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allwave · 8 days
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Transforming the AV Landscape: The Impact of Internet of Things on Audio-Visual Experiences
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Introduction: 
The links between the Internet of Things (IoT) and Audiovisual cannot be ignored. Communication and connectivity at home and work happen through ever-evolving connectivity and audio/video technologies. Smartwatches, alarm systems, temperature control systems, lighting, video display units, and computers – all are becoming interconnected and having a profound impact on the AV industry.
Our access to these points of communication and connectivity is becoming more ubiquitous as the Internet of Things continues to progress. With all this in mind, what do AV pros need to know about IoT to best serve their clients? Let’s take a look.
Having AV as such an integral component of IoT means having the right infrastructure in place. You have a role to play in working with clients so they understand these infrastructure requirements as they relate to AV integration.
When the IPv6 standard was put in place in 2017, the potential for unlimited IP addresses cleared the way for every and all devices to be potentially connected via IoT.  To manage a future of unlimited connectivity, professionals must understand and use the IPv6 standard to meet client demands.
Beyond that, connected devices must connect to systems appropriately to provide value. Better interoperability depends on devices being connected in an optimal way for the use they were intended for. More and more, this means connectivity via a cloud-based service.
Cabling will still be required in some AV applications, but you can work to minimize the impact of any systems “tethered” via cabling. Wireless is becoming more the expectation and the norm, so solutions that include systems such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) should be incorporated into AV integration plans.
And just like the devices around you, keep learning. Be well-versed in new developments in the intersection between IoT and AV. Understand and comply with the latest standards in data compression, performance verification, and energy management, to serve your clients and be a trusted resource for them.
Managing Workflow
IoT and AV are beginning to interact in the workplace in pretty amazing ways. Imagine you are at work, wearing a smartwatch, which notifies you of a video conference meeting you’ve got to get to across campus. You can navigate to the meeting from your phone or watch, and hop in on the meeting from either device as you make your way there, so you’re not missing a beat. Your colleagues in the meeting are having the same experience. Meanwhile, the conference room has set itself up, dimming lights and turning on the video display in preparation to connect with colleagues and the client attending the meeting remotely.
When the tools of your workplace anticipate your needs in this way, it is called ambient computing. Machine learning happens as systems within an environment “learn” and respond to user behaviors and patterns. In this way, immersive experiences in the workplace will be less about entertaining and more about ease of workflow.
AV and IoT are beginning to work in sync in this way, as rooms and devices begin to learn from how people come and go, activities they do in a room, etc. Lighting, room temp, and AV functions will be guided by this ambient computing.
Data collected through IoT interaction can also help in the larger context of a workflow. IoT is helping to allocate AV and other business resources. Is one conference room getting used more than others? Are huddle spaces being underutilized? How are employees employing video conferencing capabilities in a given building? IoT can help gather data to make work run more smoothly and allocate resources more efficiently.
Having this kind of information in hand will be invaluable to you and your clients. It will help you design spaces and installations you are currently working on, and provide clear guidance for rolling out future expansion projects as a company grows and as IoT continues to advance.
In modern conference rooms, IoT sensors and devices are often used to enhance the overall experience and efficiency of meetings and presentations. Here’s how:
Automated Lighting and Climate Control: IoT-connected lighting systems and thermostats can adjust the lighting and temperature in conference rooms based on occupancy and ambient light conditions. Sensors detect when people enter or leave the room, allowing the system to automatically adjust the lighting and temperature for comfort and energy efficiency.
Smart Presentation Systems: IoT-enabled projectors, screens, and interactive displays can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet app. Presenters can easily switch between different display sources or adjust settings such as brightness and volume without needing to physically interact with the equipment.
Room Booking and Scheduling: IoT sensors integrated into room booking systems can monitor room occupancy and availability in real-time. Employees can quickly find and reserve available meeting rooms using a smartphone app or digital signage displays outside each room. This helps to optimize room utilization and reduce scheduling conflicts.
