Security Operations Centers (SOC) and Beyond

As businesses focus on business continuity and situational intelligence, IT integrators with a holistic approach are increasingly being asked to extend their expertise beyond the peripheral systems that they are deploying — into the Operation Centers that manage the systems. This natural expansion emphasizes the growing need for a comprehensive approach that combines security, operational functionalities, infrastructure and AV considerations within the enterprise.

C-Level Recognition of Platform Solutions

A significant shift is occurring in the C-Suite with chief information officers (CIOs) recognizing the value of adopting platform solutions over point solutions for visual displays serving core enterprise operations. Enterprises are increasingly seeking integrated platforms that go beyond individual applications, thus providing a unified solution for all visual display needs. This shift reflects a desire for comprehensive solutions that streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency.

Rise of Data Dashboards in Enterprise

The rise of data dashboards in the enterprise is fueled by the growing need for effective metrics measurement and tracking. In this landscape, operational benefits play a crucial role, allowing businesses to manage content on any screen without relying on expensive and unsecure thin client PCs or USB drives, eliminating the need for significant manual intervention in content updates. Users can securely and centrally manage content directly from their web browser, presenting a more efficient and secure approach.

This trend is underpinned by the demand for integrated solutions that seamlessly connect with leading technologies. Notably, these data dashboards fully integrate with key applications like Power BI and Tableau as a single source, ensuring automatic, persistent and secure authentication to dashboards, charts and reports.

The aggregation of multiple charts as a source facilitates the secure distribution of operational data to relevant teams and stakeholders. This not only highlights the importance of technological compatibility but also underscores the broader trend of fostering informed decision-making through streamlined and secure data management.

Software-Defined Solutions versus Hardware Limitations

The paradigm of hardware-based point solutions is becoming obsolete as software solutions gain prominence. The ability of software solutions to seamlessly integrate with various industry-leading technologies provides a level of flexibility and scalability that hardware-based solutions struggle to match. This shift marks a departure from the limitations of hardware-centric approaches to a more agile and interconnected future.

The Significance of 8K Solutions

The advent of 8K solutions adds a new dimension to AV/IT integration. As display resolutions continue to evolve, the demand for higher quality visuals in enterprise environments is driving the adoption of 8K solutions. This shift is not just about increased pixel density; it’s about providing a more immersive and detailed visual experience that enhances collaboration and decision-making processes.

AV Integrators Embracing IT Protocols

On the flip side, AV integrators are gradually embracing IT protocols and solutions designed for the digital age. Software-defined solutions built for IT — standardized over networks — are gaining traction. While the adoption may be slower due to the historical reliance and subsequent familiarity that hardware solutions provide, the industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards embracing more agile and adaptable software-defined solutions.

In conclusion, the convergence of AV/IT is reshaping the landscape of enterprise operations. From organizational restructuring, to the demand for comprehensive platform solutions, and the adoption of software-defined approaches; the trends in AV/IT integration indicate a paradigm shift towards a more interconnected, data-driven and technologically advanced future for businesses.

As the industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of these AV/IT integration trends is imperative for integrators seeking to provide modernized enterprise-class solutions to their clients.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on March 15, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

Jamey Miles is VP Channel & Strategic Accounts at Userful.

The post Top AV/IT Integration Trends Shaping Enterprise Operations in 2024 appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Enhancing Communication within the Classroom

We are very fortunate here at Robinson ISD to have educators who share the same sentiment as I do for the future of our students. One of the biggest steps we took in helping support our staff deliver their hands-on learning experiences, is ensuring their classroom communication is always clear and high quality no matter where they are in the room. Implementing classroom audio systems such as the Lightspeed Redcat in our classrooms have helped give our teachers and students a stronger voice in the classroom. Clear and concise instruction can help students achieve higher learning outcomes because they know exactly what is expected of them. We have virtually eliminated the need for teachers to raise their voice for redirecting unwanted behavior and our classroom transitions have become more fluid through music ques delivered via the Redcat. Students hear their teacher no matter where they are sitting in the classroom, helping eliminate the need to constantly repeat instructions.

