In this Buyers’ Guide to Wireless Video Conferencing we focus on solutions that let you connect your own device to your conference equipment. One of the questions we are asked most frequently about video conferencing is “is it possible to connect wirelessly?” We find that many users want the multi-platform benefits and the convenience of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) also commonly known as Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM), but without the hassle of having a physical wired connection from host laptop to your conferencing equipment.
BYOD Video Conferencing – But Without the Wires
BYOD conferencing enables the user to host video calls on whatever platform they choose from their laptop. To achieve this they need to access the room audio and video hardware to enable groups to conference with remote participants. Room systems, such as Microsoft Teams Room (MTR) systems allow users access without the need to connect a host computer. However, room solutions tend to be tied in to a single platform such as Teams. Smaller room systems will generally either have a videobar design with integrated camera and microphones onboard. They tend to use an Android operating system. Larger systems include a dedicated Windows room computer such as an Intel NUC. Most of these room solutions do have the option making calls on other conferencing platforms, but only by connecting a wired host computer.
ScreenBeam Conference
What many users want is the platform agnostic and familiarity of a BYOD solution, but without the wires. This is exactly what the new ScreenBeam Conference offers. ScreenBeam Conference is free software solution to users of the ScreenBeam 1100 Plus. It adds wireless connectivity to room cameras, microphones and speakers. Support for native wireless display protocols means users can wirelessly present from any device without having to install and maintain an application, or use a dongle or cable. On Windows devices Screenbeam uses Miracast to connect and on Apple Devices it uses AirPlay. There is also support on Chromebook or from Chrome browsers using GoogleCast. Support for iOS means you can also use an iPad or a mobile phone to host your conference calls.
ScreenBeam Wireless Conference Bundles
Screenbeam have already partnered with two of the manufacturers of our most popular BYOD conference hardware; Konftel and Jabra. Konftel’s bestselling hybrid video bundles which comprise of a camera and best-in-class audio conference unit are now available as wireless bundles. The Konftel Hybrid bundles enable users to select the camera and audio conference unit that is most suitable for the size of the meeting room. The most popular solution is the Konftel C50800 Wireless Video Bundle. The OCC Hub has been replaced by a ScreenBeam 1100 Plus. You simply connect your USB Camera and display to the ScreenBeam and connect your host device wirelessly to the ScreenBeam receiver. An optional Konftel BT30 Bluetooth Dongle is included and eliminates the requirement to run a cable to the audio device therefore giving a completely wire-free solution.
For users who prefer a videobar design, the Jabra Panacast 50 is now available bundled with the ScreenBeam, providing wireless connectivity, eliminating the cost and inconvenience of long USB cables and USB extenders. In-person and remote employees in a blended meeting enjoy an inclusive experience, using personal devices while removing touchpoints with dongles, cables and room control systems.
Benefits of Wireless Content Sharing
ScreenBeam brings a whole host of other benefits, aside from getting rid of that cable from the host computer to the conferencing hardware. Wirelessly sharing content into meetings is a breeze with Multi-View enabling up to four users to share content. With the Quick Switch mode enabling you to effortlessly switch the presenter from one user to another.
The benefits of the ScreenBeam 1100 Plus go far beyond the wireless conference feature. For internal meetings and training sessions users can wirelessly share and mark-up content on the room display. They can do so without first downloading an app, or finding the right dongle or cable. ScreenBeam connects simultaneously to both internal and guest networks simultaneously without compromising security. The ScreenBeam 1100 Plus also supports digital signage. Therefore idle displays in conference and other meeting rooms can be employed to transmit employee and guest communications. It does this with integrated HTML-based digital signage capability.