Tag Archive for: Video Conferencing

Rally Bar blog header

Logitech Rally Bar | The Ultimate Conferencing Solution

The Logitech Rally Bar (Graphite, White) is an all-in-one video bar designed for mid-sized meeting rooms. A fellow content creator and tech geek, Ragnar Heil agreed to join me in providing a quick overview and audio and video test.

This Rally Bar can be used via simple USB plug and play or in Appliance Mode. The built-in compute allows you to run supported video conferencing applications such as Zoom directly from the device. Ragnar shares his top 3 features and together we provide group framing and mic pick up range tests and Ragnar also shares Logitech TAP.

So, what are the specs?

Camera

  • Resolution: 4K, 1440p, 1080p, 900p, 720p, and SD at 30fps
  • Pan: Motorized ±25°
  • Tilt: Motorized ±15°
  • Zoom: 15X HD zoom (5X optical, 3X digital available with upcoming software update) Diagonal field of view (dFoV): 90°
  • Horizontal Field of View: 82.1°
  • Vertical Field of View: 52.2°
  • Total Room Coverage: 132.1° Horizontal x 82.2° Vertical

Speakers

  • Drivers: 2x 70 mm / 2.7 in
  • Output: 90dB SPL @1W, 99dB SPL @8.0W, both +/-2dB at ½ meter
  • Sensitivity: 90+/-3dB SPL at 1W, ½ meter
  • THD: 1kHz < 2%

Microphones

  • Frequency response: 90Hz – 16kHz
  • Sensitivity: >-36dBFS +/-1 dB @ 1Pa
  • Microphone data rate output: 48 kHz
  • Pickup Range: 15 ft / 4.5 m
  • Beamforming Elements: Six omnidirectional digital MEMS microphones forming five adaptive acoustic broadside beams
  • Audio processing: AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation), VAD (Voice Activity Detector)
  • Noise suppression: AI filter
  • Add-on Mics: Supports up to 3 additional Rally Mic Pods for larger conference rooms

The Logitech Rally Bar has multiple features, mounting and configuration options that were not covered in our video. Out of the box you get the Rally Bar, USB Cable, HDMI Cable and Power Supply that allows you to connect directly to a computer and display to start using as a simple all-in-one video bar for midsized meeting spaces. If you would like to schedule time with a Logitech Video Collaboration expert to discuss Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms options, please contact us!

To see the Logitech Rally Bar in action, check out the video below!

Poly Studio P15 | Overview

The Poly Studio P15 is a personal video bar that includes 4K camera, integrated privacy shutter, speakers, multi-microphone array and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports and several nice features like Noise BlockAI and Acoustic Fence. We’ve been using the Poly Studio P15 for a week across multiple video platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

We have been really impressed with the performance across the board. In this blog/video we cover the connections, USB-C to USB-C cable length, Mounting options, and Poly Lens Desktop App Controls and Settings. Stick around until the end for a link to our showcase video.

What are the Studio P15 Specs?

Features

MSRP: $599.99

  • Personal Video bar
  • Look and sound your best on video calls with one sleek device
  • Easy fits atop your display, or tripod mount for flexibility
  • Robust cloud management using Poly Lens
  • Robust cloud management using Poly Lens
  • Certified for Zoom and Microsoft Teams
  • Includes mounting clamp that attaches to a standard 1/4-20 tripod screw thread on the bottom of the device
  • 4K Resolution
  • NoiseBlockAI
  • Cable Length: 4 feet 3 inches
  • 1x USB 3.0 Type-C port (with USB 2.0 compatibility)
  • 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports

In Conclusion:

In our professional opinion, the Poly Studio P15 is a great value at only $599 MSRP. You get exceptional video and audio quality. It’s compatible across all major business collaboration platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams. And, features like AcousticFence, NoiseBlockAI, Auto-Framing, and two additional USB Ports make this a great option for any business professional. If you’d like to learn more or get a quote, contact us.

8x8 Contact Center Difference Between UCaaS CCaaS

What’s the Difference Between UCaaS and CCaaS? | Discussion With 8×8

Danny Hayasaka, Sr Director of Marketing and Emerging Technology for Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct interviews Tony Poer, Contact Center Practice Lead for the Channel for 8×8 and discusses CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service). It was much easier for organizations who had implemented a CCaaS platform to transition to remote work during the pandemic. Some organizations have been using a band-aid during this period and are looking for better solution. Cloud may be the answer. We discuss things customers need to know about CCaaS, differences between UCaaS and CCaaS and other topics. Stick around until the end fora link to the full interview.