Presentation skills are a key part to our students’ success in communication. We have implemented the Lightspeed Sharemike during classroom student presentations, read-alouds and student teaching opportunities. Students can really find their voice and come alive during speaking opportunities when they have a mic. We know that these skills are vital for their future, so let’s give them the space and opportunity now where they can try, fail, learn and grow as much as they need to.

Embracing creativity and utilizing problem solving skills

One of my missions is to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators that are extremely competitive. In Robinson ISD, starting at our lower levels, we provide opportunities for students to stretch their problem solving skills through coding and engineering projects. Opportunities range from utilizing Lego Education as they construct the next generation of habitats to protect against severe weather events, to coding autonomous robots to better understand geometric figures through and programming drones to fly a planned out route of a shape that they are studying.

I am not a fan of the word “limit” and its negative and stifling connotation in education. Our students and teachers need to try new things as that is where true learning and growth starts. As you know, we need to build authentic relationships to ensure student success, allowing students to let their guards down and show their true passions. One of the best uses of technology that we use to do this is through audio and video content creation. We all see it on social media from our students’ personal lives, but we take it a step further and bring this creative expression into the classroom.

Through the use of Adobe Express and its Animate from Audio features, students utilize just their voice to tell us more about their dreams, passions and ambitions through animation. I get it, not all students are the “hey look at me” type when it comes to being on camera, but most just want to be heard. This provides a “you can hear me now” type of self-expression opportunity without the vulnerability that comes with being on camera.

Providing Opportunities for Technology Career Exploration

Growing up, I knew that creating something from nothing was a gift of mine. Storytelling and creativity was deep inside of me and I found that I could utilize these gifts through audio, video and technology applications. The one opportunity that was lacking in my life was real-world application practice.

Within Robinson ISD, I have been very fortunate to give students the opportunities that I did not have. I am able to provide students creative outlets for their digital creations with various audio/video production tools and resources. Utilizing Adobe products, our students produce graphics for our district communication such as Instagram Stories, Reels and Post to inform our community.

Our students help produce our district High School and Pre-K graduations each year using industry standard equipment like the NewTek TC1 Tricaster for live video switching. We use a show control graphics control board by Daktronics to share senior video and other audio/video assets that will be displayed on the field’s video board throughout the ceremony. This same equipment is used in most major sports arenas and collegiate production facilities around the globe. Students are receiving hands-on training with studio quality cameras and audio field recorders. These learning opportunities have been years in the making and we are growing our programs each year to give our students the best possible chance to be competitive in their future careers or fields of study.

I truly feel technology has always been a driving force in the educational world, providing learning opportunities and experiences that mimic and support building skills beyond the classroom. I feel that using it as a transformational vehicle to help personalize learning for our students, is one of its most powerful ways we can harness its potential in the classroom. It is up to us as educators to really dive in and place our students behind the wheel and in the driver’s seat.

Willie Thomas III, Director of Media Integration at Robinson ISD, works with K-12 students, educators, parents and district leaders to enhance the learning opportunities through the integration of instructional technology. Willie has a Master of Science focused in Instructional Technology.

The post How I’m Utilizing Technology to Help Transform Education at Robinson ISD appeared first on My TechDecisions.

KAIROS is an IT/IP Platform for live production that gives professionals the ability to deliver rich content for broadcast, large screen displays and live streams. KAIROS adds ST 2110 to its standard baseband and streaming connectivity for input/output flexibility that pairs perfectly with the content creation flexibility of its GPU/CPU processing.  User will see an intuitive layer-based interface, and powerful content creation with a quick learning curve, says NETGEAR.