Remote Monitoring and Maintenance: IoT sensors embedded in AV equipment can provide real-time monitoring of device performance and health status. AV technicians can remotely diagnose and troubleshoot issues, perform software updates, and schedule maintenance tasks proactively to minimize downtime.
Data Analytics and Insights: IoT platforms can collect and analyze data from various AV devices and sensors to provide valuable insights into room usage patterns, meeting attendance, and equipment utilization. This data can help organizations optimize their AV infrastructure, improve resource allocation, and make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Overall, the integration of IoT technology in the AV industry is revolutionizing how conference rooms and event spaces are designed, managed, and utilized, leading to more efficient and immersive audio-visual experiences for users.
Have a look at our page as well to know more about video collaboration- https://www.allwaveav.com/about-us/
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allwave · 15 days
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Enabling Hybrid Working: Microsoft Teams Rooms & Zooms Rooms
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Introduction: 
Hybrid Work has emerged as a transformative model, offering the flexibility for employees to collaborate seamlessly both in-office and remotely. To facilitate this shift, organizations are turning to advanced technologies such as Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTRs) and Zoom. This will play an instrumental role in creating a cohesive and efficient Hybrid Work environment.
Let’s explore how MTRs and Zoom enable Hybrid Work and contribute to the success of this modern work paradigm.
Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTRs) Unleashed:
Seamless Integration with Microsoft Teams
MTRs are purpose-built meeting room solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Teams. This integration ensures that meeting spaces, whether in the office or at home, are equipped with the necessary hardware and software to facilitate smooth collaboration within the Teams ecosystem.
2. One-Click Joining
MTRs simplify the meeting joining process. With just a single click, users can effortlessly join Microsoft Teams meetings directly from the MTR-equipped room. This streamlined experience enhances efficiency, allowing participants to focus on the meeting rather than dealing with complex setup procedures.
3.Consistent User Experience
Whether an individual is joining a meeting from a personal device or an MTR-equipped room, the user experience remains consistent. This uniformity contributes to a seamless transition between in-person and virtual collaboration, promoting user adoption and satisfaction.
4. Advanced Audio and Video Capabilities
MTRs come equipped with high-quality microphones, cameras, and speakers, ensuring that audio and video quality meet the standards required for effective communication. This attention to audio-visual excellence enhances the virtual collaboration experience for remote participants.
5.Content Sharing and Collaboration
MTRs support content sharing and collaboration features within Microsoft Teams. Participants can share presentations, documents, and screens, fostering an interactive and dynamic meeting environment that accommodates both in-person and remote contributors.
Zooming into Hybrid Collaboration
Universal Connectivity:
Zoom is known for its universal compatibility, making it an ideal solution for organizations embracing a variety of devices and video conferencing platforms. Whether users are on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or even different conferencing hardware, Zoom ensures a consistent and accessible collaboration experience.
2.Hybrid Meeting Rooms:
Zoom Rooms are designed to transform traditional meeting rooms into modern, hybrid collaboration spaces. By integrating with hardware solutions and providing software enhancements, Zoom Rooms facilitate a seamless combination of in-person and virtual participation, fostering inclusivity and flexibility.
3.Intuitive User Interface:
Zoom’s user-friendly interface simplifies the meeting experience for both in-office and remote participants. Intuitive controls and a straightforward layout contribute to a positive user experience, reducing the learning curve for new users and promoting widespread adoption
4.Dynamic Content Sharing:
Zoom allows for dynamic content sharing, enabling participants to collaborate in real-time on shared documents and presentations. This capability enhances engagement and ensures that all team members, regardless of their physical location, can actively contribute to discussions.
5. Security and Privacy Measures:
Security and privacy are paramount in hybrid work environments. Zoom is equipped with robust security features, including encryption, authentication controls, and meeting room passcodes, ensuring that confidential information is protected during virtual collaboration sessions.
