Introduction to All-In-One Video Bars
In today’s fast-paced, hybrid work environment, video conferencing has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. The demand for seamless, reliable communication solutions continues to grow as more companies rely on remote collaboration to maintain productivity and engagement.
Video bars offer a streamlined, all-in-one solution, combining high-quality audio and video with collaboration tools in a single device. These devices are easy to buy, easy to install, easy to use, and perhaps most importantly, easy to own.
This guide will help end-user customers understand the benefits of video bars and make informed vendor and product selections to add support for hybrid meetings within their global meeting rooms.
Video bars offer a streamlined, all-in-one solution, combining high-quality audio and video with collaboration tools in a single device. These devices are easy to buy, easy to install, easy to use, and perhaps most importantly, easy to own.
This guide will help end-user customers understand the benefits of video bars and make informed vendor and product selections to add support for hybrid meetings within their global meeting rooms.
A Brief Message from Recon Research
A Brief Message from 
Recon Research is an independent analyst, resesarch, and advisory firm focused on enterprise communications.
We created this study to educate readers about meeting room video bars. We selected all of the topics covered within this study, and we wrote all of the content.
Throughout this guide, we have included examples of products offered by and approaches used by vendors participating in this study. These examples are intended to provide context and illustrate key concepts.
We intend to keep the information within this study up to date, but this market is changing rapidly. Readers should conduct additional due diligence before making purchasing decisions.
Table of Contents
Conference Room Video Bar Basics
What is a meeting room video bar?
A meeting room video bar is an all-in-one device that includes the audio and video components (cameras, microphones, and speakers) needed to support group video conferencing.Some video bars include internal compute (Android, Windows, or other) and can run the video meeting software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom Meetings, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, etc.) directly on the video bar.
Other video bars are USB-only devices designed for use with external compute devices such as a mini-PC running Windows, an external Android appliance, or a user’s laptop.
Video bars are installed at the front of a meeting room, either above, below, or sometimes between the meeting room displays.
Many video bar deployments also include a touch controller that sits on the meeting room table and allows the participants to control the meeting experience. The image below shows the AudioCodes RXV81 video bar installed below the display in a small meeting room.
What benefits do meeting room video bars offer?
Meeting room video bars offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Low cost (compared to separate components)
- Quick and easy installation
- Small footprint in the meeting room
- Compatibility with leading calling platforms *
- A robust feature set *
- A high-quality audio and video experience *
The key takeaway is that video bars include the AV components needed for video conferencing within a single device. It’s just that simple.
Which companies offer meeting room video bars?
Video bars are available from many vendors, including:
Which companies offer meeting room video bars?
Video bars are available from many vendors, including:
How much do video bars cost?
The purchase price of a meeting room video bar depends on several factors, including the room sizes supported, feature set, and brand. The table below offers a few examples.Small Rooms / Basic Features
Larger Spaces / Advanced Features
Video bars for small rooms typically include a single camera and support only a single display. These devices are available for only a few thousand dollars (or less).
For example, the AI-powered Logitech MeetUp 2, an all-in-one USB conference camera for small spaces with AI-powered audio and video, has a list price of $899.
Video bars for larger spaces often include multiple cameras, support multiple displays, and offer additional features. These devices may cost several thousand dollars or more.
For example, Neat Bar Pro, which ships with a Neat Pad touch controller, includes two cameras (1 wide-view and 1 tele-photo), a 16-element mic array, three speakers and a dual-driver subwoofer, has a list price of US $5,850.
Small Rooms / Basic Features
Video bars for small rooms typically include a single camera and support only a single display. These devices are available for only a few thousand dollars (or less).
For example, the DTEN Small Room Solution Kit, which includes the DTEN Bar and DTEN Mate controller, is certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms and has a list price of US $2,999.
Larger Spaces / Advanced Features
Video bars for larger spaces often include multiple cameras, support multiple displays, and offer additional features. These devices may cost several thousand dollars or more.
For example, the Cisco Room Kit EQ conferencing bundle includes the Cisco Quad Camera bar, a Cisco Codec EQ codec, and a touch controller, supports Cisco Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms, and is priced at $13,995.
As you make your vendor and product selections, remember that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for video conferencing solutions includes additional items such as the cost of installation, and ongoing system maintenance and support.