NETGEAR M4250, M4300, M4350 and M4500 series managed switches are unique in the industry with an AV-oriented interface. Removing all the complex menus filled with arduous IT network jargon, the NETGEAR AV OS provides a AV-friendly, template-based approach to switch configurations, says NETGEAR. This streamlined workflow enables broadcast and Pro AV integrators and installers to dive right into projects with the confidence that all the network settings are correct for their desired workflow. This eliminates the steep learning curve and cumbersome setup normally associated with network switch configurations.

NETGEAR M4350 Series Integrates with Panasonic KAIROS

The M4350 series incorporates this simplicity into enterprise-class hardware with redundant power supplies, Power over Ethernet (PoE), up to 90W per port, ultra-quiet fans and easy setup managed by the NETGEAR Engage Controller. The NETGEAR AV OS contains pre-configured profiles for all major audio, video, and lighting protocols including: AVB, Dante, AES67, NDI4/NDI5, NVX, AMX, Q-SYS, ZeeVee, Aurora Multimedia, Kramer, Atlona, LibAV, Visionary, SDVoE and others. SMPTE ST 2110 is supported on the VSM4320C (copper) and XSM4344C (fiber) M4350 models with 10G to 100G ports and PTP synchronization.

“NETGEAR has pioneered an easy configuration process to help Broadcast Pro AV engineers migrate from legacy workflows to IP workflows with more confidence,” says Tod Musgrave, senior broadcast BDM at NETGEAR. “There is no better platform to prove our interop capabilities than the Panasonic KAIROS system.”

“We are pleased to announce that we have added NETGEAR as our KAIROS alliance partner,” says Kageyuki (Kenny) Fujimoto, lead manager of KAIROS Alliance Partners. “We believe that the user-friendly design of the M4350 series with its template-based configurations will open up new opportunities for SMPTE ST 2110 in the video production market through our collaboration.”

Shop and compare the latest NETGEAR solutions on our sister-site AV-iQ here.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on February 13, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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“In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the demand for seamless, centralized management across diverse screens has become more crucial than ever,” says Clifford Chen, general manager of the Presentation Group at ViewSonic. “We are excited to increase our collaboration with Crestron, which aims to deliver unparalleled ease of use and efficient solutions. Moreover, the partnership ensures high-security standard control management for our customers.”

Bob Bavolacco, Creston’s director of technology partner programs, says, “ViewSonic’s commitment to innovation and quality AV solutions makes them an ideal partner for us. The integration of ViewSonic’s product into our Crestron Connected program and the Crestron XiO Cloud platform represents a significant advancement for our AV management ecosystem. We are excited to see how this collaboration will transform the management of audiovisual environments in business spaces, enhancing both the user experience and operational efficiency.”

A Complete AV Ecosystem Provided by ViewSonic and Crestron  

To simplify management and increase adaptability, ViewSonic has developed myViewBoard Manager, a web-based management and remote control platform for ViewSonic displays. This partnership enables Crestron’s customers to adopt and manage ViewSonic’s display solutions, such as the features and functionality of the IFP and CDE series, and meeting the diverse requirements of modern work environments. Simultaneously, for ViewSonic customers, this collaboration enhances the utility of their existing IFP62 series and CDE30 series. It enables seamless incorporation into centralized control systems and ensures improved compatibility with various devices from different brands, all supported by Crestron’s platform, says ViewSonic.

Event hosts and presenters can manage their presentation environment using the web-based platform provided by the Crestron XiO Cloud platform or LAN control platform. This includes switching signals/input sources, adjusting image size and audio volume, or broadcasting public messages, particularly beneficial in large forum spaces with multiple displays. Moreover, the adoption of the XiO Cloud remote management feature allows IT administrators to monitor device status from one location, minimizing downtime and streamlining troubleshooting and maintenance processes.

The initial phase of the partnership focuses on integrating ViewSonic’s ViewBoard IFP62 series and CDE30 series, which are widely acclaimed in business environments for facilitating collaborative sessions, says ViewSonic. The company plans to encompass a broader range of its visual solutions in different professional settings to strengthen unified communication capabilities.

