretch far beyond simple back-and-forth communication.

For example, voice-based virtual assistants can be used to streamline meeting management. Users can simply speak to their endpoints and apps to kickstart a meeting, turn on their camera, capture important items and control the experience from start to finish.

Chatbots can also be asked to schedule follow-up meetings with attendees, assign action items, send automated reminders and more.

#3 Computer Vision (CV)

According to Aragon Research, computer vision will have the biggest impact on intelligent videoconferencing in the future. This type of AI uses algorithms to understand, analyze and reconstruct visual inputs from image or video data.

This has several innovative use cases for meetings:

• Optimized framing: CV can help participants stay in their cameras’ frame when presenting to colleagues and customers. By automatically tracking the speaker’s movements, the system keeps you centered in your video to eliminate unwanted distractions. In addition, multiple cameras in a room can now work together by switching cameras views to focus on the active speaker. The result? A cinematic video experience that follows the conversation from one speaker to the next.
• Adaptive tracking: For meetings with multiple speakers, CV programs can ensure everyone is equally represented on screen. During webinars, cameras can adaptively track speakers as they move across the room or auditorium stage, ensuring that they’re always in everyone’s view.
• Immersive presentations: Virtual presentations are challenging in hybrid settings. CV allows presenters to deliver more immersive content by automatically screen sharing in front of presentation materials.
• Meeting zones: AI will soon use machine learning to automatically learn and frame your space based on predefined boundaries. This will ensure that distraction from passers-by are removed from the meeting in glass-walled rooms or open space.

#4 Productivity Analytics

People spend a lot of time in meetings these days. So, it’s important for organizations to ensure that time is well spent on value-added activities and core business processes. Fortunately, AI-powered solutions are helping businesses capture meeting data and leverage it to their advantage.

AI enhances data collection and offers users the power to evaluate key metrics. For example, platforms can record time spent on certain agenda items and activities, back-to-back meetings and other real-time insights that can be delivered directly to employees to help improve their productivity.

The Future of AI-Driven Videoconferencing

In truth, we are only scratching the surface when it comes to what AI can bring to the table. But, with the videoconferencing market expected to double by 2030, it’s safe to say that AI-powered meetings will be a major asset for years to come.

Robyn Rawlings is director of campaigns and content marketing at Webex by Cisco.

The post AI’s Revolutionary Impact on the Videoconferencing Experience appeared first on My TechDecisions.

“Partnering with other industry leading companies is critical to us so that we can provide end-users with the flexible solutions and support required to thrive while collaborating across hybrid workspaces,” says Jonas Gyalokay, Airtame co-dounder. “Joining with Jabra allows Airtame to stay true to our mission of delivering a seamless hybrid meeting experience to anyone, anywhere, at any time.”

The Airtame hybrid conferencing platform stands out as the most versatile option available on the market. It is specifically designed to integrate with peripheral manufacturers, providing the most technologically advanced wireless hybrid meeting experience possible, with additional compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and soon, Google Meet and Webex. By integrating with Jabra’s  collaboration solutions, it allows for optimal integration without compromising the quality or performance of either solution.

The speaker phones in the Jabra Speak lineup, the PanaCast 180 degree FoV meeting room camera and PanaCast 20 personal webcam, and the PanaCast 50 all-in-one video bar are all available for pairing with the Airtame Hub. With this compatibility, Airtame’s hybrid conferencing platform provides hybrid meeting solutions for small, mid-sized and large conferencing spaces.

Integrators and end-users can now leverage the capabilities of Airtame’s hybrid conferencing platform, combined with compatible Jabra solutions, to enhance communication and collaboration in their organizations, schools and hybrid workspaces.

“Our partnerships within the collaboration technology ecosystem provide solution options for customers,” says Holger Reisinger, SVP, Jabra Enterprise Video Solutions. “The Airtame solution provides a choice for customers who want a flexible solution for their hybrid environments.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 11, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Automate VX technology, a multi-camera solution, enables high-quality meeting experience with production-style cuts for Microsoft Teams meetings. Inclusive meetings, especially for larger collaboration spaces and boardrooms, pose a unique set of challenges to capture and frame in-room participants in a way that is easy to follow for remote attendees. To drive more equitable experiences, intelligent video technologies are vital to supporting a critical and dynamic collaboration experience.

Crestron Automate VX Main Features

With Automate VX, multiple cameras around the room work together to track active speakers while removing distractions that are typically visible when a camera pans, tilts or zooms. While an active speaker is being captured on the first camera, the second camera moves into position to capture the next speaker before the system switches the camera feed, reducing any disruptive camera movements and enabling participants to focus on their meeting.

“After a few years under our belts of hybrid meeting and learning, our expectations for these experiences have grown, meaning our customers expect more from the technology that supports them. With permanent hybrid and remote workers, meeting room technologies that provide a reliable experience captured by multiple cameras have become critical for collaboration spaces to drive a more personable experience,” says Brad Hintze, EVP of global marketing, Crestron. “Automate VX is the only product on the market that can deliver this level of video quality, production switching, and customization ease.”

Ideal for high-impact spaces, the Automate VX solution can also support up to 12 cameras and ensure remote attendees always have a crisp and clear shot of in-person participants. Those inside of the room no longer have to worry about where to look or any switching controls as the cameras seamlessly leverage voice-activated switching to capture the perfect shot.

Per a statement, Intelligent Video Room Designer Tool means that organizations can implement Automate VX with no code design or configurations, so users have the flexibility to adapt to any room or platform and customize the views of the meeting.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 11, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Microsoft Grants Teams Room Device Certification to Crestron’s Automate VX appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Brad Hintze, EVP global marketing at Crestron, says, “With Crestron and Zoom, our shared customers know they can expect a high-quality and reliable collaboration experience throughout their enterprise, and Crestron continues to evolve our native Zoom solutions to add even more offerings.”