Choosing the Right Meeting Room Video Bars
The last time we checked, more than 75 meeting room video bar systems were available on the market. Decision makers tasked with choosing the right products for their organization should consider these four points:
To find the video bars that meet your needs, visit the Recon Research Solution Finder.
To provide their users with the best meeting experience, IT managers should look for video bars that are certified (or at least compatible) for use with their company’s preferred calling platforms.
- Calling platforms supported
- Compute options available
- Room sizes supported
- Breadth of the vendor’s portfolio
To find the video bars that meet your needs, visit the Recon Research Solution Finder.
Calling Platforms & Certifications
Years ago, most business video calls used either the H.323 or SIP calling standards. Today, the majority of business video calls use cloud services such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom Meetings, Cisco Webex, or Google Meet.To provide their users with the best meeting experience, IT managers should look for video bars that are certified (or at least compatible) for use with their company’s preferred calling platforms.
Microsoft Teams
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Launched in 2017, Microsoft Teams has become one of the most widely used video conferencing and collaboration tools, with over 300 million monthly active users as of 2023.
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Microsoft Teams |
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Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR), the meeting-room version of Microsoft Teams, is in use by more than 70% OF Fortune 500 companies and is powering more than 1 million meeting rooms worldwide. (source)
Microsoft Certified Video Bars
(click to expand list)
| Vendor | Device Name | Description | List Price (US $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AudioCodes | RXV81 | An all-in-one Android video bar for small meeting rooms. | $1,299 |
| Cisco | Room Bar | An all-in-one video bar appliance for small rooms, huddle spaces and focus rooms. | $3,795 1 |
| Cisco | Room Bar Pro | An all-in-one, dual-camera video bar appliance designed for medium rooms. | $8,295 1 |
| Cisco | Room Kit EQ | A conferencing bundle with Quad Camera bar and Codec EQ for medium-to-large spaces. | $13,995 1 |
| Cisco | Room Kit Pro | A conferencing bundle with Quad Camera bar and Codec Pro for large / integrated spaces. | $19,495 1 |
| DTEN | Bar | An all-in-one Android video bar for small meeting rooms. | $2,499 |
| Logitech | MeetUp | An all-in-one USB video bar for huddle and small spaces. | $699 |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | An all-in-one USB video bar for small spaces (Generation 2). | $899 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for huddle and small rooms. | $1,699 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for small to medium rooms. | $2,999 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for medium to large rooms. | $3,999 |
| Neat | Neat Bar | A compact, all-in-one video bar for small and medium spaces. | $2,490 |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | An all-in-one video bar with a wide-angle, 50MP camera for small and medium spaces. | $3,990 |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | An all-in-one dual-camera Android video bar for medium and large meeting spaces. | $5,850 |
Zoom Meetings
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Launched in 2013, Zoom Meetings experienced explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become one of the most popular video conferencing platforms. As of November 2024, Zoom had more than 192,400 enterprise customers. (source)
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Zoom Meetings |
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During its quarterly earnings call, Zoom's CEO mentioned that as of the end of Q1 2024, more than 2 million Zoom Rooms licenses have been sold. (source)
Zoom Certified Video Bars
(click to expand list)
| Vendor | Device Name | Description | List Price (US $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTEN | Bar | An all-in-one Android video bar for small meeting rooms. | $2,499 |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | An all-in-one USB video bar for small spaces (Generation 2). | $899 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for huddle and small rooms. | $1,699 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for small to medium rooms. | $2,999 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for medium to large rooms. | $3,999 |
| Neat | Neat Bar | A compact, all-in-one video bar for small and medium spaces. | $2,490 |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | An all-in-one video bar with a wide-angle, 50MP camera for small and medium spaces. | $3,990 |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | An all-in-one dual-camera Android video bar for medium and large meeting spaces. | $5,850 |
Google Meet
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Launched in 2017, Google Meet has become one of the leading video conferencing platforms, with over 300 million monthly active users as of 2023. (source)
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Google Meet |
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Although data on Google Meet deployments in meeting rooms is not available, Google Meet is a part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), which has over 6 million paying customers worldwide.