Shop and compare the latest products and solutions from Crestron and ViewSonic on our sister-site AV-iQ.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on February 5, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post ViewSonic & Crestron Team Up for Enhanced AV Device Management appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Be sure to also check out the slideshow, below, for more information on the products.

2024 TNT Commercial Winners

Audio Components

Lenbrook
Bluesound Professional BCS300 In-Ceiling Pendant Speaker

Audio Distribution Systems

Listen Technologies
ListenWIFI

Automation Software

Nanolumens
NanoSuite

Digital Signage Hardware

LG Business Solutions
LG MAGNIT 4K 136-inch Micro LED Display

Digital Signage Software

Samsung Electronics
Samsung VXT

Video Monitors

Sharp Electronics Corporation
PN-LC2 AQUOS BOARD Collaboration Displays

Installer Loudspeakers

Renkus-Heinz
OmniBeam

Display Mounts

Chief
Tempo Flat Panel Wall Mount System

Projector Mounts

Tempest
Fly

Network Management Solutions

Samsung Electronics
SmartThings for Business

Power Conditioning, Surge Suppression and Energy Solutions

Nice
Nice DC-12 IP Smart Power Manager

Project Management and Design / Web Software

XTEN-AV LLC
X-VRSE by XTEN-AV 

Conference Projectors

Christie
Christie 4K860-iS

Specialty AV Cables or Connectors

Pure Fi
Pure Fi Pro HDMI 2.1 Active Optical Cable

Audio Conferencing Components

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Crestron Flex Pods

Cameras

Jabra
Jabra PanaCast 50

Collaboration

Barco
ClickShare Bar Pro

Interactive Whiteboards

LG Business Solutions
LG CreateBoard with ChromeOS Flex certified slot-in OPS

Videoconferencing Components

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Crestron Videobar 70

Video Streaming Solutions

Epiphan Video
Pearl Nexus

Category Cable Distribution

Valens Semiconductor
VS6320: HDBaseT-USB3 Extension IC

Coax Video Distribution

ZyCast Technology, Inc.
U5 Single Channel 4K (HEVC) Encoder Modulator with Simultaneous RF and IP Out

IP Video Distribution

Audinate
Dante AV-H

Matrix Switchers

BZBGEAR
BG-8K-1212MA | 12×12 8K Matrix Switcher w/ Audio De-Embedder

Videowall Hardware

Planar
Planar DirectLight Pro Series

Videowall Software

Samsung Electronics
Samsung Signage Setup Assistant

To see a list of all entries, click here!

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on January 31, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post 2024 Top New Technology (TNT) Awards appeared first on My TechDecisions.

AVI-SPL has been a Cisco solutions provider for more than a decade, the company says. It thus continues to deepen and expand the expertise in its Cisco practice to guide companies everywhere. With this, it aims to reimagine the workplace for better employee, partner and customer engagement as new hybrid work models take hold. In Cisco fiscal year (FY) 2023, AVI-SPL ranked as the #3 video devices partner in the U.S. and globally.

“Cisco’s recognition of AVI-SPL as a leading workspaces partner speaks volumes to our ability to confidently guide customers to reimagine and realize the modern work experience,” says Tom Nyhus, AVI-SPL vice president of the Cisco practice. “By embracing Cisco Webex’s innovative, leading-edge roadmap and programs, together we’ve helped global companies stay securely connected and productive from anywhere.”

The partnership between Cisco and AVI-SPL grew significantly in 2023 with new, joint go-to-market efforts. Per a statement, AVI-SPL led the way with the new Cisco Webex Hardware as a Service (HaaS) program. It thus became one of the first partners to conduct a customer pilot of the program. AVI-SPL also beta-tested new video devices and provided feedback through Cisco’s Video Champions Advisory Council around market trends and customer needs.