Danny Hayasaka: What are some things customers need to know about CCaaS?

Tony Poer: One of the biggest things to understand about Contact Center as a service is that it’s a hosted platform. And so a lot of the limitations that we have with our legacy on premise platforms don’t really exist in the cloud.

Danny: What’s the difference between UCaaS and CCaaS?

Tony: UCaaS is unified communications as a service whereas CCaaS is contact center as a service. Unified communications generally includes telephony, obviously, but then it also includes all of the other communication options that you might utilize with your organization. Contact center is a little bit more robust than that right now.

Danny: When agents were physically in the same building, supervisors used hardware like training-y cables, how do they do that remotely? Or can they?

Tony: In a cloud environment or a hosted environment. All of that application hardware doesn’t exist on Prem. It’s all in the cloud. It’s all at a separate data center that is invisible to you guys as the end user.

Danny: What are some monitoring tools that are available for supervisors via 8×8?

Tony: I can live monitor calls. I can live monitor the desktop. I can listen in, I can barge in. I also have the ability to access all sorts of different data points and metrics. Right? I can see that information, but I don’t have to be looking at a wall board to do it. I could get that sent to my desktop.

Thanks for tuning in! If you would like to schedule an 8×8 Demo, contact us! Want to see the full interview? Check out the Youtube video below:

Poly Studio P5 Overview header

Poly Studio P5 Overview | How Does it Perform?

The Poly Studio P5 webcam is part of a broad Poly Studio P Series portfolio of personal video conferencing devices. In this blog/video, we provide an overview of the P5 webcam, pricing, management via Poly Lens Desktop and finally we test the video and audio quality to include a side by side between built-in laptop camera and Poly Studio P5.

The P Series

With the Studio P Series, make the most of video calls wherever you’re working. The Poly Studio P Series personal video devices ensure you always look and sound your best. High-performance cameras compensate for lighting imbalances, while Poly’s premium audio is fine-tuned to help you focus and eliminate distractions. IT gains robust cloud management and troubleshooting of every device from anywhere.

What does the Poly Studio P5 feature?

  • Precision-tuned webcam
  • Status LED on the camera
  • Built in USB Port for connecting to a Poly headset
  • Always look professional with exceptional camera optics that are optimized for video conferencing
  • Make sure you’re heard clearly with a built-in directional microphone that focuses on your voice, not the noise around you
  • Enhance security and privacy, and ensure you are in control of when you are on camera with the integrated privacy shutter
  • Poly Lens cloud management gives IT powerful tools to manage and track devices from anywhere

Poly Studio P5

The Poly Studio P5 webcam ensures you look your best on video calls at home, in the office, or wherever you’re working. Exceptional camera optics are fine-tuned so you always come across clearly with a professional-quality image. Brilliant colors and automatic low light compensation deliver excellent video quality no matter where you need to take a call. The directional microphone focuses on your voice and not the noise around you. An integrated privacy shutter keeps you in control of when you are on camera for enhanced security and privacy. For IT, Poly Lens cloud management provides robust tools to manage and track devices from anywhere.

  • Exceptional camera optics
  • Automatic low-light compensation
  • Built-in directional microphone
  • Integrated privacy shutter
  • USB connection to wireless headset adapter

Take a look below at our video review of the Poly Studio P5 below and subscribe to our Youtube channel for similar videos. If you have any additional questions regarding the Studio P5, feel free to contact us.

ALL NEW Poly Studio P Series and Bundles – Personal Video Devices

Poly has introduced new solutions for the new and next normal! The Poly Studio P Series a series of personal video conferencing devices aimed to make remote feel less distant by providing professional-grade video devices for wherever work happens.

Hopefully, I get my hands on these devices soon so I can put out some videos to show the features, video and quality. For now, let’s take a look at what’s coming! Introducing the Poly Studio P Series!

Poly Studio P5

Poly Studio P Series

The Poly Studio P5 is a professional webcam that is designed for optimal performance during video calls.

