By 
Video Conferencing is turning out to be a necessity in today’s fast world. Previously it was just a requirement for huge enterprises who could afford their technology. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, its demand has increased and there is no stopping now.
Ever since remote/hybrid working and flexibility have enhanced the productivity of organizations, video conferencing accessories services are in demand.
Video conferencing for product launches, product discussions, company policies, conferencing with vendors, and partners, chatting or discussing work on Zoom, etc. are now becoming a routine, and hence investing in good video conferencing hardware is a must.
This era is all about technology and convenience and hence business owners as well as proprietors need to know how to select the ideal video conferencing hardware, for the betterment of their company’s functioning.
Table of Contents
Video Conferencing & its Devices:
As the name suggests, video conferencing permits multiple people located at multiple locations to connect and communicate via video call. This saves time and money since people located in different places do not need to spend time and money to travel and reach a desired place for communication.
An accurate video conferencing setup can help conduct business meetings, webinars, and interviews, training, etc. successfully and productively.
Devices:
Video conferencing equipment includes a camera, speakers, microphone, screen, etc. There is a competitive market for such products, selecting the ideal one is vital as well as confusing.
The selection of these devices depends on multiple factors that need to be considered. Hence, let us first discuss the factors that will help you in selecting the types of equipment in a better way.
Key Factors for Better Video Conferencing:
Consider your Business Needs:
The selection criteria will vary as per your requirement, i.e., whether you want the types of equipment for a home office, a conference room, or a boardroom. Secondly, the count of people attending the video meeting, the type and count of meetings, budget, physical space, etc. all need to be addressed before selecting the video conferencing system.
Pay Heed to Video and Audio Quality:
Positive outcomes are vital when the staff is spread across varied locations and hence audible and sharp audio and video quality needs to be selected and installed on the premises. High-resolution cameras and soundproof audio for eliminating echo sound work wonders.
Seamless Integration & Compatibility with Other Devices/Software:
Select video conferencing tools that are compatible with other office tools and software. A properly integrated system with e-mails, software, and calendars can help enhance productivity.
Easy Setup & Utilization:
Setup can be made easy with the all-in-one video conference system wherein everything is available in a single combo. This makes the installation process easy and the utilization process efficient.
Ensure Technical Support & Guidance:
Technical guidance is essential when you are dealing with tech-savvy equipment. They come in handy in case of installation issues or functioning queries.
Your equipment supplier should have a sound technical team available round the clock for quick resolution of your issues. Support can be either physical (personal visit) or digital (live chat). Ensure that you get your desired option from your supplier before making this huge investment.
Investigate Security & Privacy Protocols:
Confidential details and discussions are shared during video conferences and hence security and privacy protocols are essential. Using encryption security and MFA (multi-factor authentication) to secure communications and data is vital.
Check out how the personal chat and data are stored and ensure that your supplier’s privacy policy aligns with the company’s policies.
Consider Mobility & Portability:
Types of equipment can be either fixed or portable depending on their size, weight, connectivity, and battery life. Opting for wireless connectivity with portability can be a wise choice.
Other Factors:
- Check the Recording/Sharing Features
- Inspect the Customisation Options
- Check out the Online Reviews/Suggestions/Flaws, etc.
- Check out the warranty options and upgrade options
Selecting the Ideal Video Conferencing Hardware
Keeping in mind the above factors, select the ideal video conferencing hardware for your firm.
Computer Devices:
Previously, huge desktops were used for conducting video calls and other meetings. However, with the rise in technology, small and lightweight portable laptops have taken their place and have proved to be more convenient.
High-quality business laptops, with excellent hardware, HD cameras, soundproof and clear audio systems, flexible and portable are worth your investment. Since high-end laptops are now becoming an all-in-one solution for video conferencing, the setup becomes easy and efficient.
Example:
Lenovo Flex five laptop, HP 15 laptop, Apple MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface Laptop, etc. are a few popular computer devices that can solve your purpose.
Cameras:
A camera is an integral equipment for video conferencing and other virtual meetings. Even hybrid workers need a sharp camera to understand the communications made during online meetings.
Usually, laptops work great for a majority of the employees, but if you have a vast audience, you need to link a separate webcam to your device. This stands true for built-in webcams in laptops too wherein the image quality is not up to the mark.
The advantages of a separate webcam are that you can freely move it at 360 degrees and they provide high image quality. External webcams have multiple features (flashlights, face tracking, FoV (Field of View), and microphones) and offer better resolutions.
Tip: Companies facing large audiences should consider cameras having 1080p resolution.
Example:
Logitech Conference Cam Connect, Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000, Lenovo 300 Webcam, Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam, etc. are some popular cameras that can be used for video conferencing.
Audio Tools:
If you are planning to install video conferencing tools in your home office, you need to address the issue of the noises present at your home. The productivity of video calls from home offices can be inefficient in a noisy environment.
Remote people cannot hear or communicate properly in a noisy atmosphere. You need to invest in audio gears for better sound quality and productivity.
For selecting the ideal one, it is vital to know the type required resolving your purpose and this depends on the overall environment as well as the place where the equipment will be stationed.
Varied Audio setups like Audio setup for home and personal use, Audio setup to address a group, audio for preventing noises, etc. need to be decided beforehand and then the setup needs to be installed.
In case of extremely noisy conditions, it is better to opt for noise-cancellation headphones, or earphones that can block the noise for clear high-quality audio.
You can also use the Background Noise Removal App for better communication.
Audio Gadgets include:
Headsets – Headsets help people from the other end hear with clarity during the conferencing call and this requires high-quality speakers and headsets.
Apple Air pods Max, Sony. WH-1000XM5, Austrian Audio. Hi-X50, Shure. Aonic 3, etc. can be considered for the same.
Speaker Combos – Speakerphone is a communication device, which has multi-directional microphones, speakers, and noise/echo resistance systems.
Anker PowerConf, Jabra Speak 510 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, eMeet Luna Bluetooth Speakerphone, etc. are some best examples.
Microphones – Microphones absorb the noises and other sounds and convert them into a unique pattern of electrical impulses based on the sounds. To ensure clear audio and video, business owners should invest in a good video conferencing microphone.
Elgato Wave three microphone, Blue Yeti Premium Multi-Pattern USB Microphone, HyperX SoloCast, etc. are some best external microphones.
You can also invest in a few more video conferencing hardware tools like extra lights for better video clarity, camera tripods for better images, interactive whiteboard for engaging presentations during the conference call, expansion mics for enhancing the audio coverage of the room, speedy routers for exchanging quick videos/presentations, security solutions like cable/combination locks, etc.
All these tools can help enhance your video call productivity and improve the overall efficiency of the meeting.
Final Words:
Companies are now adjusting to the needs of their employees and are implementing remote work policies. The only thing they lag behind is the use of upgraded technology.
Successful video conferences and online meetings with hybrid staff are only possible when proper investment in video conferencing hardware is made. After selecting and investing in the best one that fits your requirements, you need to ensure that these hardware tools are configured and installed properly.
Investment in proper video conferencing hardware will go a long way in improving your company’s productivity, revenues, and profits.
Best Wishes!