The Cisco 2023 Webex Partner Award honors partners who have developed and delivered exceptional Cisco-based solutions and services during the past year.

Cisco announced the Annual Partner Awards during the WebexOne 2023 conference on October 25, 2023. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the Cisco Webex blog.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on November 1, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post AVI-SPL Receives Cisco 2023 Reimagine Workspaces Partner of the Year – Americas Award appeared first on My TechDecisions.

OptixAV RMM 24x7x365 Monitoring 

OptixAV serves as a single pane of glass, providing real-time visibility across an entire AV environment. This allows organizations to gain valuable insights into their operations. Through integration with most ticketing systems, OptixAV streamlines the process and enhances efficiency, says Solutionz. The RMM platform is customizable and can be tailored to meet individual room and customer requirements.

One of the key benefits of OptixAV, Solutionz says, is its ability to proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact operations. With the platform’s 24x7x365 monitoring and automated self-healing functionalities, organizations can reduce downtime by up to 92%. OptixAV empowers AV tech teams to scale efficiently; thus enabling them to manage geographically dispersed rooms effectively and with less staff.

“OptixAV is a game-changer for any organization that relies on seamless AV performance as a critical aspect of their day-to-day operations,” says Bill Warnick, CEO of Solutionz Inc. He continues, “With OptixAV, we offer a fully customizable solution that optimizes room uptime, enhanced cybersecurity, and a system for streamlined AV management tasks. We are excited to empower organizations with tools that integrate with their current IT environments and deliver exceptional AV experiences.”

Continuous Cybersecurity Monitoring & Response

To ensure the utmost security, OptixAV includes an additional layer of cybersecurity designed specifically for audiovisual environments. By securely connecting AV equipment to an orchestration engine, organizations can manage, monitor, maintain, test and repair their AV environments from a single web browser. With this, it provides peace of mind and protects valuable assets.

The platform supports any IP addressable equipment and integrates seamlessly with two-factor authentication tools such as Okta, ensuring a secure environment. Additionally, OptixAV boasts extensive asset/inventory management capabilities and enterprise-wide visibility of all audiovisual systems. It also has the ability to generate customized reports tailored to an organization’s specific data points, says the company.

Shawn Fernandez, VP of sales development, Solutionz, says, “[OptixAV] offers customization, ensuring that automation aligns with your specific workflows. We prioritize continuous cybersecurity monitoring and response; offering peace of mind in an ever-evolving threat landscape.”

He adds, “Furthermore, OptixAV supports old IP-based equipment, allowing organizations to leverage their existing investments. Finally, the integration with ticketing systems and multi-factor authentication tools like Okta demonstrates our commitment to delivering a seamless user experience.”

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

The post Solutionz OPTIXAV RMM Platform for AV Environments Now Available appeared first on My TechDecisions.

“Business communication is evolving at a rapid pace as the line that once separated video conferencing from traditional internal communications begins to disappear,” Mitch Ricks, global leader, ISV Partners at Zoom, says. “Streamlining how Korbyt’s platform connects with the Zoom platform is an important development that makes it much easier for our customers to enjoy frictionless communications across their businesses.”

Integration with Zoom Ecosystem

Per a statement, Korbyt’s integration with the Zoom ecosystem is the first major product milestone since the company received a significant growth investment from Clearhaven Partners. That is a Boston-based private-equity firm. The investment aims to accelerate Korbyt’s growth trajectory. It will do so by expanding partnerships, facilitating customer-support growth and catalyzing further innovation of Korbyt’s cloud-native SaaS platform, Korbyt Anywhere.

According to the company, Korbyt Anywhere is a cloud-based CMS with capabilities to engage employees via a wide range of channels. This includes digital signage, desktop, web, email and mobile devices. Adding native support for Zoom has the potential to easily double or even triple the number of endpoints, says the company. It does so by expanding the Korbyt ecosystem to hundreds of thousands of conference rooms.