  • The exceptional camera optics are optimized for video conferencing, giving users confidence they will always present a professional image.
  • Proper light exposure is maintained, even in darker rooms, with automatic low-light compensation. This is especially important in home offices, where the lighting in the room is typically insufficient.
  • Brilliant colors are designed to make you look your best and stand out from the background.
  • The camera field of view is 80 degrees – designed to show just you, but not too much of your surroundings.
  • The built-in direction microphone makes sure you’re heard clearly by focusing on your voice, and not the noise around you
  • For the best audio experience, Poly recommends you pair the Studio P5 up with one of the Poly headsets or personal speakerphones. Poly has made setup even easier by including a USB port right on the camera.
  • The status LED gives you quick confirmation of your call status and whether you’re on mute.
  • The camera body secures to the mounting clamp using a unique magnetized design, so it’s easy to set up and fits securely atop your laptop or display.
  • For added flexibility, you could also choose to attach it to a tripod mount.
  • The overall design is small and rugged, so it’s easy to take with you if you’re going between home and the office, or on the road
  • The Poly Lens Desktop app not only changes settings and keeps the camera’s firmware updated, but also helps with workspace setup and offer valuable health and wellness tips.
  • The Poly Lens cloud management gives IT powerful tools to manage and track devices from anywhere.
  • List Price $129
Poly Studio P5 graph

To make it easier to order and deploy, Poly is introducing the Poly Studio P5 Kits. Everything you need for a great audio and video experience, plus robust cloud management, all in one box that’s easy to buy and set up. There will be a range of options to support any workstyle.

Poly Studio P Series

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Blackwire 3210

Professional webcam and single-ear corded headset

List Price $149
Poly Studio P Series

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Blackwire 3325

Professional webcam and stereo corded headset

List Price $179

Poly Studio P Series

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with
Voyager 4220 UC

Professional webcam and stereo wireless headset

List Price $269

Poly Studio P Series

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Poly Sync 20
+

Professional webcam and smart speakerphone

List Price $239

Poly Studio P15

Poly Studio P Series P15

The Poly Studio P15 is ideal for dedicated home offices and enclosed workspaces looking for the best audio and video performance. It includes everything you need in one sleek device, with advanced features that deliver a top-of-the-line experience. Just place it right on top of your display, connect to power and USB to your laptop, and you’re ready to go. You can even tripod-mount it for added flexibility. And just like all products in Studio P Series, the P15 can be remotely managed by IT using Poly Lens, including the advanced audio and video features.

The Poly Studio P15 is ideal for dedicated home offices and enclosed workspaces looking for the best audio and video performance. It includes everything you need in one sleek device, with advanced features that deliver a top-of-the-line experience. Just place it right on top of your display, connect to power and USB to your laptop, and you’re ready to go. You can even tripod-mount it for added flexibility. And just like all products in Studio P Series, the P15 can be remotely managed by IT using Poly Lens, including the advanced audio and video features.

  • 4K Resolution
  • High-performance image sensor
  • Optimized field of view
  • Automatic low-light compensation and brilliant colors
  • Automatic camera framing
Poly P15

Automatic camera framing is technology first developed for Poly’s meeting room solutions. In a personal use case, you want to be sure the camera is framed properly, even when you aren’t staying still. You may want to stand up while presenting. Or perhaps you have and adjustable standing desk. Or maybe you just don’t want to feel forced to stay glued to your chair all day. Studio P15 senses when you aren’t centered on camera and automatically adjusts. So all you have to worry about is the content of your meeting, and the system makes sure you’re seen clearly.

  • Integrated privacy shutter
  • Integrated speaker with acoustic suspension
  • Advanced microphone array
  • NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technology

NoiseBlockAI listens for your voice and filters out other sounds in your workspace that could be a distraction. This includes keyboard typing, paper shuffling, fans and heaters, and other noises that are common in personal workspaces. Acoustic Fence listens for sounds and voices coming from outside your workspace – side conversations, other family members in your house, airplane and traffic noise, and more. These two technologies work together to keep the distractions that often occur when working remote from becoming a distraction during your calls. The list price for the Poly Studio P15 is $599

Poly Studio P21

P21

The Poly Studio P21 is ideal for users who want one device that handles the entire calling experience – video, audio, and display, all in one. Just plug it into power and connect your laptop over a single USB cable, and that’s it – you’re ready to go! Use any video app on your laptop, and Studio P21 gives you a dedicated display, and handles the entire audio and video experience. It’s the perfect balance between the simplicity of a dedicated video system, with the flexibility of working with any video app of your PC or Mac. When you’re not in meetings, you can use it as a second display for your laptop to give you more screen space. Plus, the thoughtful, stylish design will fit right into any workspace.