Google Certified Video Bars
(click to expand list)
| Vendor | Device Name | Description | List Price (US $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech | MeetUp | An all-in-one USB video bar for huddle and small spaces. | $699 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for huddle and small rooms. | $1,699 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for small to medium rooms. | $2,999 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | An all-in-one Android & USB video bar for medium to large rooms. | $3,999 |
Cisco Webex
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Launched in 2011, Cisco Webex has become one of the leading video conferencing and collaboration platforms, hosting approximately 27 billion meeting minutes annually with over 300 million participants as of 2023. (source)
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Cisco Webex |
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Cisco also offers a range of meeting room video conferencing devices, including several video bars and room kits. Notably, many of Cisco's video conferencing devices can run both Cisco Rooms (optimized for Webex and third-party interop) and the Microsoft Teams Rooms application.
Other Calling Platforms
Other calling providers offering meeting room apps include Intermedia and RingCentral.Organizations wishing to participate in video calls using calling platforms that do not offer a meeting room app should review the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) information below.
Compute Options
Video bar customers have several “compute” options. In this context, compute means the compute power that will run the video conferencing app (e.g., Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, etc.).Option 1: Internal (Built-In) Compute
Many video bars include internal (also called embedded) compute designed to run the video conferencing app. The majority (but not all) of these systems are Android-based and run the Android-version of the video conferencing apps.All-in-one video bars with internal compute offer a compelling combination of ease of installation (everything needed is within a single unit), simplified management (all AV components are within a single device), and cost-effectiveness.
For example, the image below shows the Logitech Rally Bar Mini (with internal Android compute) and Tap IP touch controller for small to medium rooms.
Option 2: External Meeting Room Compute Device
Some companies are not interested in video bars with internal compute for reasons such as:- Lack of IT support or approval for Android devices
- Desire to use the same compute platform (e.g., Windows) used elsewhere in the company within their meeting rooms
- Wish to separate the compute from the AV components to allow for upgrades in the future
- Need to use different vendors for the compute and the AV devices
Several PC manufacturers, including Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, offer meeting-room-ready compute devices certified for use with Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, and other UC platforms.
Although external compute devices running Windows are the most common, some video conferencing device vendors (e.g., AudioCodes, Cisco, HP, and Logitech) offer compute appliances running Android or other operating systems.
Many vendors offer kits / bundles including a USB video bar, touch controller, and external compute device.
For example, the image below shows the Cisco Room Kit EQ modular video conferencing system including the standalone Cisco Codec EQ compute device, the Cisco Quad Camera bar, and the Cisco Room Navigator touch controller.
Using an external compute device with a video bar offers several advantages, but the need for two devices (the compute device and a USB-capable video bar) often makes these deployments more expensive, harder to install, and more difficult to manage than single-device deployments.
Option 3: Bring Your Own Device (Wired or Wireless)
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) video conferencing is the use of a meeting participant’s personal device, such as a laptop, to host and participate in a virtual meeting from within a meeting room.For BYOD video calls, the user connects their laptop (either over USB or wirelessly) to the meeting room AV devices (e.g., a video bar) and “borrows” the meeting room’s mics, speakers, and cameras to provide a group calling experience. The drawing below shows a typical wired BYOD setup.
Some video bars support one-cable BYOD where no HDMI cable is needed. Finally, some video bars even offer wireless conferencing, eliminating the need for any cables between the laptop and the video bar.
BYOD, which is sometimes referred to as BYOM or Bring Your Own Meeting video conferencing, brings advantages and disadvantages.
BYOD, which is sometimes referred to as BYOM or Bring Your Own Meeting video conferencing, brings advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of BYOD Video Conferencing
- Cost Effectiveness – USB video bars are often less expensive than video bars with embedded compute
- Flexibility – users can join meetings on different platforms (Teams, Zoom, Webex, Google, etc.) from the same device.
- Familiarity – some users prefer to use their own devices to host and manage their video calls.
Disadvantages of BYOD Video Conferencing
- Requires Laptop – one meeting participant must bring and use their laptop to host the video meeting.
- Complexity – the user must connect their laptop, wired (USB / HDMI) or wirelessly, to the meeting room AV devices.
- User Experience – BYOD meetings use personal video apps, not meeting room apps, which impacts the user experience.
Most video bars, including those with internal Android, Windows, or other type of compute, support BYOD video conferencing.