Zoomtopia 2023 News: Crestron Videobar 70 Approved by Zoom Team

Crestron’s all-in-one collaboration bar, the Videobar 70, has been approved by the Zoom team as a high-performing audio and video device for the Zoom Rooms software. Built on Android OS, the collaboration bar packs four high-resolution cameras with intelligent video capabilities, enabling speaker tracking, group framing, conversation mode, and beamforming microphones into one front-of-room solution. The Videobar 70 can detect speakers up to a 30-foot distance, making it ideal for medium and large conference rooms. Paired with a Crestron touch screen native to the Zoom Rooms platform, one-touch meeting joins and in-meeting control are a tap away for users.

For rooms that require optical PTZ cameras for presenter tracking and group framing, the AutoTracker and AutoFramer intelligent video cameras are now certified for the Zoom Rooms collaboration platform. Ideal for training rooms and classrooms, the AutoTracker cameras enable presenters to speak and move around naturally. Remote participants will be able to see them within the frame of the presentation area. The AutoFramer camera automatically adjusts the camera to frame all in-room participants

Within this quarter, Crestron says, Zoom will also certify the Hawk, which features dual 12x optical PTZ cameras that seamlessly show the active speaker by automatically matching audio location to the closest detected face.

Zoom Phone Appliance

Crestron’s phone product line now includes a Zoom Phone Appliance optimized for individual desktop use in the office or at home. Available in 8-inch and 10-inch touch screen models, the display provides a dedicated meeting device with a camera and 360-degree audio pickup, allowing users to keep their desktops available for other focused work. With the rise of hot desk stations and permanent remote workers, the Crestron Zoom Phone Appliance offers both populations a companion device to reduce overloading their PC for task-switching and improve their productivity.

Scheduling Panel with Zoom Software

Crestron will now offer a native Zoom Scheduling Panel for a consistent user experience both inside and outside of the room for organizations standardized on the Zoom Rooms platform. Crestron has historically offered certified scheduling solutions for Zoom, but this new product SKU will simplify and streamline the ordering process, the company says.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 3, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Crestron Unveils New Zoom Enterprise Solutions at Zoomtopia 2023 appeared first on My TechDecisions.

These requirements have given the all-in-one conferencing bar more importance in enterprise meeting rooms, which need bring functionality, ease of use and intelligent features that support hybrid meeting scenarios. These devices typically include a camera, microphone and speaker that offer intelligent framing, speaker tracking, noise suppression and a host of other AI features.

That is exactly where Biamp wants to play with the Parlé VBC 2500 Conferencing Video Bar, a new all-in-one camera, microphone and speaker bar designed to take the complexity out of setup, management and use.

The company says this device goes beyond others in its category by offering a premium AV experience for small and medium conference rooms. Based on our testing, we have no reason to say otherwise.

Setup

The Biamp Parlé VBC 2500 Conferencing Video Bar is bigger than some others in its category, but since it is designed for medium-to-large rooms, the form factor shouldn’t be an issue.

The device comes with three mounting options: table, wall and display, so it can be tucked away on a wall or simply installed on top of a conferencing display.

Along with a power cord, the bar can be plugged directly into a UC system with a single USB-C connection, but it can also be paired with a Devio SCR-10 for a bring-your-own device system, the company says. For our purposes, we plugged it directly into a laptop running Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

The device comes with the company’s Launch feature, which automatically analyzes the acoustic performance of the room and optimizes the audio. After one press of a button, the process only takes a few seconds to complete.

Read Next: 10 All-in-One Videoconferencing Bars For Huddle Spaces and Small Meeting Rooms

Audio

Just pressing the Launch button will give users a sense of the powerful audio capabilities of the Biamp Parlé VBC 2500. The bar’s speakers can handle anything thrown at it, from loud music to speech.

Two smart speakers use distortion compensation and dynamic bass enhancement technology to create room-filling audio with superior speech reproduction, the company claims.

Like others in its category, the bar uses AI and noise reduction algorithms to eliminate unwanted noise and focus solely on voices. In my office, my dogs’ nails on the wood floors and moving my chair around the room was not picked up at all. Only when I spoke did the bar pick up any audio.

The company says this is done with integrated Acoustic Echo Cancellation and AI Noise Reduction features, as well as a 27-element microphone array and Biamp Beamtracking technology to actively track and intelligently mix conversations from around the room.

Video

Speaking of AI-enabled features, the wide-angle 4K camera is specifically designed for conference room environments, using auto-framing technology to identify meeting participants and to adjust the focus and zoom to keep them in view.

The bar was simply placed at the far end of my desk, and it adjusted and framed me as I rolled around the room in my chair and walked around. Most of these all-in-one conferencing bars do this, but I found the Biamp Parlé VBC 2500 Conferencing Bar to be a bit quicker at reframing speakers and participants.

While nice to have in a home office, this feature is designed for conference rooms, helping to reframe participants as they enter or leave the room, or as they move around the room.

The camera also comes with an automatic privacy shutter, so organizations can be rest assured that video won’t be captured when the bar isn’t in use.

Bottom line

In an era when organizations are calling for all-in-one devices that are designed simple to deploy, easy to use and packed with features to support their hybrid meetings, the Biamp Parle VBC 2500 Conferencing Bar fits the bill. In fact, Biamp even goes a bit further than its competitors with the Launch feature and the powerful audio capabilities.

The post Review: Biamp Parlé VBC 2500 Conferencing Video Bar appeared first on My TechDecisions.