Video conferencing hardware... anyone got recos? (1 Viewer)

[Evilgrin 72]

I've been tasked with outfitting our conference room with a TV for video-conferencing. Main objectives are :

Low to (preferably) no glare. This is a big one.

60" or so

PC display compatible

Smart app readiness

What else would I need, just a camera, no? There have to be a lot of TVs out there that are already Skype enabled, is that the way to go or is it spotty? I've never even used Skype and am totally naive to video conferencing technology.

The less I need to spend on this, the better, but obviously it's on the company dime, so there's no "budget" to work with per se. Just that if I can find something cheaper than my boss finds, it will bode well for me. Any advice is appreciated. TIA.

 

[fantasycurse42]

We use Lifesize... I find it complicated, buggy, & would not recommend.

I mention it only because you will prob cross that name in your search.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

We use Lifesize... I find it complicated, buggy, & would not recommend.

I mention it only because you will prob cross that name in your search.

Thanks. I'm not sure if a dedicated videoconferencing rig/system is the way to go or just a Skype-enabled TV with a camera and microphone. Anyone want to weight in on the pros/cons of each?

 

[NCCommish]

I would probably skip Skype. It's cool and all but people complain the video is kind of sketchy. I have had several clients try it and then go get something else. Why do you guys want the system? Are you planning to use this to reduce travel to and from other offices? For company training?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I would probably skip Skype. It's cool and all but people complain the video is kind of sketchy. I have had several clients try it and then go get something else. Why do you guys want the system? Are you planning to use this to reduce travel to and from other offices? For company training?

It's mainly going to be for video calling customers. Boss just a second ago told me he wants to have a PC attached to it so we can call up Excel, Powerpoint, etc. as well. Thanks for the tip on Skype, I thought that might be the case, but I've never used it (personally or for business) so I wasn't sure.

 

[NCCommish]

I would probably skip Skype. It's cool and all but people complain the video is kind of sketchy. I have had several clients try it and then go get something else. Why do you guys want the system? Are you planning to use this to reduce travel to and from other offices? For company training?

It's mainly going to be for video calling customers. Boss just a second ago told me he wants to have a PC attached to it so we can call up Excel, Powerpoint, etc. as well. Thanks for the tip on Skype, I thought that might be the case, but I've never used it (personally or for business) so I wasn't sure.

Then I think I would look at Web Ex. Given what you want to do with it and the fact that many of your customers are unlikely to have their own video conferencing setup it should give you the best options. It's also not super expensive IIRC. On the TV side you can go to your local big box and grab that. Just make sure it can be plugged into the computer.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I would probably skip Skype. It's cool and all but people complain the video is kind of sketchy. I have had several clients try it and then go get something else. Why do you guys want the system? Are you planning to use this to reduce travel to and from other offices? For company training?

It's mainly going to be for video calling customers. Boss just a second ago told me he wants to have a PC attached to it so we can call up Excel, Powerpoint, etc. as well. Thanks for the tip on Skype, I thought that might be the case, but I've never used it (personally or for business) so I wasn't sure.

Then I think I would look at Web Ex. Given what you want to do with it and the fact that many of your customers are unlikely to have their own video conferencing setup it should give you the best options. It's also not super expensive IIRC. On the TV side you can go to your local big box and grab that. Just make sure it can be plugged into the computer.

I'll definitely look into that, many thanks man.

 

[Abraham]

Lync. Every other option is incorrect.