The video bars listed below support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) video conferencing.
The video bars listed below support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) video conferencing.
- AudioCodes RXV81
- Cisco Room Bar, Room Bar Pro, and Room Kit EQ
- DTEN Bar
- Logitech MeetUp, MeetUp 2, Rally Bar Huddle, Rally Bar Mini, Rally Bar
- Neat Bar, Neat Bar 2, and Neat Bar Pro
Room Types and Sizes
Video bars are ideally suited for traditional meeting rooms with a meeting room table and one or more displays in the front of the room. While most video bars on the market are designed for small or medium rooms, some are designed specifically for large rooms.Furthermore, some video bars also support external microphones, external audio systems, or external cameras, which allows them to support larger and less traditional meeting spaces like training rooms or divisible rooms.
Examples of small room video bars include:
- AudioCodes RXV81
- Cisco Room Bar
- DTEN Bar
- Logitech MeetUp, MeetUp 2, Rally Bar Huddle, Rally Bar Mini
- Neat Bar and Neat Bar 2
Examples of medium room video bars include:
- Cisco Room Bar Pro, Room Kit EQ
- DTEN Bar with Vue Cameras
- Logitech Rally Bar
- Neat Bar, Neat Bar 2, Neat Bar Pro
The picture below shows a DTEN Bar installed above the display in a meeting room.
DTEN Bar with DTEN Mate Touch Controller in a Meeting Room
Breadth of the Vendor’s Portfolio
While not required, there are advantages to standardizing on a single vendor for your meeting room video conferencing devices, including:- Simplified vendor management
- Consistent user experience
- Potential cost savings
The table below highlights the solutions offered by key vendors to address different room sizes and types.
* Special spaces include auditoriums, training rooms, flexible spaces, and others that require special video or audio systems.
| Vendor | Small Rooms | Medium Rooms | Large Rooms | Special Spaces * |
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| AudioCodes | RXV81 | RXV200 Android compute device, RXVCam360 or RXVCam50 camera, RX15 speaker | RXV200 Android compute device, RXVCam70 camera, RX40 audio bar | Supported with RXV200 and partners like Extron, Kramer, Nureva and Shure |
| Cisco | Room Bar | Room Bar Pro, Room Kit EQ | Room Kit EQ, Room Kit Pro (can extend with Cisco cameras and conferencing mics) | Supported using Room Kit Pro, Cisco conferencing mics, and external audio systems |
| DTEN | DTEN Bar | DTEN Bar with Optional DTEN Vue Cameras | DTEN Bar with Optional DTEN Vue Pro Cameras | Supported using DTEN Bar, DTEN Vue Pro Cameras, and products from Audio-Technica and Shure |
| Logitech | MeetUp, MeetUp 2, Rally Bar Huddle, Rally Bar Mini | Rally Bar Mini Rally Bar |
Rally Bar | Supported using products from Biamp, Extron, Nureva, Q-SYS, and Shure |
| Neat | Neat Bar Neat Bar 2 |
Neat Bar Neat Bar 2 Neat Bar Pro |
Neat Bar Pro | Supported using Neat Bar Pro and third-party audio products from Shure |
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| Small Rooms: | RXV81 |
| Medium Rooms: | RXV200 Android Compute Device, RXVCam360 or RXVCam50 camera, RX15 speaker |
| Large Rooms: | RXV200 Android Compute Device, RXVCam70 camera, RX40 audio bar |
| Special Spaces: * | Supported with RXV200 Android Compute Device and partners like Extron, Kramer, Nureva and Shure |
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| Small Rooms: | Room Bar |
| Medium Rooms: | Room Bar Pro, Room Kit EQ |
| Large Rooms: | Room Kit EQ, Room Kit Pro (can extend with Cisco cameras and conferencing mics) |
| Special Spaces: * | Supported using Room Kit Pro, Cisco conferencing mics, and external audio systems |
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| Small Rooms: | DTEN Bar |
| Medium Rooms: | DTEN Bar with Optional DTEN Vue Cameras |
| Large Rooms: | DTEN Bar with Optional DTEN Vue Pro Cameras |
| Special Spaces: * | Supported using DTEN Bar, DTEN Vue Pro Cameras, and products from Audio-Technica and Shure |
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| Small Rooms: | MeetUp, MeetUp 2, Rally Bar Huddle, Rally Bar Mini |
| Medium Rooms: | Rally Bar Mini, Rally Bar |
| Large Rooms: | Rally Bar |
| Special Spaces: * | Supported using products from Biamp, Extron, Nureva, Q-SYS, and Shure |
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| Small Rooms: | Neat Bar, Neat Bar 2 |
| Medium Rooms: | Neat Bar, Neat Bar 2, Neat Bar Pro |
| Large Rooms: | Neat Bar Pro |
| Special Spaces: * | Supported using Neat Bar Pro and third-party audio products from Shure |
Video Features
Video bars include a variety of video technologies and sub-systems to address the needs of different room sizes and types. Some configurations are best suited for small rooms, while others address larger or special spaces.