Enabling Seamless Communication

This native app integration thus creates a direct path into the Zoom ecosystem. As a result, conference-room screens — even those not connected to media players — now have powerful management capabilities. With this, it is possible to seamlessly share employee communications content throughout the organization.

“A primary strength of Korbyt Anywhere is the ability to reach employees on their terms, wherever they may be,” Andrew Gildin, vice president, channel sales and revenue operations at Korbyt, says. “Integrating more tightly with the Zoom platform builds on that strength by bringing countless new conference room endpoints within reach to make it easier than ever to manage content seamlessly across any corporate setting.”

The company adds that users do not require any new hardware to display content on conference room screens. They simply have to download and install the Korbyt app from the Zoom App Marketplace. Users can then broadcast content to any network-connected screen via Zoom.

The solution thus delivers a seamless experience and takes full advantage of AV equipment already in place. As a result, it provides businesses a hassle-free internal-communications solution at no additional cost.

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

The post Korbyt Anywhere Now Available on Zoom App Marketplace appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Planar Studios is a cooperative initiative designed to bring together experts, thought leaders and companies dedicated to the advancement of VP and XR. The Planar Studios Virtual Production Workshop reinforces Planar and OptiTrack’s ongoing commitment to helping make VP and XR solutions more accessible and streamlined in mainstream markets, says the company.

“VP and XR is a fast-growing market, and as global leaders with established histories of delivering state-of-the-art display and optical-tracking technologies, Planar and OptiTrack are strongly positioned to lay a framework for the AV and IT communities,” says Stephanie Hines, Planar and OptiTrack EVP. “The potential of VP and XR is widespread, transforming the way companies present content in entertainment, corporate, education and beyond. Planar and OptiTrack are dedicated to helping make this a reality for all.”

Monthly Virtual Production Workshops

Kicking off in August, Planar and OptiTrack will host the workshops at Planar’s headquarters in Hillsboro, Ore. Here, it offer hands-on learning experience in the many critical elements integrated in a VP and XR volume. August workshop attendees will thus get to learn about LED display technology design and motion capture for VP and XR applications from Planar and OptiTrack. Additionally, they will experience trainings from a broad range of organizations. This includes experts from Brompton Technology, Pixera, RED, optic8 and Kino Flo Lighting Systems. Participating organizations will vary from workshop to workshop. However, topic areas will remain consistent, the company says.

According to Planar, the new workshops are being held monthly. They will also feature a special guest sharing real-world experience and key learnings. Registration is currently open for workshops taking place August 21 to 25, as well as periodic sessions in the coming months.

“The pro AV and IT industries are being called upon to deploy VP and XR solutions. This presents new questions and opportunities that are outside of the traditional AV or IT role,” says Adam Schmidt, Planar and OptiTrack EVP. “Our new Planar Studios Virtual Production Workshop is comprehensive. It offers a thorough overview of the many components that go into a successful deployment. We’re honored to help guide the industry with such a diverse and notable group of technology experts.”

Workshop Agenda

Each workshop will thus include the following sessions:

• Evening Welcome Reception: Check out the volume at Planar headquarters while connecting with other VP and XR technology enthusiasts.
• LED Displays: In this AVIXA CTS-approved course, learn how to implement LED into VP and XR. This includes an all-encompassing look at the important qualities, features and specifications. Learn about maximizing use of display technology. These include display options, site preparation, mounting, installation and alignment.
• Video Processing: Explore LED processing functionality and key features such as on-screen image manipulation, color calibration and other workflows.
• Motion Capture: Dive into the essential elements of motion capture and camera-tracking technology that enable accurate, dynamic on-screen content.
• Content Engines: Get an introduction to the media servers and software platforms used for VP, including best practices, tips and tricks.
• Video Cameras: Review digital-cinematography options as camera manufacturers cover everything from shutter and lensing features to color control and more.
• Studio Lighting: Walk through cinema-graphic and studio-lighting concepts and techniques. Also become familiar with using different fixture types for traditional and VP and XR-specific applications.
• Volume Integration: Combine the various technologies that are key in implementing a successful VP and XR volume. Additionally, walk away with real-world knowledge from a special guest.

