If you’re looking for a top-notch video conferencing system for your conference room, you’re in the right place. This blog post will introduce three video conferencing systems perfect for Microsoft Teams. These systems offer many features and benefits, so you’ll find one that meets your needs. Read on to learn more.
Inhalt:
- What should be considered?
- Our Recommendation for Small Meeting Rooms
- Our Recommendation for Medium Conference Rooms
- Our Recommendation for Large Meeting Rooms
- Windows or Android as an Operating System?
- Closing Thoughts
Video conferencing systems are still not a standard for many of our clients in all meeting rooms today. The Corona pandemic has significantly changed the requirements for hybrid work. Conference rooms that used to be equipped only with local conference room technology now need to be set up for use with a video conferencing system. The Microsoft Teams platform plays a particularly important role in this. Microsoft Teams is widely used in many companies, so employees should be able to utilize the Teams platform with video conferencing systems in meeting rooms.
What should be considered?
What aspects should be considered? To ensure the team meeting in the conference room goes smoothly, the following factors need to be taken into account:
- The video and audio quality of the video conferencing system must be good.
- The camera should have a wide field of view to see all participants.
- There should be no echo in the room. Audio clarity must be excellent.
- How well does the video conferencing system integrate with Microsoft Teams?
- Is a BYOD solution being sought or not?
So, how can we determine the exact requirements? We have compiled some tips for you.
For video conferencing systems for Microsoft Teams Rooms, there are three main types:
- All-in-one video conferencing systems
- USB cameras with speakerphone
- PTZ cameras with speakerphone
Let’s first take a look at the options and their attributes.
All-in-One Video Conferencing Systems
An all-in-one system is a complete conference room solution that includes everything you need for a great team meeting. Its advantage is that it is easy to set up and use. You won’t have to worry about compatibility issues since the system is specifically designed for use with Microsoft Teams. You connect the system to your computer and can use it immediately.
USB Cameras with Speakerphone
A USB camera is a good option if you already have a speakerphone in your conference room. You can connect the camera via USB to your computer and use it with Microsoft Teams. This solution is very cost-effective. However, you must ensure the camera is compatible with your speakerphone.
PTZ Cameras with Speakerphone
A PTZ camera is a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality video conferencing system. These cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom, allowing you always to have the perfect view of the meeting participants. Additionally, most PTZ cameras come with the built-in microphones and speakers you need, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. The downside of PTZ cameras is that they are generally more expensive than other video conferencing systems.
Now that you know the different types of video conferencing systems, it’s time to choose the right system for your needs. To help you make the best decision, we have compiled a list of our top three video conferencing systems for Microsoft Teams.
How to Choose the Best System?
First, when selecting video conferencing systems, it’s important to distinguish between specific applications. Are you looking for a Teams room system or just Teams-certified hardware (e.g., microphone, speakers, and camera)? Our recommendation generally leans toward a true Teams room system. This video conferencing system can be seamlessly integrated into your IT environment. Users enjoy easier operation, such as starting conferences with a single click (One-Button-to-Join) or controlling the video conferencing system in the meeting room directly with your laptop (Proximity Mode).
We have compiled our top three options to make selecting the right video conferencing system easier. However, it is essential to consider and plan each room individually before equipping it. Only then can the ideal video conferencing system be chosen.
Our Recommendation for Small Meeting Rooms
Poly Studio – With Poly Studio, you choose a manufacturer with extensive experience in video conferencing systems. The Poly Studio is a high-quality entry-level solution. The concept is a video soundbar that is controlled via USB. This is not a true Teams room system but rather a Teams-certified hardware. In terms of use in smaller rooms with about 4 participants, we consider the price-performance ratio ideal. With the Poly Studio, you can easily and quickly equip small meeting rooms as hybrid spaces. Other products in this category include the Bose Videobar VB1 and the Logitech Meetup.
Our Recommendation for Medium Conference Rooms
Lenovo ThinkSmart Hub – with the Lenovo Hub, we recommend a true Teams room system. The Lenovo Hub is ideal for medium meeting rooms with 6-8 participants. The central unit is placed on the conference table and serves as a control panel with a touchscreen, microphone, and speakers. The Lenovo Hub should then be connected to a suitable video conferencing camera. For a cohesive setup, the Lenovo SmartCam is recommended. By choosing a Teams room system, you’re opting for a video conferencing system that offers excellent and straightforward operation. Alternatives include the Crestron Flex B30-T or the Logitech Rally Bundle.
Our Recommendation for Large Meeting Rooms
Crestron Flex CX100 – Crestron is the market leader in conference room media control and signal management solutions. Since a large conference room always involves an integrated video conferencing system, the complexity and investment also increase. In addition to the central Teams room unit, professional microphones, speakers, and video conferencing cameras are required. Consequently, the selection of available video conferencing systems for large rooms is limited. We can mention the Logitech Rally Plus and the Yealink MVC840 as alternatives.
Windows or Android as an Operating System?
First, look at the two operating systems individually and then compare the solutions and options.
What is Windows IoT?
Windows IoT is a version of Windows optimized for smaller devices. In video conferencing systems, this typically means “all-in-one” solutions. The advantage is clear: integrating your IT infrastructure is much simpler, and you enjoy all the benefits of a Windows operating system. However, the biggest drawback is the cost. Windows IoT systems are significantly more expensive than comparable Android solutions.
Android as an Alternative?
Android has been an operating system in video conferencing systems for some time and offers many advantages over Windows IoT. First, Android has a lower licensing cost, leading to lower customer prices. Additionally, Android systems can install updates much more quickly and easily. Furthermore, Android has a much larger app ecosystem than Windows IoT, allowing you to tailor the system to your needs. However, Android’s biggest downside is that it doesn’t integrate into existing IT infrastructures as seamlessly as Windows IoT.
Which operating system should you choose?
As you can see, both operating systems have their pros and cons. Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and which system is right for you. Windows IoT is the right choice if you need a video conferencing system that can quickly and easily integrate into your IT infrastructure. Android is the way to go if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution with greater customization options.
End users often don’t care much about this, but it can be significant for IT departments. Many companies prefer Windows-based products because there are no new security considerations to address, and the entire change management process can be handled through existing systems and processes. While Android is also secure and offers good management capabilities, it doesn’t enjoy the same popularity, as it often requires more administrative effort. It’s worth considering, but the decision ultimately lies with the client organization. A media technology integrator and collaboration consultant like GMS can also assist you with such decisions.
Closing Thoughts
No matter which video conferencing system you choose, investing in modern equipment for hybrid collaboration will quickly pay off, and your employees will surely appreciate the purchase. We are happy to assist you in planning and implementing video conferencing systems in your company. We can plan, install, and operate several hundred professional video conferencing systems for our clients annually. With over 15 years of experience, we are here to be a strong partner and reliable advisor in selecting the right video conferencing systems.