As you review the information below, please consider not just the numbers and specifications, but also your actual requirements.
As you review the information below, please consider not just the numbers and specifications, but also your actual requirements.
Types of Cameras
Video bars typically use one of these camera configurations:
- A single fixed lens camera
- A single motorized pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera with an optical lens
- A combination of fixed lens and optical lens cameras
- Multiple fixed lens cameras with different fields of view (see below)
- Multiple fixed lens cameras stitched together to create a single panoramic image
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This image shows the multi-lens Cisco Quad Camera designed for camera framing and speaker tracking in medium and large workspaces. |
Video bars include a variety of video technologies and sub-systems to address the needs of different room sizes and types. Some configurations are best suited for small rooms, while others address larger or special spaces.
As you review the information below, please consider not just the numbers and specifications, but also your actual requirements.
As you review the information below, please consider not just the numbers and specifications, but also your actual requirements.
Types of Cameras
Video bars typically use one of these camera configurations:
- A single fixed lens camera
- A single motorized pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera with an optical lens
- A combination of fixed lens and optical lens cameras
- Multiple fixed lens cameras with different fields of view (see below)
- Multiple fixed lens cameras stitched together to create a single panoramic image
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This image shows the multi-lens Cisco Quad Camera designed for camera framing and speaker tracking in medium and large workspaces. |
Video Resolution & Image Processing
The overall quality of the image captured by a camera depends on multiple factors, including the capture resolution, the size and megapixels of the image sensor, the type and quality of the lens, and more.Most modern video bars have at least an 8 megapixel sensor that supports 4K (3840 x 2160) video resolution. However, the majority of video calls today are conducted at resolutions lower than 4K.
Some video bars include cameras with large image sensors and more megapixels (e.g., 20 MP or even 50 MP), allowing them to capture the meeting participants in greater detail, offer sharper images when downsized to 4K (or lower) resolution, and provide lossless digital zoom (see the zoom capabilities section below).
For example, the Cisco Quad Camera includes four 20 MP cameras, and the AudioCodes RXV81 includes an 8.28 MP (4K) camera.
Most video bars also offer video processing to improve the image quality. Examples of quality improvement features, include:
- Low Light Performance – improves performance in dimly lit spaces
- Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) / High Dynamic Range (HDR) – balances bright and dark areas in the image
- Backlight Compensation – adjusts the image to improve visibility in situations where significant light is behind the subject
Field of View (FOV)
A camera’s field of view determines the size of the camera’s capture area.Some video bars include wide angle (e.g., 120 degree FOV) cameras, allowing them to capture a wide view of the room. Such cameras are best suited for smaller spaces where meeting participants are seated close to the camera. However, these cameras are prone to distortion and may have difficulty capturing people seated at the head of the table in high quality.
Other video bars include narrow view (e.g., 30 degree FOV) cameras, allowing them to see only a small portion or slice of the space at a time. Such cameras are best suited for capturing people seated a distance from the camera in medium or large spaces. However, these cameras may not be able to capture all participants on camera at the same time.
Furthermore, some video bars include both wide and narrow view field of view cameras and switch between them automatically to optimize the capture quality. Understandably, such video bars tend to be more expensive than bars with a single camera.
Finally, some video bars use multiple mid-range field of view (e.g., 70 degree FOV) cameras and “stitch” together to form a single, panoramic view (24:9 or wider aspect ratio) of the meeting room.
