Wireless Presentation Device Options

Wireless Presentation Devices – Which One is the Best Option for Your Company?

Choosing the best wireless presentation platform can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, which solution is the best fit for your organization? There is not a one-size-fits-all solution – each wireless presentation device offers different features and functionality that may or may not make sense for your company.

Things You Need to Consider

• Will you need to display content from multiple devices simultaneously?
• What devices will you need to share content from – laptop, smart phone, tablet?
• Does the system need to be integrated with your company’s network or would you prefer to have a solution independent from your network?
• Do you require enterprise-wide management and support of the technology in the rooms?
• Do you need to present from multiple networks, i.e. corporate and guest?

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

Below is an overview of several proven enterprise-based wireless presentation devices on the market today.

Barco ClickShare

Barco ClickShare provides 2 USB devices called ClickShare buttons that plug into a user’s laptop to allow them to connect and share with one click. The button pairs with its own Wi-Fi within an in-room base station, providing the same security as a wired connection. The ClickShare app allows you to share content from your tablet or phone. Up to 2 people can share content simultaneously. Sometimes, network integration can be complicated and requires detailed IT planning. Also of note is that when sharing from a tablet or phone, you cannot access the internet without network integration.

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Crestron AirMedia

AirMedia connects directly to your network using your company’s secure wireless connection. You can connect directly to the local Wi-Fi via the enterprise software mobile app or any web browser to share content using the Crestron AirMedia. Up to 4 people can share content at the same time. Up to 32 people can connect to a single AirMedia solution and an additional 40 people can connect and view content remotely. The Crestron AirMedia requires a company’s wireless access point. Android devices can share documents and web browser but do not mirror.

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Mersive Solstice

The Mersive Solstice Pod combines enterprise-class wireless display software with dedicated hardware. The Pod includes built-in wireless access point capability that supports on and off-network deployments, providing a bridge to Ethernet wired networks. The free Mersive Solstice Display Service provides management of multiple Pod units for enterprise-level monitoring and control. Simultaneous viewing of content is available for an unlimited amount of users.

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The Polycom Pano allows you to wirelessly connect without apps or cables and simultaneously stream up to four sources of content. Using a USB cable, the user can upgrade to multi-touch for a fully interactive collaboration. Pano supports Miracast and Airplay; however, Miracast tends to be unreliable.

The Polycom Trio is a conferencing system compatible with Skype, AirPlay, Zoom and more. It is scalable for every environment, including solutions for small, medium and large rooms. Trio also includes Poly NoiseBlock Technology to eliminate non-speech noise.

Apple TV

Apple TV is a consumer level product that provides some challenges when deployed in a business environment. AirPlay allows content from an iOS, MAC or PC (with the right software installed) to share content to an Apple TV-connected display. Apple TV will power on when a user mirrors from a PC, laptop or portable device.

The consumer-style web service access of Apple TV may not be suitable for corporate network integration. Apple TV tends to access internet resources without restriction, so your IT department may be reluctant to allow it to access your secure network. The Apple TV must be in the same subnet as the wireless access point. Windows PC requires a third party AirParrot software and Android required a third party AllShareCast or similar app. Androids can share documents but do not mirror.

T1V ThinkHub

ThinkHub offers unlimited content and devices, allowing users to share and upload content at any point. Using multitouch controls, people can type ideas and comments, then categorize content and information using color-coding and drag-and-drop features. Using an Airconnect-enabled device, they can send notes to the multiuser ThinkHub Canvas. ThinkHub is Apple, Mac and PC compatible, with optional Skype or Zoom desktop conferencing. It includes a wired HDMI input and corporate/guest networking with dual Ethernet interfaces.

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Proximity

Proximity is an accessory to Cisco endpoints, automatically pairing devices with Cisco room-based video equipment. This allows users to receive the content being shared on their own devices, scrolling through at their own leisure and allowing them to screenshot parts. Ultrasonic sound activated wireless presentations are compatible using Microsoft, Apple or Cisco devices; however, some laptops and portable devices do not work with ultrasonic sound.

Surface Hub 2

Surface Hub is an all-in-one digital interactive whiteboard, meetings platform and collaborative computing device. It uses Skype conferencing, where users can share content from their laptops by joining the active Skype meeting. People can also collaborate on a shared digital canvas from almost any device. Surface hub is Miracast display compatible; however, it tends to be unreliable with Miracast.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

With so many options, it really depends on what you want the system to do and the needs of your organization. After considering how your company will collaborate and share content wirelessly you can determine which choice works best for you. Also note all the information provided is based on our testing and research of the products. Since firmware and product upgrades occur very frequently, please check with us for the latest information on each device.