From Home to Huddle: Choosing the Right Video Conferencing Gear for Any Space

Before determining the type of equipment you need, it’s important to consider the number of meeting spaces you have. If you have 20 conference rooms, the last thing you want to do is implement different technology setups in all of them.

Adding the latest equipment to one room while the rest remain outdated is going to create competition for that single room. On top of that, employees who are accustomed to using certain devices in one room may face delays or difficulties in more modernized conference rooms.

To ensure that the user experience for every conference room in your building is as consistent as possible, you should develop room standards. That means determining the best video conferencing equipment for all of your different-sized rooms. With room standards in place, your employees won’t have to learn several different types of technologies, and you can avoid room scheduling issues.

Plus, with the right equipment and accommodations, hybrid employees can move seamlessly from at-home to in-office, from mobile to laptop. To ensure these transitions remain fluid, your spaces need to provide the flexibility that your team requires.

Audio Solutions With Control

With Poly signature audio and one-touch joining, the Poly Trio 8800 Conference Phone is built to handle the demands of larger meeting rooms.

Pros:

• Exceptional audio quality with tuned microphones
• Built-in Wi-Fi, USB and Bluetooth connectivity
• Future-proof flexibility for video conferencing and content sharing

Cons:

• Bulkier than other solutions
• Potential slow screen responsiveness

The CRESTRON FLEX Mini Tabletop is designed to improve teamwork in cramped areas, making it ideal for smaller rooms.

Pros:

• Compact design
• High-quality audio
• User-friendly interface
• Flexible models support audio-only conferencing

Cons:

• May not accommodate dual displays
• Not suitable for larger meeting rooms due to size constraints

Hot Desking Equipment

A Neat Frame is an all-in-one video collaboration tool that may be utilized in various locations, including a hot desk area, focus room, personal office or company lobby.

Pros:

• Enhances communication and teamwork in various situations
• Possesses a top-notch speaker, microphone and camera

Cons:

• Is more expensive than other options

Find and book the desk you need using Logi Dock Flex, a docking station that provides quick and easy workspace reservations and promotes collaboration.

Pros:

• Impressive 55mm neodymium speakers
• DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity (4K HDR @ 60Hz)
• 100W of power delivery to the host
• Bluetooth 5.1 support
• Stylish and intuitive to use

Cons:

• Has a tinny-sounding, beamforming microphone array
• Lacks Thunderbolt support

If you’re looking for a stylish scheduling solution that makes it easy to reserve desks and workstations in your office, Crestron Desk Touch could be exactly what you need.

Pros:

• Makes it easy to reserve workspaces
• Features a 3.5-inch LCD screen, status light, Wi-Fi and PoE connectivity
• Enables data access across an organization through the XiO Cloud technology management platform

Cons:

• Not suitable for open workspaces
• Requires a Crestron control system for operation

Not sure which equipment is best for your space? From huddle rooms to large flexible working spaces, we’ve got you covered.

Huddle Spaces

These smaller, collaborative workspaces are where teams of between two and six people can meet to discuss projects, participate in focused working sessions or check in with remote team members. To ensure your employees can make the most out of these rooms, it’s crucial to have the right equipment. Here’s what we recommend:

Neat Bar, Neat Pad & Neat Center

This trio of audio and video devices work together to deliver a high-quality meeting experience. The Neat Bar/Pad has a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) mode that enables convenient networking at table boxes.

Pros:

• Dynamic touch screen pad which can be used for room control and scheduling
• Flexible device compatibility
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Performance deteriorates at longer distances without Neat Center support
• Visual quality declines when using Zoom’s multi-stream/smart gallery mode

Neat Board

With its 65″ touch screen and first-party cart mount option, the Neat Board offers flexible deployment options. Its installation requirements differ from usual display standards, which could make the setup more complex.

Pros:

• Provides an excellent platform for cooperation
• Quick and simple setup

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Not portable

Logitech Sight

The Logitech Sight camera is a companion camera for tabletop use in hybrid meetings. It features intelligent multi-participant framing and promotes inclusivity in your meetings by giving your front-of-room camera a tabletop viewpoint.

Pros:

• Enhances hybrid meeting experiences
• Provides a tabletop perspective that helps remote participants feel included
• Integrates with leading video conferencing platforms for improved inclusivity
• Is ideal for both smaller and medium-sized meeting rooms

Cons:

• Not suitable for larger conference rooms

Logitech Rally Bar

Participants can engage digitally in the Rally Bar thanks to its integrated microphone system, which enables clear digital communication. It connects to a Mac or PC via a USB cable, enabling meeting chairs to utilize their preferred programs, such as BYOD.

Pros:

• Integrated video bar for conference and compact spaces
• Stylish appearance and sturdy construction
• Easy to set up and maintain
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Not suitable for large conference rooms

Neat Board 50

The Neat Board 50 is a fantastic tool for collaboration that’s made for the flexible workplace of the future.