For example, the DTEN Bar offers a 95º field of view whether mounted horizontally or vertically, and the Logitech Rally Bar’s motorized PTZ camera has an 82.1° field of view.
Camera Zoom Capabilities
The zoom capabilities offered by a video bar depends on the type of lens (or lenses) in use.Fixed lens cameras typically offer digital pan, tilt and zoom (also called electronic pan/tilt/zoom or ePTZ) by cropping and scaling the image on the sensor. However, digital zoom uses only a portion of the image sensor, which reduces the resolution of the captured image. For example, applying 2x digital zoom to a 4K image results in a 1080p image.
To mitigate this issue and provide a “lossless” digital zoom experience, some vendors offer higher resolution / megapixel cameras. For example, a 34 megapixel sensor can capture an 8k image. Applying a 2x digital zoom to that 8k image will result in a 4K image.
Camera Systems on Meeting Room Video Bars
Click on the chevron below for detailed information on the camera systems found on featured meeting room video bars.Click to expand the list
| Vendor | Device Name | Camera System(s) | Zoom Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AudioCodes | RXV81 | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 110° FOV Manual tilt (+/- 15°) |
5x ePTZ |
| Cisco | Room Bar | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 12 MP Image Sensor | 120° Horiz. FOV | 5x ePTZ |
| Cisco | Room Bar Pro | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 48 MP Image Sensor | 112° Horiz. FOV 1 x Fixed | 4K | 48 MP Image Sensor | 70° Horiz. FOV |
5x ePTZ (10x with virtual lens enhancement) |
| Cisco | Room Kit EQ | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 20 MP Image Sensor | 83° Horiz. FOV 3 x Fixed | 4K | 20 MP Image Sensor | 50° Horiz. FOV |
7x ePTZ |
| Cisco | Room Kit Pro | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 20 MP Image Sensor | 83° Horiz. FOV 3 x Fixed | 4K | 20 MP Image Sensor | 50° Horiz. FOV |
7x ePTZ |
| DTEN | Bar | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 95° FOV (160° FOV when used with DTEN Vue / Vue Pro Cameras) |
5x ePTZ |
| Logitech | MeetUp | 1 x Optical | 4K | 113° FOV Motorized pan (+/- 25°) and tilt (+/- 15°) |
5x ePTZ |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | 1 x Digital (Fixed) | 4K | 113° FOV | 4x ePTZ |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | 1 x Digital (Fixed) | 4K | 113° FOV | 4x ePTZ |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | 1 x Optical | 4K | 113° FOV Motorized pan (+/- 25°) and tilt (+/- 15°) 1 x Digital (Fixed) | 4K | 150° FOV |
Main Camera: 4x ePTZ |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | 1 x Optical | 4K | 82.1° FOV Motorized pan (+/- 25°) and tilt (+/- 15°) 1 x Digital (Fixed) | 4K | 150° FOV |
Main Camera: 5x optical zoom & 3x ePTZ |
| Neat | Neat Bar | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 12MP Image Sensor | 120° Horiz. FOV | 4x ePTZ (optional 8x) |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 50 MP Image Sensor | 113° Horiz. FOV | 4x ePTZ (optional 8x) |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | 1 x Fixed | 4K | 50 MP Image Sensor | 113° Horiz. FOV (wide)
1 x Fixed | 4K | 50 MP Image Sensor | 70° Horiz. FOV (tele) |
Hybrid zoom up to 16x |
External Camera Support
Video bar camera systems range from basic (e.g., a single fixed lens camera) to advanced (e.g., a multi-camera assembly that auto-switches between lenses with different fields of view). However, even the most powerful video bar camera systems can’t overcome one inherent limitation – the fact that the cameras are physically located on the video bar itself.This fixed camera location means these video bars can provide only a front-facing view of the meeting room from a position above or below the displays. In some spaces, this single-camera perspective is just fine. However, in rooms with long “bowling alley” style tables or non-standard seating configurations, some participants may not be captured properly on camera.
One way to address these issues and provide better “meeting equity” is to augment the video bar’s on-board camera system with one or more external cameras.
What is Meeting Equity?
Meeting equity refers to creating an environment where all participants in a meeting have equal opportunity to contribute, engage, and be seen and heard, regardless of their physical location or the technology they’re using.