The Planar Studios Virtual Production Workshop, presented by Planar Academy, offers a broad selection of in-person and online training courses to help AV professionals expand and enhance their knowledge and skills. At the same time, they can earn valuable continuing education credits, the company notes.

To register for the Planar Studios Virtual Production Workshop, visit www.planar.com/VP-Workshop.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on August 9, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Several options are available for high-quality audio and video experiences when working from home. My advice is not to just buy the cheapest device available and possibly have a poor experience as a result. First, let’s look at use cases; then, we can dive into the device types themselves. 

There are several questions to ask before considering a new device. Are you on video calls several times per day or a few times a month? Alternatively, are video calls a rare occurrence that you need to be ready for just in case? Do you have a dedicated home office or are you mobile, taking calls in other parts of your house, on the road or at a coffee shop? Are your video calls always on a single device, such as a laptop, or do you use multiple devices as the need arises? 

Understand the Environment 

Once you understand your use case, it’s a good idea to understand the environment where you’ll have calls. Primarily, that refers to the lighting and typical noises you may be faced with. Variable lighting conditions — say, through a window — require either a camera that auto-adjusts to the conditions or a method of controlling the light (e.g., blackout drapes). Acute noises, such as that of cars with loud mufflers driving by or barking dogs, can be difficult to control. This should be considered when you choose a device. Lastly, there is the difficulty level of the device as regards its setup and use. For this article, we will classify the solutions as beginner, intermediate or advanced. 

Now, let’s talk about the devices. We can break down the options in the categories of cameras, audio and hybrid devices. Cameras include USB webcams, DSLRs and integrated options, such as those in laptops and tablets. Audio devices include those integrated into laptops and tablets, headsets, earbuds and speakerphones. Audio devices can also be wired or wireless. Hybrid devices, known as USB video bars, include a camera, microphone and speakers, all built into a single device. Although service-based video bars that have an embedded operating system are included in this class, they are not included in this particular discussion. 

Considering Cameras 

USB webcams are a good all-around choice for PC and laptop users. They suit beginners to advanced users, and they’re appropriate for rare to frequent use. They are considered portable, but they work very well when attached to a single computer in a permanent setup. Better USB cameras have management software to update firmware and to adjust settings either for controlled or variable lighting conditions. Many webcams include microphones. 

For those who want the highest quality of video — both for videoconferencing and for recording — many people choose a DSLR camera. With a DSLR, you can control multiple settings, including depth of field, to present the best view possible. However, there are a few cons to using a DSLR camera. Typically, you will need an extra cable to get the video feed to your computer. The cable required may vary by the camera manufacturer. These cameras are also much larger than webcams are, and they aren’t considered ultra-portable. The learning curve associated with using a DSLR makes it best for frequent, expert users. DSLR cameras will likely be much more expensive than webcams are. 

Laptops, tablets and smartphones have integrated cameras that are an excellent choice for beginners or infrequent users. Laptop cameras, while getting better over time, still lag in quality behind webcams. If you’re a frequent video user, a webcam is recommendable. Typically, integrated cameras have limited settings to control the scene or enhance the quality of the image. The main benefit of integrated cameras is their ease of use; a secondary benefit is not needing any extra pieces of equipment. 

Audio Devices 

Laptops, tablets and smartphones also have built-in capabilities for the transmission and broadcast of audio. However, the typical laptop and tablet audio experience can often be lacking, featuring substandard microphones and speakers. Smartphones have exceptional audio for voice calling, but, when video is added to the equation and the phone moves away from the user’s mouth, the quality can be less than ideal. Device-integrated audio rarely has built-in noise cancellation; thus, you’ll need to rely on the meeting service to block unwanted noise from reaching the people you’re talking to. That said, these audio solutions are extremely easy, good for all levels of expertise and the least-expensive ones in this article. However, I wouldn’t recommend using this method if you are anything more than an infrequent user, as the experience for you and the remote participants is typically less than ideal. 

