Other Video Conferencing Equipment You Might Need
The above video conferencing equipment systems can typically handle everything you need to host a good meeting. They offer complete solutions, equipped with high powered speakers, top quality microphones, and excellent cameras to ensure each meeting is as clear as possible. Some of them even include smart displays to go along with them, making it even easier to host and conduct meetings.
However, if your solution needs a bit of extra power, there are plenty of other video conferencing equipment options that can level up your experience. Here are some types of video conferencing equipment you might need to bring your system up to snuff.
Microphones
If you’ve ever been in a virtual meeting, you know that audio quality is imperative for it to be successful. After all, if you can’t hear what people are saying, you might as well have not logged on. In that vein, a dedicated microphone for your video conferencing setup can prioritize audio quality so no one misses a thing.
As for what kind of microphone you go with, that’s up to you. Some companies like Poly Studio have expansion microphones that are for larger rooms, expanding the range and quality of a meeting room setup. Conversely, individuals might be better suited to a full-on microphone, like the JLab Talk USB Microphone, which offers a more individualized experience, while still providing group features if necessary.
Keep in mind, virtually all video conferencing systems have some kind of microphone built in, so you don’t need to buy one separately. However, if audio quality is important to you, this additional piece of equipment can make a big difference for individuals and groups alike.
Headsets
If you really want to make sure audio quality is at the forefront of your meeting experience, microphones just aren’t going to cut it. Particularly for individual meetings, something a bit more hands-free can help you stay focused on the meeting at hand while providing coworkers with the clearest voice possible.
The price range of headsets can vary dramatically, depending on if you’re looking for the basic wired setup that you’ve seen in call centers to the full-on over-ear Bluetooth headphones that are a bit more versatile. In fact, Cisco, one of the brands mentioned above, has its own option, the Cisco Headset 730 with plenty of features and high-quality audio for your listening pleasure.
Again, definitely worth mentioning that a headset is far from required for your average meeting. Even more important to note, your average pair of headphones or earbuds will do the job quite admirably, as long as you have a solid pair. All that to say, only invest in a headset if you really need.
Smart displays
You know, an improved meeting experience is just about audio quality. In fact, the visual component of a meeting can go a long way in adding to your next meeting, which is where a smart display can come in handy.
Yes, some options above come with a smart display, but in most cases, you’ll have to purchase one to go along with your video conferencing setup. The Cisco Desk Pro, for example, has a built-in smart display, while the Neat Bar comes with the Neat Pad included with some packages.
If you aren’t sharing your screen on a regular basis in meetings, though, there is no need to buy a smart display. These devices are quite expensive and are only necessary if your meetings require a visual element like a PowerPoint or a shared database. All that to say, if you’re just chitchatting with teammates, you can safely leave the smart display on the cutting room floor.
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