Conclusion: Embracing the Hybrid Future
In the evolving landscape of work, the seamless integration of Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom provides organizations with the tools needed to successfully navigate the transition to Hybrid Work. These solutions enable a fluid collaboration experience, fostering connectivity, engagement, and productivity, regardless of where team members are located. By leveraging MTRs and Zoom, organizations can create a harmonious blend of in-person and virtual collaboration that defines the Hybrid Work experience.
Have a look at our page as well to know more about video collaboration- https://www.allwaveav.com/zoom-rooms-team-rooms/
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allwave · 11 months
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Top 4 Reasons why Sound Masking is Important for open office environment
Open office environments are becoming increasingly popular in modern workplaces. However, with the open design comes a significant amount of noise. Conversations, phones ringing, and printers whirring can all contribute to a distracting and stressful work environment. By introducing neutral sounds through sound masking.
By introducing neutral sounds through sound masking, these distractions can be reduced, leading to better focus and productivity. Other benefits of sound masking in open offices include:
Productivity and Privacy: Sound masking is commonly used in open office environments to ensure privacy, especially in places like Boardrooms, law firms and healthcare facilities where sensitive conversations may occur.
prevent eavesdropping: Even with closed doors, sound can still penetrate walls, which is why precautions, like sound masking, are important for legal reasons to prevent eavesdropping, which could also occur accidentally.
privacy and confidentiality: This technology has become increasingly popular in offices, where privacy and confidentiality are highly valued.
Reduce distractions: In addition to limiting the audibility of conversations, sound masking can also reduce distractions caused by other noises in the workplace, such as the sound of printers, phones ringing, or footsteps in the hallway. This can lead to increased productivity and a more comfortable work environment.
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While soundproofing may seem like an obvious solution to reducing ambient noise in an open office environment, it may not be the most practical or cost-effective option.
Here are some additional reasons why sound masking may be a better solution:
Sound masking doesn’t require a major overhaul of your building. With sound masking, you can install small speakers throughout your office that emit a low-level background sound that’s designed to mask unwanted noise. This can be done without major construction or renovation work.
Sound masking is more flexible than soundproofing. With soundproofing, you’re essentially creating a sealed-off space that’s designed to keep noise in or out. But this can be a problem if you need to make changes to your office layout or if you want to add new features (like windows or doors).
Sound masking is more flexible and can be adjusted as needed to accommodate changes to your office environment. This can be especially important in industries like healthcare or finance, where confidentiality is a top priority. Read More
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allwave · 1 year
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BYOD Classrooms
The School of the Future
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Introduction:
Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, with new trends emerging in 2023 that are only expected to grow in the years to come. Schools and other educational institutions have been particularly impacted by this shift, as classrooms are now more interactive and enjoyable thanks to the incorporation of new technologies. It’s exciting to see how technology is transforming the way we learn and interact with one another.
Implementing a “bring your own device” (BYOD) policy is an excellent way to make learning more personalised and provide students with an opportunity to use technology that is familiar to them. With BYOD, students can access online resources, collaborate with peers, and personalise their learning experience in ways that weren’t possible before. Additionally, BYOD can help reduce the financial burden of purchasing individual devices for each student, as well as save time for educators who don’t need to manage multiple devices. By leveraging the power of BYOD, educators can create a more personalised learning environment that allows students to take control of their educational experience.
Discover a Technology Toolbox:
The modern virtual toolbox for an effective teacher includes the best apps and online programs for efficient instruction. We have found some of the most popular options that encourage collaboration among students, teachers, and family members, as well as those that give students more control of the content they learn. Google’s suite of tools is an amazing way to collaborate with others, both near and far. Through Google Drive, anyone can access and share content instantly with others. It’s great that the original file creator can assign permissions to other collaborators and view any changes that are made in real-time. Having this level of collaboration capability makes it much easier for teachers and students to work together on projects, no matter where they are located.
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allwave · 1 year
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State of the UC Union
Unified Communication and Collaboration (UC&C) is a combination of various communication methods and collaboration tools such as virtual whiteboards, real-time audio and video conferencing and enhanced call control capabilities to improve efficiency in the workplace. It provides a collection of easy-to-use solutions that can be implemented in various organizations to ensure that the end user receives a nearly real-time collaboration experience that works efficiently, smoothly and securely.