Pros:

• Has a user-friendly platform for collaboration and communication
• Offers a 50-inch touchscreen
• Promotes efficient teamwork with a high-quality display

Cons:

• Its large size makes it challenging to move
• Not as budget-friendly as other similar options
• Steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with touchscreen interfaces

Owl Labs Meeting Owl, Owl Bar & Whiteboard Owl

These meeting essentials from Owl Labs make it truly possible to work from anywhere. Meeting Owl — a center-of-room camera, microphone and speaker — and Owl Bar, its front-of-room counterpart combine to create an immersive meeting experience for all attendees. Plus, with Whiteboard Owl you can ensure equal access to your in-room whiteboard.

Pros:

• User-friendly setup
• A 360-degree panoramic view
• Improved video quality
• Speaker tracking
• High-quality audio

Cons:

• High combined cost

Crestron AirMedia®

This wireless presentation and conferencing solution is a great tool for improving cooperation in modern offices.

Pros:

• Multiple display support
• Touchback functionality
• Device management features
• Digital signage capabilities for large organizations

Cons:

• Higher hardware costs
• Limited connectivity across platforms
• Audio control issues

DTEN Bar with DTEN Mate

With an integrated speaker and microphone, this 360-degree conference camera from DTEN is a complete video conferencing solution that improves virtual meetings.

Pros:

• Has versatile mounting configurations
• Comes with enhanced visual and audio quality
• Has a simple setup with built-in video meeting software
• Seamlessly integrates with several collaboration platforms

Cons:

• Is not suitable for larger spaces

Medium Conference Rooms

Crestron Flex Pods

Crestron Flex Pods bring scalable, wireless audio to your hybrid meetings.

Pros:

• Uses wireless connectivity
• Delivers high-quality audio
• Deployment is simple and straightforward
• Offers hybrid meeting support

Cons:

• Price is on the higher side
• Lacks native third-party support

Crestron Videobar 70

The Crestron Videobar 70 is a full-featured collaboration bar for medium and large spaces. It’s an effective tool that improves hybrid meeting experiences by fusing high-performance audio and video capabilities.

Pros:

• Offers high-quality video
• Easy to set up
• Is ideal for medium or large meeting spaces
• Provides crystal-clear voices and clear audio

Cons:

• May not fit all room aesthetics
• May not easily integrate with existing systems

Jabra PanaCast 50

The Jabra PanaCast 50 is a smart video bar that transforms virtual meetings.

Pros:

• Provides a high-quality audio experience
• Has built-in AI for automatic speaker tracking
• Features precision voice detection
• Easy installation
• Is compatible with various room sizes

Cons:

• Not suitable for smaller spaces
• Limited compatibility with popular platforms

Logitech Rally Bar + Tap IP

The Logitech Rally Bar + Tap IP is a complete meeting solution that features a video bar and touch controller. It also supports wired extension microphones and provides good optical quality with a PTZ lens.

Pros:

• Offers a strong optical performance
• Is compatible with wired extension microphones
• Features cross-compatibility for widespread applications

Cons

• Lack of expansion microphones results in mediocre audio pickup
• Extension cables and expansion microphones have set lengths that restrict customization

Poly Studio X52 All-In-One Video Bar with TC10 Controller

The Poly Studio X52 All-In-One Video Bar with TC10 Controller is a complete video conferencing solution and an ideal choice for medium to large meeting rooms that can accommodate up to ten people.

Pros:

• Offers excellent audio and video quality
• Has a robust system for cameras and microphones
• Can accommodate three screens

Cons:

• Is more expensive than similar options

Large Conference Rooms

Crestron 1 Beyond Cameras

Crestron’s Beyond Cameras provide state-of-the-art capabilities for recording sharp video that clearly captures all in-room participants.

Pros:

• Prioritizes meeting equity in hybrid work environments
• Offers optical zoom capabilities
• Employs AI-directed speaker tracking
• Is ideal for medium to large rooms

Cons:

• May be costly for some organizations
• Larger spaces may require additional camera solutions

Logitech Rally Plus Kit With Compute

Although the Logitech Rally Plus Kit with Compute provides a stable conferencing solution, it has issues with scaling up configurations and does not handle bring-your-own-device (BYOD) conferencing seamlessly.

Pros:

• Successfully competes with standalone camera and microphone combos

Cons:

• Is prone to difficulties in integrating with non-Logitech products
• The BYOD conferencing transition is not well supported

Neat Bar Pro

The Neat Bar Pro has strong optics and 720p resolution, contributing to its outstanding audio performance. Pair it with Neat Pad and Neat Center for the full hybrid meeting experience.