P21
  • Everything you need in one sleek, stylish device
  • Simple to set up and connect
  • Works with any app
  • Dedicated video display when you’re in calls, additional PC/Mac display when you’re not
  • 21-inch enterprise-grade display
  • Exceptional camera optics
  • Integrated ambient lighting
  • Powerful stereo speakers and microphone array
  • Easy to access controls put volume and mute right at your fingertips
  • The stand has mobile phone charging built right in, which is ideal if you are running back and forth in between meetings
  • The large LED status bar gives you quick confirmation of your call status and whether you’re on mute.
  • Extra USB ports built into the back allow you to connect other peripherals and free up the limited ports on your laptop or dock
  • And like with all Studio P products, the integrated privacy shutter provides extra privacy and security
  • List Price $815

If you would like to learn more about the new Poly Studio P Series solutions and when they will be available fill out the form to be notified or contact us directly.

    L

    Lessons Learned in 2020 from WFH and Zooming

    When we were all first sent to work from home, it was going to be a temporary thing. Many went home with minimal tools with the understanding they would be back in the office in a couple weeks. Weeks turned into months. Almost a year later and I am still working from home for the foreseeable future. Some organizations have elected to make remote work a permanent thing, so what lessons were learned in 2020 WFH and Zooming?

    So what did I learn?

    The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively is paramount. 2020 is the year when Zoom became a verb. Everyone was “Zooming”. (Even though other video platforms were also being used.) From company and team meetings, to virtual game nights, happy hours, and holiday celebrations, you Zoomed them. Regardless of video platform, these two things became very important:

    • Audio and Video Quality

    Although video is extremely important, I am going to give audio quality a higher level of importance. How many video meetings did you attend where this happened?

    • “We can see you but can’t hear you”
    • “Are you muted?”
    • “Can you hear us?”
    • “Whoever is making that noise, can you please mute?”

    Learning how to select the appropriate audio device via the various platforms is a first step. Knowing how to turn your video on and off is also key. And please learn how to mute and unmute. We all had moments where we saw and/or heard more than we should.

    If you are like me, you utilized multiple video meeting platforms beyond Zoom to include Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, and more.

    I am very fortunate that my role requires me to test multiple audio and video devices from leading brands like Jabra, Logitech, Poly, Cisco and EPOS, along with lesser-known brands like Konftel, JPL, Yealink and VDO360.

    While open offices can be noisy environments, working from home present different sources of noise like other adults, children, pets, televisions, doorbells, lawn mowers, and other domestic noise! Some folks also deal with other sources of noise like trains, planes, traffic, construction and more!

    Fortunately, there is no shortage of options when it comes to audio and video devices for WFH.

    Audio Solutions for WFH

    The audio quality from the built-in speakers and mics in a laptop are typically subpar. A professional grade corded USB headset will provide a much better audio experience for you and your audience. Additionally, many headsets offer the ability to answer and end calls, adjust volume up or down, and to enable the all-important mute function via an inline control or through the headset itself. Some headsets even offer a cool feature that places you on mute by simply flipping the boom arm up. If you need the flexibility to roam around your home office, it is best to get a Bluetooth or DECT wireless headset. Imagine having the ability to remain in a call while helping your kids start their online school, going to the kitchen for more coffee, or to go get your food delivery from the front door? Wireless headsets allow you to do this.

    Another great feature that some headsets offer is Active Noise Canceling (ANC) speakers that help block out distracting noise and allow you to focus on your call or work.

    Personally, I use a USB speakerphone. Speakerphones are a great option especially if you are in a “listen-only” webinar or conference call. Some offer full-duplex audio which allows for multiple users to communicate simultaneously.  Bluetooth and NFC are available in some speakerphone models to support pairing to your mobile device. Personally, I use two speakerphones. I use one connected to my PC for voice and video calls. The other is paired to my mobile device for streaming music.

    Have a hard time deciding? Look at these videos!

