By Full Compass LiveIn today’s digital age, effective communication and collaboration are essential for businesses to thrive. With the increasing importance of remote work and virtual meetings, conferencing room AV systems have become crucial tools for enhancing communication and productivity. When designing and purchasing a conferencing room AV system, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right solution for your organization’s needs.
Purpose, Room Size/Design & Acoustics
Before diving into the technical details, it’s important to define the purpose of your conferencing room. Consider the primary use of the space, such as video conferencing, presentations, or training sessions. The room size is also a crucial factor. Smaller huddle rooms require different AV setups than large boardrooms or auditoriums. Room design, furniture placement, and acoustics can affect audio quality and video visibility. Consider acoustic treatments, proper lighting, and room layout to optimize the environment for your AV system.
Audio Quality
Audio is the most critical component of a conferencing room AV system. Poor audio can disrupt communication and lead to ineffective meetings. When evaluating audio options, consider echoDefinition:
A repeat of an audio signal. cancellation, noise reductionDefinition:
A technique for reducing noise in recording or transmission systems. Single-ended noise reduction systems use filtering to isolate the noise, and expand this signal downward using downward expansion. See Expansion and Downward Expansion. Double-ended systems use symmetrical compression and expansion. See Compansion., and microphone placement. High-quality microphones, speakers, and sound processing capabilities are essential to ensure clear and natural sound.
Video Quality
Look for a camera that supports HD or 4KDefinition:
3840x2160-pixel video resolution. This is also often called Ultra HD or UHD. Also resolution of 4096x2160, which is popular in the film industry. resolutionDefinition:
1. (video) The measure of pixels horizontally and vertically. For example, 1920x1080 is considered HD, or high-definition. 2. (audio) The combined bit depth and sample rate of a digital audio signal., along with features like auto-trackingDefinition:
1. Recording or overdubbing audio tracks. 2. Sensing the position of a person, a person's head, or camera position for Augmented and Virtual Reality purposes as well as motion tracking. and framing, as well as panDefinition:
Horizontal pivot of a camera or light, opposite of Tilt, or the placement of a sound element in stereo or surround sound., tiltDefinition:
The up-down pivot of a light or camera. Opposite of Pan. See PTZ., and zoomDefinition:
Continuously variable enlargement or reduction of an image. capabilities. The camera’s field of view should match the room size to ensure that all participants are visible. Good lighting is also important to avoid shadowy or washed-out images.
Compatibility & Integration
Your AV system should seamlessly integrate with your existing hardware and software. Compatibility with popular conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet is crucial. Ensure that your AV system can connect with laptops, smartphones, and other devices, making it easy for participants to join meetings without technical hassles.
Control & User-Friendliness
An intuitive control interfaceDefinition:
A device that adds I/O capability to another device. Common would be a MIDI, audio or video interface for a computer. is essential to manage your AV system efficiently. Consider whether the system offers remote control options and how easy it is to set up and use. A user-friendly interface simplifies the experience for both in-house staff and remote participants.
Scalability
Business needs can change over time, so it’s wise to invest in an AV system that can scale with your organization. Look for a system that allows you to add or upgrade components as your requirements evolve. Scalability ensures that your initial investment remains relevant and cost-effective in the long run.
Budget
While it may be tempting to cut costs, remember that investing in a reliable AV system is an investment in better communication and collaboration, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
Expert Consultation & Support
While selecting the right system might seem daunting, we are here for you. Our Conferencing System Experts are trained and certified, providing expert consultation to ensure your conferencing system meets every need. A well-designed and properly integrated AV system can enhance communication, collaboration, and overall productivity, ultimately contributing to your business’s success.
Systems & Solutions
Shure Microflex Conferencing Ecosystem
Shure’s Microflex Ecosystem provides an excellent solution for any room. Featuring networkable, scalable, and flexible AV options, these products are crafted to simplify and enhance the conferencing experience.
Audio-Technica Conferencing Solutions
Audio-Technica’s ATND1061 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphone is a state-of-the-art professional product that’s easy to install, set up, and operate, providing the flexibility to cover a wide variety of room sizes and meeting types. With its voice-activity detection technology, the microphone discerns between voices and unwanted noises. Plus exclusion zones can be set to avoid known sources of unwanted noise so you can be confident that you’re hearing each speaker and not other sounds. Additionally, Audio-Technica’s Engineered Sound Wireless MicrophoneDefinition:
A microphone with a transmitter that sends radio-frequency signals to link wireless with a receiver, obviating the need for a cable. systems offer alternative options providing up to 192 channels with the straightforward wiring of a single Cat 5e cable per receiver to a PoEDefinition:
(Power over Ethernet): Voltage over Ethernet cables to power remote equipment without needing a separate power supply, up to a maximum output of 15.4 Watts. network switch. Audio-Technica conferencing products are not available for online purchase. To learn more, please contact a Product Expert.
Google Meet Room with AMX and LOGITECH
AMX worked together with Logitech, a leading Google Meet Certified hardware manufacturer, to develop complementary technologies that enableDefinition:
To turn on a particular function. customizable AMX control pages to be seamlessly added to the Google Meet Rooms UI running on the Logitech Tap. With the addition of an AMX NX ControllerDefinition:
1. A MIDI device (keyboard, guitar with appropriate interface, etc.) that alters parameters in a synthesizer or other MIDI sound generator. 2. A device (e.g., modulation wheel, pitch bender, ribbon controller, etc.) that varies some specific parameter in a synthesizer or other MIDI sound generator. to any Google Meet solution, control for lighting, temperature control, AV, and more can be added to a Meet Room while preserving the look and feel of the standard Meet UI. The custom control UI, enabled through the collaboration between Logitech and AMX, makes it simple to switch between table inputs to determine which laptop will be shared in the Meet call as well as the ability to control other room systems such as lighting and temperature control.
Sennheiser TEAMCONNECT Family of Products
Introducing Sennheiser’s leading TeamConnect Family – a versatile unified communications meeting portfolio designed to meet the unique needs of your conference room. Enjoy maximum flexibility by combining products with other compatibleDefinition:
Capable of operating with a particular selection of hardware or software. Sennheiser or third-party devices, easily configured and controlled through the intuitive Sennheiser Control Cockpit. TeamConnect Ceiling Solutions leverage Sennheiser’s trusted audio quality, providing superior ceiling microphones for contemporary hybrid conferencing and presentations. As members of the Sennheiser TeamConnect Family, these solutions are tailored for mid-sized (TeamConnect Ceiling Medium) or large (TeamConnect Ceiling 2) meeting rooms, lecture halls, or collaboration spaces.
