Do you know the best boardroom AV solution?

Last updated by Brook Jeynes [SSW] 5 months ago.See history

There are several ways you can set up your boardroom AV for effective and efficient conferencing.

Apple TV

A popular way to connect devices wirelessly to the boardroom TV is to use an Apple TV.

appletv
Figure: Apple TV with remote

Pros

  • It allows you to connect any Apple device including iOS.
  • Easy to use for Apple users
  • Can be easily added to an AV automation system, e.g. Control4, Savant, etc. which allows you to display on any other display connected to the same AV system
  • Inexpensive way of adding wireless connectivity to an existing system

Cons

  • Only works with Apple devices
  • Not designed for corporate networking (can’t have both guest access and secured network at the same time)
  • Guest need to be on a corporate network to connect

Smart TV’s with built-in AirPlay, Google and HoMirrorcast

A newer way to connect wirelessly is to use Smart TV’s built-in features.

smarttv
Figure: Samsung Smart TV with built-in AirPlay

Pros

  • Allows you to wirelessly connect any Apple device including laptop and IOS
  • Can connect Windows laptops through Mirrorcast
  • Can also connect Android devices through Google Home

Cons

  • Not all Windows laptops have Mirrorcast capability
  • Not designed for corporate networking (can’t have both guest access and secured network at the same time)
  • Guest need to be on a corporate network to connect
  • Display cannot be shared across multiple screens in an automated AV setup, e.g through Control4

Extron

For a more robust AV solution, you can install an Extron system. We recommend the ShareLink Pro.

extron
Figure: Extron ShareLink Pro 1000 diagram

Pros

  • Allows you to wirelessly connect any device
  • Also has an HDMI through connection so you can connect both wired and wirelessly
  • IT-friendly with monitoring tools and dual networking options, allowing for guests to connect without hassle
  • Can integrate as part of an AV automation system, e.g. Control4 or even Extron’s own
  • Extron support and reliability is highly rated

Cons

  • You need to install an app, users can’t just connect and display something wirelessly without it
  • Expensive

Barco Clickshare

A more advanced wireless solution, Barco Clickshare allows you to use any laptop device without installing software by connecting a small USB dongle. The Clickshare 'brain' is connected to your TV or AV hub via HDMI.

barcousb
Figure: Barco USB dongle for the laptop, or an app for your smartphone

Pros

  • Allows you to wirelessly connect any smartphone via an app
  • Both windows and apple laptops can connect via the included USB dongle
  • Can have multiple users connected at once, and switch between them by pressing the present button on the dongle
  • IT-friendly with lots of controls and security features

Cons

  • Compared to a wired HDMI signal, the video will not play super smoothly all the time (bad if you’re playing back videos for review)
  • Can easily lose the dongles if staff and guests are not careful
  • Most expensive option (can be around 8K AUD for the 4k version)
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