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The above video conferencing equipment systems can typically handle everything you need to host a good meeting. They offer complete solutions, equipped with high powered speakers, top quality microphones, and excellent cameras to ensure each meeting is as clear as possible. Some of them even include smart displays to go along with them, making it even easier to host and conduct meetings.
However, if your solution needs a bit of extra power, there are plenty of other video conferencing equipment options that can level up your experience. Here are some types of video conferencing equipment you might need to bring your system up to snuff.
If you’ve ever been in a virtual meeting, you know that audio quality is imperative for it to be successful. After all, if you can’t hear what people are saying, you might as well have not logged on. In that vein, a dedicated microphone for your video conferencing setup can prioritize audio quality so no one misses a thing.
As for what kind of microphone you go with, that’s up to you. Some companies like Poly Studio have expansion microphones that are for larger rooms, expanding the range and quality of a meeting room setup. Conversely, individuals might be better suited to a full-on microphone, like the JLab Talk USB Microphone, which offers a more individualized experience, while still providing group features if necessary.
Keep in mind, virtually all video conferencing systems have some kind of microphone built in, so you don’t need to buy one separately. However, if audio quality is important to you, this additional piece of equipment can make a big difference for individuals and groups alike.
If you really want to make sure audio quality is at the forefront of your meeting experience, microphones just aren’t going to cut it. Particularly for individual meetings, something a bit more hands-free can help you stay focused on the meeting at hand while providing coworkers with the clearest voice possible.
The price range of headsets can vary dramatically, depending on if you’re looking for the basic wired setup that you’ve seen in call centers to the full-on over-ear Bluetooth headphones that are a bit more versatile. In fact, Cisco, one of the brands mentioned above, has its own option, the Cisco Headset 730 with plenty of features and high-quality audio for your listening pleasure.
Again, definitely worth mentioning that a headset is far from required for your average meeting. Even more important to note, your average pair of headphones or earbuds will do the job quite admirably, as long as you have a solid pair. All that to say, only invest in a headset if you really need.
You know, an improved meeting experience is just about audio quality. In fact, the visual component of a meeting can go a long way in adding to your next meeting, which is where a smart display can come in handy.
Yes, some options above come with a smart display, but in most cases, you’ll have to purchase one to go along with your video conferencing setup. The Cisco Desk Pro, for example, has a built-in smart display, while the Neat Bar comes with the Neat Pad included with some packages.
If you aren’t sharing your screen on a regular basis in meetings, though, there is no need to buy a smart display. These devices are quite expensive and are only necessary if your meetings require a visual element like a PowerPoint or a shared database. All that to say, if you’re just chitchatting with teammates, you can safely leave the smart display on the cutting room floor.
The Poly Studio X70 is the best video conference system available, thanks to all the features, compatibility, and top quality video provided by the device. If you need something a bit more affordable, though, the Logitech MeetUp is an excellent value choice, and the Neat Bar will fit well with teams that need easy set up.
If you’re looking to get started with the best video conferencing equipment for your business, we’re here to help. Check out our in-depth quotes tool so you can find out how much this kind of technology will cost, depending on your particular needs.
It’s pretty simple! In the same way you would set up an audio conference, just create a meeting in your video conference software, turn on your video conferencing equipment (after making sure it’s connected), invite attendees with a number, link, or PIN code, and you’ll be all set to stay in touch with your team. Make sure to follow video meeting best practices too, so you can have a productive experience.
Yes, but it can be quite limited, particularly for businesses looking to scale in the future. Free services like Google Meet and Zoom offer questionable video quality and very few features, making it hard to host larger meetings or enjoy advanced features like annotating and presentation mode.
Once you’re set up with the best video conferencing equipment, you’re going to need video conferencing software to go along with it. This will give you access to a platform that will allow you to set up calls, host meetings, and take advantage of a wide range of other features designed to make professional communicating easy.
For more information, please visit Digital Conference System.
That’s the best part about web and video conferencing: no international fees. As long as you’re calling someone at the right time of day (don’t forget time zones), you’ll be able to communicate with anyone around the world with video conferencing software.
