When Was the Last Time You Upgraded Your Conference Room?
The Ultimate Guide to New & Improved Video Conferencing
Did you know that the typical lifecycle for video conferencing systems is 3-5 years? This figure usually surprises our clients since the newest displays have a lifespan of up to 7 years, and products like speakers and amplifiers remain updated for 10 years or longer.
Why the shorter lifespan, then?
As with most industries, technological advancements seem to be occurring daily. Turn around, and a system or software requires an upgrade. Conference room AV is one of the industries on the quickest growth trajectory. These systems also rely on software updates and compatibility compliance with platforms like Teams and Zoom.
So, the question is, when was the last time you upgraded your conference room?
Staying abreast of needed upgrades is challenging even with the best IT department. Here are some suggestions from M3 Technology Group.
SEE ALSO: The Changing Landscape of Conference Room AV
Look at What You’ve Got
In a rush for the latest and greatest, it’s important to slow down and look at what you have that may be compatible with today’s smart AV solutions. A rush for “in with the new, out with the old” can reduce your ROI and leave you needing another upgrade much sooner than anticipated.
Look at the functionality, compatibility, and scalability of your current devices. High-performance displays and speakers are usually keepers and can adapt to different uses.
Prioritize Your Needs
The keywords in today’s video conference world are collaboration and equity. They define a workplace where all employees can contribute equally, regardless of their setting, whether at home, in the office, or at a business meeting across the globe.
Three of the essential ingredients that go into creating these spaces are clear audio that ensures everyone can hear each other no matter where they are, enhanced images that enable participants to view subtle body language and facial cues, and collaborative workspaces that reach beyond physical boundaries.
Creating an Engaged Environment
Technology that addresses these needs includes beamforming microphone arrays, which act like noise-cancellation headphones. They’ll focus on the speaker while reducing background noise. Smart cameras also focus on the presenter as well as the surrounding participants.
You can see the glint in their eye when they discuss their recent sale and the raised eyebrows when discussing the next acquisition. Exaggerated nodding from anyone listening may indicate fear or anxiety. As every business knows, over 50% of communication is nonverbal.
Smart whiteboards, also known as interactive whiteboards, help your team work together by creating a collaborative workspace. Onsite and remote staff can annotate, draw, share files, and organize thoughts.
It’s Time for an Upgrade
Today’s technology creates an in-person sensation for remote attendees. It establishes a space where everyone is heard, seen, and included.
If you still have stagnant cameras that simply take a shot of the entire room or poor-quality microphones without the latest technology, you know it’s time for an upgrade. Another must-have in our hybrid workforce world is a user-friendly control system that enables everyone to start a meeting easily. One tap connects remote attendees, turns on the AV equipment, lowers the shades, and adjusts the lights.