Headsets have been around for a long time, and USB wired versions for use in meetings can be inexpensive. The low price does not necessarily mean low audio quality on your calls. However, lower-end models may have poor music playback, depending on the device. There are as many opinions in the wired versus wireless debate as there are headsets out there. In my opinion, it really comes down to the individual’s use case, device-portability needs and simplicity of use. If you’re going mobile, wired likely won’t cut it. If your headset stays in one place all the time, there may not be a need for wireless. Wired headsets have plug-and-play simplicity and are always ready for use, whereas wireless versions may not be as user friendly. 

In general, wireless headsets are going to be more expensive than their wired counterparts are. They also may be heavier due to having integrated batteries. The sound quality of wired vs. wireless is entirely subjective to the user, and I haven’t found one type to have better quality than the other. Wired headsets are for users of all difficulty levels, for infrequent to regular use, and are best for those working from one device in a permanent setup. Wireless headsets might seem slightly temperamental for infrequent or beginner users, as there can be Bluetooth connectivity issues that stem from a lack of use. Wireless headsets are excellent for mobile users in noisy areas, and they can be swapped easily between devices. 

Wireless earbuds are becoming more common in business communications. Not only do they work well with mobile devices via Bluetooth but, in addition, a few recent models have included a USB Bluetooth dongle that maintains a better connection with a PC or laptop. They might not be the best choice for those on calls all day long due to the potential of ear fatigue and the batteries not making it through the day. However, the pros are numerous: Higher-end earbuds typically have excellent noise cancellation for the wearer; they can serve as your audio device for music listening; and they are the ideal device for multi-device mobile professionals. 

The final audio-only device category in this article involves USB/Bluetooth speakerphones. Speakerphones are an excellent option for people who are on calls all day long, as headsets or earbuds can get uncomfortable after long periods of use. Modern speakerphones are connected to a computer either via USB or Bluetooth. Although primarily designed for conferencing, they can replace dedicated speakers for music listening. They are also typically easy to use. They’re good for beginners through advanced users, and Bluetooth-enabled models are an option for multi-device users. The primary concern is using a speakerphone in a noisy space or an open area. Privacy can be a concern, as can be the imperative not to disturb nearby people. If you are in a loud space, the device might pick up noises and transmit them to the person to whom you are talking. However, many speakerphones have built-in noise suppression, as do many meeting services that can greatly suppress static noises in the room. If two people are in the room for the same video call, a speakerphone is the logical choice over headsets or earbuds. 

Hybrid Devices 

For an excellent hybrid device with microphones, speakers and video, a USB-based video bar might be right for you. There are many positives with this type of device: the primary benefit being that you’re not forced to juggle between two or three separate devices, each of which is taking up a USB port. Hybrid devices typically include a robust set of audio and video features that are manageable via a software download. Individual pieces of gear might also have software downloads for management, and it can get cumbersome to deal with multiple software downloads for multiple devices. With a USB video bar, it’s all in one place, making device management easy. 

USB video bars are best in a permanent setup connected to a single computer, as they are not exceptionally portable and aren’t mobile-device friendly. This lack of portability due to their size is the primary downside with this type of device. They are also more expensive than other solutions are. However, realize that, by the time you buy a high-end webcam, a high-end microphone and a top-of-the-line speaker, your cost might be close to — if not more than — just buying an all-in-one video bar. 

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on July 31, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience. For more Collaboration Today and Tomorrow content, check out Commercial Integrator’s website archives.

Bryan Hellard is a product evaluator in unified communications, AV and smart home. 

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