As long as you don’t have your password on a sticky note within the frame of your video call, your video conferencing should be quite secure. The top brands will thoroughly encrypt sessions, preventing anyone from jumping into a call they weren’t invited to.
Security measures do vary by brand though, so make sure to look into it if privacy is a primary concern for your business.
Wireless is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood parts of audio. But selecting and installing new wireless microphones for a small school, church, or theater is something that you can do yourself.
In previous installments of DIY Wireless, we discussed choosing a frequency range and transmitters and batteries. In this article we’ll talk about receivers. The receiver’s fundamental job is to accept the radio signal from the antennas, tune to the specific frequency being used by the transmitter, extract the audio from it, and deliver that audio signal to the mixer or other device.
SLXD4 diversity receiver with antennas
It used to require a technician to determine wireless microphone frequencies and make the appropriate settings on transmitters and receivers manually, but newer systems make the process simple. Advanced receivers include a built-in RF scanner that can be used to automatically select frequencies. The scanner surveys the spectrum at the push of a button and detects active TV stations, other wireless microphones, and unidentified signals that must be avoided.
SLXD4 receiver display showing frequency, signal level, and battery time remaining
The receiver then selects from an internal frequency list and sets itself to one that is free of competing signals. On some models, you manually set the transmitter to the same frequency as the receiver. On more upscale models, you just hold the transmitter up to a small infrared window on the receiver, much like synchronizing a universal remote control to a TV. (Watch this video showing the frequency scan and sync process.) Additional receivers can conduct their own scan, but it’s even more reliable when the receivers are connected together through an Ethernet port (either directly or through an Ethernet switch) so that frequency settings can be communicated between them.
SLXD4 receivers connected to Ethernet switch
Wireless microphone receivers can be free-standing or rack-mountable; rack mounting is more secure in most institutional settings since the equipment can be locked in an AV closet. Some models offer dual-channel receivers, which allow simultaneous use of two bodypack transmitters, two handheld transmitters, or one of each. A dual-channel receiver is more efficient because the two units share the same pair of antennas and the same power supply. If your installation requires multiple systems in the same room (like a training room, auditorium, or theater), dual-channel receivers can simplify installation and save money because they cut the number of required antenna connections in half.
SLXD4D dual-channel receiver front and rear panels
Virtually all wireless microphone receivers on the market today utilize diversity reception with two antennas. As the transmitter moves, reflections of the signal bouncing off of walls or floors cause signal fades that can result in noise or momentary dropouts. Diversity counteracts the effects of signal strength variations that occur as the transmitter moves around the room. The receiver responds by switching to the antenna whose signal delivers better audio. Of course it is essential that the diversity switching process is silent and free from clicks or pops.
The audio level provided by different sources can vary considerably, so it’s important for the wireless system to have some means of adjusting the system level or “gain”. For example, a presenter using a lavalier microphone clipped to their shirt results in a pretty low audio level, while a loud singer holding the mic an inch from their mouth generates a high audio level. Some systems even allow you to store two gain settings, so if you switch from using a handheld transmitter to a bodypack and lavalier, the loudness of the sound system will be consistent no matter what.
Each receiver is equipped with an audio output (or two in the case of a dual-channel receiver). A balanced output with professional 3-pin XLR connector is the standard, and permits connection through long cable runs from the equipment rack to the mixer if necessary. A quarter-inch jack can also be useful for connecting to devices like audio recorders or guitar amplifiers that don’t have a balanced input. In most cases the two outputs can be used simultaneously.
With the right receiver, wireless system setup is simple and connection to the rest of the audio system is straightforward. In the next article, we’ll discuss a critical part of wireless system setup that most people miss: antenna configuration.
Read the other posts in this series:
DIY Wireless, Part 1: Choosing a Frequency
DIY Wireless, Part 2: Transmitters and Batteries
DIY Wireless, Part 4: Antennas
DIY Wireless, Part 5: How to Select and Install Your Own Wireless System in 7 Easy Steps
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