Pros:

• Has superior audio quality in a standalone soundbar
• Strong optics provide a clear, smart gallery experience

Cons:

• Lacks direct assistance for external microphones
• May not enable third-party DSP

Poly Studio E70 Smart Camera

The innovative Poly Studio E70 Smart Camera elevates contemporary conference spaces with its AI-enhanced in-room views.

Pros:

• Equipped with high-resolution video
• Offers enhanced security
• Features speaker tracking
• Uses AI-assisted group framing
• Has state-of-the-art audio
• Leverages advanced analytics for a visually immersive meeting experience

Cons:

• Limited range may not be suitable for the largest meeting spaces
• May not offer automatic framing or tracking beyond eight meters

Poly Studio X70

The Poly Studio X70 enhances large-room meetings using dual-sensor speaker framing and 4k video.

Pros:

• Elevates meetings with focused telephoto pictures and stereo sound
• Expands upon the Studio X lineup’s features

Cons:

• Headroom problems with specific firmware installations and versions
• Remote chat display features cable trays instead of individuals

Large, Flexible Workspaces

Logitech + Lenovo

This combined solution integrates Logitech Tap with ThinkSmart Core to deliver a ready-made conferencing solution that’s ideal for Microsoft Teams and Zoom Room meetings.

Pros:

• Is simple to use
• Is compatible with a wide variety of cameras and monitors

Cons:

• More pricey than alternative video conferencing options
• Lacks portability

Logitech RoomMate

Logitech RoomMate is a flexible complement to your conference room setup. It makes any space into an appliance-based system when paired with Logitech Tap IP and other compatible video conferencing options.

Pros:

• Is fully compatible with Rally, MeetUp and Rally Plus Logitech systems
• Supports IPv4 and IPv6

Cons:

• Lacks an HDMI input connector

Poly G7500

The Poly G7500 video conferencing system provides a user-friendly, modular room solution by effortlessly connecting to microphones, cameras and other third-party components.

Pros:

• Provides an easy-to-use room solution that’s readily movable and modular
• Is customizable and compatible for meetings and teamwork
• Is one of the best audio-conferencing processors on the market

Cons:

• Requires one cable for power over Ethernet

Hot Desking

Crestron Desk Touch

This stylish scheduling solution makes it easy to reserve desks and workstations in today’s workplace.

Pros:

• Ideal for reserving cubicles and semi-private offices
• Features a 3.5-inch LCD screen, status light, Wi-Fi and PoE connectivity
• Enables data access across an organization via the XiO Cloud technology management platform

Cons:

• Not suitable for open workspaces
• Requires a Crestron control system for operation

Logi Dock Flex

The Logi Dock Flex is a docking station that makes it easy to reserve desk space.

Pros:

• Uses impressive 55mm neodymium speakers
• Features DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity (4K HDR @ 60Hz)
• Delivers 100W of power to the host
• Offers Bluetooth 5.1 support
• Has a wonderful appearance and layout

Cons:

• Beamforming microphone array can sound tinny
• Lacks Thunderbolt support

Neat Frame

Compact and easy to use, Neat Frame is a personal collaboration device that provides a more personal meeting experience for smaller spaces such as hot desk areas, focus rooms, personal offices, and company lobbies.

Pros:

• Enhances communication and teamwork in smaller areas
• Possesses a top-notch speaker, microphone and camera

Cons:

• Not as budget friendly as other options

New 21:9 Displays for Conference Rooms

Jupiter 21:9 Displays

Jupiter is a leader when it comes to 21:9 ultra-wide screens. The expansive view provided by these devices improves communication and teamwork.

Pros:

• Provides a wide panoramic experience
• Improves ergonomics
• Supports multiple display sizes

Cons:

• Higher cost vs. smaller form factor displays

MAXHUB UW Displays

The ultra-wide commercial screens of the MAXHUB UW Series facilitate an ultra-immersive meeting experience.

Pros:

• The most immersive experience for meeting attendees
• Potential for multiple applications within a space

Cons:

• Even higher cost, may be “overkill” for a typical meeting space

There are hundreds of video conferencing equipment manufacturers out there, so how do you find one that you can trust?

Support is one of the most important factors. What if one of your speakers fails to work the day before a huge board meeting? Will the manufacturer send you a next-day replacement or will they make you wait two weeks for a service call?

The brands we’ve recommended are ones that we’ve worked with for years. From the latest technology to meticulous engineering, brands like Crestron, Neat and Poly have proven to be reliable partners because of their commitment to our customers. We encourage you to explore product reviews to get an idea of a brand’s customer service standards and product replacement guidelines.

Or, just talk to our experts! DGI has customized video conferencing equipment setups for more medium-to-large conference rooms than we can count. We can install the latest technology in your office and make sure it’s easy to use for everyone on your team.

Send us a message to find out how we can apply our skills to customize a solution for your conference rooms.