We’ve all experienced the common dilemma at the start of meetings: figuring out whose laptop to connect to the video conferencing equipment when everyone brings their own device. Unlike the bring your own device (BYOD) approach, dedicated meeting room systems offer a more streamlined experience with a pre-configured, shared computing resource that’s ready to use at a moment’s notice. However, this convenience comes at the cost of a personalized experience, as users must adapt to a shared system rather than using their own devices.
This has led to the emergence of two primary video conferencing deployment approaches in the office environment: dedicated systems vs. BYOD setups. Not surprisingly, a third option has emerged to bridge the gap by offering dual-mode systems that support both BYOD and native approaches. Reflecting a growing need for reliable, easy-to-use solutions, this market trend prioritizes efficiency in getting meetings started while also minimizing IT overhead.
To get a handle on this evolving landscape, we sat down with Alvin Xu, Product Manager at AVer, for a conversation on the intricacies of these all-in-one solutions.
The Evolution of Meeting Room Solutions
Let’s start with the big picture. Do you see a shift in market trends from BYOD toward dedicated video conferencing systems, or is it going the other way around?
I would say the starting point is always the demand for simple and reliable meeting experiences. For a few years now, as more people have returned to the office and hybrid work modes have become commonplace, companies have had to find a balance to accommodate both approaches.
BYOD can be cumbersome, with compatibility and security issues, and the general hassle of connecting personal devices. Rather than lug your laptop from meeting room to meeting room and hoping that it connects without a hitch, an all-in-one device already set up in the meeting space would certainly help to get meetings started every time. But this device should also accommodate those who need or prefer to use their own devices and should work well within a conferencing ecosystem where you might have several devices from various brands.
The Rise of All-in-One Video Conferencing Systems
You mentioned “all-in-one.” Can you elaborate on the design philosophy behind this approach, especially considering the market’s push for efficiency?
Let me offer a typical example. In a medium- to large-room scenario, a video bar is a great solution. This is a device with camera and audio features, and it has all the processing power built in — no separate PC or laptop is required. It runs on an operating system, like Android, and it comes pre-installed with popular video conferencing software, so meeting participants can start meetings straight away.
When the video conferencing system is already set up and ready to go, you avoid the sometimes awkward back-and-forth discussion before a meeting starts about who will volunteer their laptop to connect and host the meeting.
Simplifying Meetings with Android-Based Video Bars
So it simplifies setup and eliminates the technical hurdles often associated with “traditional” video conferencing systems.
Precisely. With Android OS and pre-installed collaboration software like Zoom running natively and securely, it’s a switch-on-and-play experience without requiring a connected PC. This not only benefits end-users but also reduces the burden on IT departments, contributing to minimizing IT overhead.
If this is a PC-free setup — you’re not connecting the video conferencing equipment to a separate computer to run Zoom, etc. — how do you actually control the meeting?
You use a touch panel controller designed specifically for this. For example, at AVer, we just introduced the CP10 G2 (Generation 2) controller. This is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Zoom Rooms Controller functionality. It’s always on standby mode, so you just walk into the room and you can get the video conference up and running. And don’t worry about lots of people in shared workspaces touching the same screen. We prioritized hygiene so there’s an advanced layer of anti-bacterial touch glass on it.
Enhancing User Experience with Intuitive Meeting Controls
User experience is clearly a priority…
Yes, there’s a focus on intuitive controls, by design. The CP10 G2 controller works seamlessly with AVer’s all-in-one systems, such as our VB370A video bar, which eliminates the need to bring your own device. The controller’s interface is incredibly user-friendly, even for those less familiar with gadgets — it’s just one touch to get meetings started. Zoom Rooms functionality is pre-installed on the VB370A, with IT administrators setting up a dedicated paid Zoom license in advance, eliminating the need for meeting participants to decide whose individual login credentials to use. Plus, installation is super easy with just a single PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) cable connection. This focus on ease of use directly addresses the demand for simple solutions that minimize friction in getting meetings started.
Key Benefits of All-in-One Video Conferencing Solutions
You mentioned the controller and video bar combo. Could you elaborate a bit on the design concept?
It’s rooted in the frustrations with bringing your own device to meetings and the lack of flexibility with fully native systems. Our design philosophy for an all-in-one like the VB370A video bar centers around simplicity and efficiency. Embedding the Android OS and pre-installing Zoom ensures that meetings are always ready to start whenever you are.
Also, the VB370A has great specs. It features dual lenses for clear visuals and advanced AI voice tracking to ensure everyone is heard clearly. There’s also dual-display support, which is very useful when you’re making presentations — presenters can share content on one screen while participants remain visible on the other. That makes for a more engaging and interactive discussion.
And, of course, it also has all the state-of-the-art AI features that you’ve come to expect. For instance, for videos, AVer’s Smart Composition and Auto Framing ensure the best views of meeting participants. For audio, voice tracking, audio fencing, and beamforming technology. In BYOD mode, it’s compatible with a whole range of software and apps, including not just Zoom and Teams, but also RingCentral, and Cisco WebEx®, to name just a few.
Let’s talk about market positioning. Who is the target audience for AVer’s VB370A video bar?
We designed this solution specifically for medium-to-large meeting rooms, typically accommodating 10-25 people. These are the spaces where the BYOD vs. dedicated systems debate is probably most prevalent. Your typical BYOD setups can become particularly challenging with that many people in a meeting.
Can you summarize the key benefits businesses can expect from implementing an all-in-one solution?
It comes down to increased meeting efficiency, reduced IT overhead, and improved user experience. With a simplified setup and management, the need for IT intervention is minimized. The instant-meeting capability ensures meetings begin on time so you can be productive. Ultimately, it’s about connecting people quickly and efficiently to create an engaging collaborative experience.