'Bring Your Own Device' to Simplify Conference Room AV
HOW BYOD IS TRANSFORMING CONNECTIVITY IN MEETING ROOMS
Conference rooms have long featured video and audio displays for people to share content during meetings. But in recent years, conference room technology has moved into the hybrid realm, where people use in-room cameras and microphones to communicate with remote teams.
With all these devices in meeting rooms, we need an easy way to connect devices to share media and join video calls. There are two ways to do this: either have a dedicated computer in the room or allow people to use their own devices.
‘Bring your own device,’ or ‘BYOD,’ is by far the most convenient method, as people can share the presentation or software already installed on their laptop to the main display. But achieving BYOD isn’t a simple feat. When people have different devices with varying input models, businesses often run into compatibility issues.
Here’s how your company in the McKinney, TX-area can make BYOD work with your conference room AV. Ready to get started? Contact Texadia Systems for all your conference room technology needs.
SEE ALSO: How Standardization Impacts the Conference Room User Experience
THINKING AHEAD WITH BYOD
Since technology is always evolving, it doesn’t take long for ports and protocols to change and become obsolete. Connections that were once prevalent just a few years ago are now swiftly vanishing from the scene.
Take, for example, the widespread adoption of USB Type-C. Even within this standard, there exists a necessity to support other connectivity protocols like USB 2.0 and 3.0, Ethernet, and HDMI. Moreover, people in your company may still use connections like Mini DisplayPort, Mini and Micro HDMI, VGA, and Apple Lightning—adding another layer of complexity. A robust BYOD system should ensure seamless content sharing among different devices, regardless of whether they are Mac or PC, eliminating any compatibility issues that may arise.
HOW TO ACHIEVE BYOD
With all the variety of devices used in businesses, flexibility is key in BYOD conference rooms. Your business can achieve bring-your-own-device either with wired or wireless connections.
Wired: A centralized HDMI adapter ring is one way to connect devices to the conferencing system. You will need to ensure you have the correct adaptors for different inputs, which may evolve over time. However, HDMI doesn’t support bidirectional communication, so it may not work for all input devices.
Docking stations are another option, where users connect their laptops to a single cable to connect to cameras, microphones, and displays. Connectivity may still be an issue, requiring converters.
Wireless: Wireless sharing is often the most convenient way for people to BYOD. The Crestron AirMedia system allows users to enter a four-digit code on their laptop, then instantly share with the main system. AirMedia is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Google devices.
Alternatively, the Solstice Pod by Mersive is a wireless presentation solution that includes video conferencing and content sharing. To use the Solstice Pod, people will need to install the Solstice app onto their device and be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Pod system. For wireless sharing to work its best, ensure your company’s network is strong and fast enough (something we can help with.)
If your company could benefit from BYOD sharing in your conference rooms, Texadia Systems is here to help. We can complete your conference rooms with integrated technology and content sharing, so everything works seamlessly with one press of a button.