Video collaboration has been evolved from hardware-based codecs of traditional Polycom and Cisco Systems to more software driven solution of Microsoft Teams, Zooms, Google Meets, WebEx, post the pandemic. A lot of the solutions have now been replaced with simpler easier to deploy solutions for small meeting rooms, mid-size meeting rooms as well as larger boardrooms, meeting rooms, training rooms and large venue spaces such as Auditoriums and event spaces. However, the challenges of designing, executing and implementing the technologies and the user experience still remain. The intend of this whitepaper is to ensuring the reader to make the right decision based on today’s available technology. Video conferencing has become an increasingly important aspect of today’s world, as many organizations are transitioning to hybrid working environments. It has greatly aided in connecting people over a phone call where people can experience real-time video conferencing features while being located in different remote locations which would not be possible with Video conferencing platforms.
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Types of Video Conferencing:
Telepresence Video Conferencing System
Integrated Video Conferencing System
Desktop Video Conferencing System
Video Collaboration Platforms:
Zooms
Microsoft Teams
Google Meets
Cisco
WebEX
What are Native and Non- Native Solutions. Why is it important in a Video Collaboration system?
Video conferencing is a live audio-visual connection between two or more remote parties over the internet that simulates a face-to-face meeting in real-time. In the business world, desktop video conferencing is a core component of Unified communications platforms that also include calling and messaging capabilities. Standalone on-premises and cloud-based video conferencing platforms are also available from numerous vendors who support desktop and room-based Video conferencing solutions with the ability to embed them into business applications, such as Telehealth, customer service and distance learning, etc.
The Primary difference between a Native and a Non-Native system is the user experience. Post Work from home and Back to office systems imply that the end users wants a user interface (IPAD, OEM’s touch panel, etc..) to have the same familiar look and feel that they are dialing/ joining directly from their laptop. Native user experiences also allow for a seamless connection to users within the enterprises in terms of a active directory integration as well. These native integrations have to be certified by the certified solution provides (Microsoft Team, Zooms, etc…) as a part of being through the ecosystem.
Though more expensive, native systems offer a more seamless experience to the management. Non-Native systems can be simply a Video collaboration bar in a room with a PC behind the display, essentially the PC is a desktop/ user laptop that allow content sharing as well as dialing/joining into the enterprise (As the main UC Engine). Non-native applications are easy to deploy, lower cost to maintenance as well.
Differences between Native and Non-Native Solutions
Hard Codec Running Native UC Platform Modes UC hardware often runs in “Native Mode,” meaning that the built-in Windows/Mac or Android computer is running a single UC Platform application such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. The system is “locked in” to that platform. This is a great option if your business is already using a soft client version on employees’ laptops, as you essentially just extend this experience to the meeting room. Employees can then make a Zoom call from their laptops, or a Zoom call from a conference room’s dedicated “Native” platform. They are already familiar with the UI and so the transition to a hardware version feels seamless.
Soft codec Running Native UC Platform Modes
Soft codec systems are more commonly known as cloud or web-based video conferencing software. They’re “soft” as they don’t need codec hardware to work, and “codec” refers to devices or programs that compress and decompress data. It just needs a USB peripheral device such as USB camera, USB microphone and thin client PC in which all the software platforms can be loaded and they can initiate the call using wireless keyboard and mouse.
Unified Communication & Collaboration Tools for Native Interface
Zoom Rooms Zoom Rooms, the Modern Hybrid workspaces for Teams, brings HD video collaboration into any space – in the office, the classroom, or at home – and allows in[1]person and remote participants to interact in real-time. Zoom Rooms are the conference room experience you’ve always wanted, making it simple to start a meeting, book a room, and share content. Bring high-quality video, audio, and web conferencing to any sized room or workspace. Advanced features like Zoom Kiosks (virtual receptionist), voice commands & room controls on your mobile device. Enabling the hybrid workforce with features like Smart Gallery and Workspace Reservation. Google, Office 365 & Exchange calendar integrations support room booking, room status, upcoming meetings list, and more.