    Headset, Webcam, and Speakerphone Comparison Videos

    Headset Mic Test Videos

    Speakerphone Review and Audio Quality Test Videos

    Video Solutions for WFH

    The built-in camera in your laptop typically provides horrible video quality. During 2020 I had the privilege of testing several webcams and cameras. I learned that 1080p means something different to the various manufacturers. Many claimed 1080p but the video quality I experienced was not quite what I expected. I guess Logitech spoiled me and the rest of us. In my opinion, they continue to be the standard when it comes to video quality. That’s not to say other brands didn’t hold their own. In addition to video resolution quality, other factors to consider when selecting a webcam are:

    Field of View (FOV)

    Today webcams and cameras offer a FOV of 54 to 360 degrees! Essentially the lower the degrees, the less you see, and the higher, the more you see. Some folks prefer not to expose too much of their environment and surroundings to the outside world. While some would like as much of the room or space in view. Your individual use case will always determine what is best for you. Some cameras have software available that allows you to adjust FOV and other settings to improve overall video quality and experience.

    Webcam System Requirements

    Not every webcam works with every computer or operating system. Make a note of your computer and operating system, then check the requirements for the webcam. ​

    Compatible and Certified

    Beyond system and operating system requirements select webcams are compatible or certified for major platforms like Microsoft Teams, Cisco® Jabber®, Spark™, WebEx®, Zoom, Google Meet, Bluejeans, and more! ​

    Built-in Microphone

    Some webcams provide built-in microphones that are pretty good and some that are not. Check out these webcam videos that include mic tests! However, having a built-in microphone is beneficial in some use cases especially those with limited USB ports. A USB Headset or Speakerphone typically provide improved audio quality.

    Privacy Shutter

    Webcam privacy shutters/cover webcam lens to prevent others from “seeing” what the camera sees. ​ Some webcams have built-in shutters. ​ Some webcams provide lens cover you can affix to webcam. ​ Some webcams do not provide privacy shutter or cover. If privacy is important, please check to see if the webcam of interest includes a cover or not.

    Cable Length

    It is critical that you understand where end-user wishes to mount camera vs where camera will be connected. ​Cable lengths vary from webcam to webcam. 3ft – 6ft appear to be average cable lengths however some have shorter cables​.

    While you can use a USB extension cable do not assume it will work. In order to maintain support for USB 2.0 or 3.0 requirements, there may be cable length restrictions, or you may need special powered USB cable (and even this may not work).

    Other features:

    • Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) – Manual, Digital, Software based
    • Device Management Software
    • Windows Hello support
    • Built-in AI
    • Auto-framing, Intelligent Zoom
    • Tripod-ready and other mounting options
    • Rightlight2 Technology for clarity in various lighting environments
    • Autofocus

    The point is, while a low-cost headset or webcam may sound appealing, it may not be the best solution for your use case today and in the future? Reminder, what started out as a short-term scenario has become long-term and permanent for many. Do you have the best tools to be as productive as possible while Zooming? To learn more about these solutions, contact us M-F, 8am-5pm ET! 📞 1-800-749-3160 or 📨 sales@calloneonline.com

    Video Collaboration 2020 Konftel

    Video Collaboration in 2020

    Video Collaboration is crucial for companies in 2020.

    Video conferencing and collaboration was already being widely used in business thanks to easy to use cloud-based platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex. The pandemic accelerated it to new heights. What solutions are best for you are highly dependent on use case.

    Leading video conferencing solution providers offer a wide range of options to fit all use cases and applications. How does your company use video collaboration in 2020? If this is an option for your team, joining the collaboration train can boost site, video, and project attraction. For more information check out our video:

    Why Jabra PanaCast?

    By Danny Hayasaka

    August 13, 2019

    Jabra acquired Altia Systems in February 2019. In June 2019 they announced Jabra PanaCast. Since then, there’s been a lot of buzz.

     

    Why? Jabra PanaCast has a lot of really cool technology in a small little package.

    Read more

    Poly Studio

    Hands on with the Poly Studio!

    In this video, we highlight the features of the Poly Studio, then set it up and test out the microphone range and the optional people tracking feature in action! For more information on the Poly Studio and other Poly video bars, visit Poly Solutions!

    Poly Studio and Logitech Meetup Comparison

     

    We compared the audio and tracking features of the Poly Studio and the Logitech Meetup! The automatic color balance between the two is noticeable – our huddle room has a lot of blue, and the Studio interpreted that differently than the Meetup. Every environment can be different, so if you have questions, feel free to ask!