Workspace Reservation
Wireless sharing with proximity detection
Scheduling Displays
Digital Signage
Smart collaboration tools to keep projects moving Work from anywhere
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is an enterprise-ready unified communications (UC) platform. Teams connects people everywhere, on Windows MAC and other operating systems including mobile devices, as part of their everyday productivity experience. Microsoft Teams provides a consistent, single client experience for presence, instant messaging, voice, video and a great meeting experience. Microsoft Teams goes beyond communication. Easily find, share and edit files in real-time using apps like Word, PowerPoint and Excel inside Teams.
Chat: Share your opinion and your personality, send gifs, stickers and emojis in a group chat or in one-to-one messages.
Meet: Microsoft Teams offers real-time video conferencing. Host online meetings from 1:1, teams and live events up to 10,000 people.
Call: Make and receive calls with internal and external groups using Microsoft Teams Calling, Phone System, Calling Plan, or Direct Routing.
Collaborate: Store, share and edit files in real-time using apps like Word, PowerPoint and Excel in Microsoft Teams.
Digital whiteboard camera technology Kaptivo
Collaborate with remote team members with secure whiteboard/Interactive Display live sharing and video conference integrations.
Connect via Video Conference or Web Browser
Share Livestream of Whiteboard
Secure Whiteboard Image Capture
Save Snapshots and Track Changes
Kaptivo Cast
The Kaptivo Cast HDMI converter pairs with your Kaptivo to livestream vibrant, unobstructed whiteboard images to any HDMI capable input including traditional video codecs, displays, projectors, or lecture capture systems.
With the Kaptivo Cast, Kaptivo seamlessly integrates into meeting systems from all leading providers.
Quantum Leap Lite
The Leap Lite for Conference Room with Mounting Bracket is a step forward in conference cameras.
It features the camera and a display bracket mount that enables mounting your camera to the top or bottom of most display screens and monitors.
The lens of the leap lite with a 110-degree field of view that is suitable for most meeting or conference rooms.
No drivers are required to work on Linux, Windows, Android etc., the leap lite is also compatible with virtually all collaborative software platforms. And it connects your computer via USB, which makes it a simple plug[1]and-play video conference solution.
Quantum 4k PTZ camera with Condor Microphone
The advantages of Quantum camera is they provide stable product quality, 4k PTZ Camera from Value HD is the most cost-effective solution to provide effective communication.
With video in 4K Ultra HD and 82 degrees wide-angle lens, you can enjoy a superior resolution for all of your video conferences.
The 12X Optical Zoom is smooth and rapid and it delivers close-ups with superior resolution. With its patented 4K ISP solution, the lens of this PTZ camera can be controlled from a remote location. The software (Skype for business, Microsoft teams etc.) will be loaded in the thin client PC.
Display to be used to show Far end and Near end participants. During this mode Phoenix beamforming microphone with hemispheric pickup pattern in the room will get activated for audio pick up and reinforcement of far end audio shall be done via ceiling speakers.
The Phoenix Microphone is created with the vision of a clutter free conference table, the Condor sits above or below your monitor and with a pick-up range of up to 30 ft almost any conference room can use the Condor.
Conclusion
Enterprises today face a range of options, and we feel the top five takeaways are as follows:
Understand your vision for the Unified Collaboration rollout for your enterprise well in advance. (Spend time planning.)
Do trial runs with different manufacturers and end users to understand what works and what doesn’t across a range of budgets.
Deploy in small batches.
Understand the long-term value of the system as well as the compatibility with other systems that may come along the way that we may feel are going to be more software-driven.
Collect and analyze data around usage patterns using room schedulers, sensors on clouds, and analytics platforms to assist in improving the user experience as well as assisting with remote asset management and remote deployments.
To know more you can always contact Allwave AV on [email protected] or call us on 9372374450.
To view the complete document for State of the UC Union click here.
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