The concept of meeting equity gained significant attention in the video conferencing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. As employees began returning to their offices, they noticed a stark contrast between the high-quality, close-up video shots provided by their personal webcams and the often inferior, wide-angle shots from traditional meeting room cameras.
Meeting equity refers to creating an environment where all participants in a meeting have equal opportunity to contribute, engage, and be seen and heard, regardless of their physical location or the technology they’re using.
The concept of meeting equity gained significant attention in the video conferencing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. As employees began returning to their offices, they noticed a stark contrast between the high-quality, close-up video shots provided by their personal webcams and the often inferior, wide-angle shots from traditional meeting room cameras.
Stand-Alone Cameras
The first option is to connect one or more stand-alone external cameras (over IP, USB, or other type of connection) directly to the video bar. Once connected, the stand-alone camera(s) can be placed anywhere in the room.This image (courtesy of Zoom) demonstrates the use of three cameras to capture the participants in a meeting room with 11 seats.
Note how the two side “outrigger” cameras point across the table to provide a better viewing angle of participants at the end of the table.
DTEN offers two external camera solutions that can be used with the DTEN Bar.
- DTEN Vue (for medium spaces) – includes two 4K cameras with a 60 degree field of view. When used with the DTEN Bar, the Vue Camera solution increases the system’s field of view from 95 to 160 degrees.
- DTEN Vue Pro (for large spaces) – includes four 4K cameras (two with a 60 degree field of view and 2 with a 30 degree field of view). When used with the DTEN Bar, the Vue Pro Camera solution increases the system’s field of view from 95 to 160 degrees and offers high quality tight shots of participants seated far from the front of the room.
The image below shows a DTEN Vue Pro camera module attached to the side of a meeting room display.
Center of Table Cameras
A handful of video bar vendors offer center-of-table cameras that offer an extra wide (up to 360 degree) view of the meeting room.Some center of table cameras are stand-alone USB devices, while others are companion devices that connect to and enhance the functionality of their company’s video bars.
Center-of-table video devices typically include:
- A multi-lens camera system providing close-up shots of local meeting participants
- One or more microphones to capture the audio of local meeting participants
Depending on the specific vendor and model, center-of-table companion cameras can be placed (or installed) on the meeting table or suspended from the ceiling.
Center-of-table cameras provide several benefits, including tighter camera shots and improved audio capture of meeting participants seated a distance from the front of the room.
The picture below shows the AudioCodes RXVCam360 center of table USB camera device featuring four built-in microphones, an 8w speaker, and four 5MP lenses that deliver a 360° field of view covering the entire meeting room.
The RXVCam360 supports panoramic mode (room framing), speaker tracking, conversation mode (highlights up to 3 speakers involved in a conversation), and people framing (smart gallery).
Intelligent Video Features (AI)
Many meeting room video bars include intelligent, AI-powered video features that enhance meeting equity by creating (compositing) views of the meeting to maximize impact and provide a feeling of “connectedness” between local and remote participants.The basic types of intelligent video capture are as follows:
- Room / Group Framing – adjusts the camera settings (optical or digital pan/tilt/zoom) to capture all participants in the meeting room
- Speaker Tracking – provides a tight shot of the currently active speaker
- People Framing – identifies each participant in the room and creates individual video windows of some or all participants
- Conversation Mode – displays close-up shots of several active talkers
- Cinematic Mode – intelligently switches between multiple cameras to capture both talkers and listeners
- Hybrid Mode – provides both a wide-angle view of the meeting room and close-up shots of participants
Support for these video capture and framing modes varies by vendor and device, as do the names each vendor uses for each mode. Also, some vendors may include video streams provided by their center-of-table companion cameras to further enhance the experience.
Intelligent Video Features on Meeting Room Video Bars (click to expand list)
| Vendor | Device Name | Room Framing |
Speaker Tracking |
People Framing |
Conversation Mode |
Cinematic Mode |
Hybrid Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AudioCodes | RXV81 | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Bar Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Cisco | Room Kit EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Cisco | Room Kit Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| DTEN | Bar | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Logitech | MeetUp | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Neat | Neat Bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Neat video bars support a variety of intelligent video features. For example, the picture below shows the far-end (remote) experience offered by a Neat Bar Pro.
In the above example, the third display is showing a video stream provided by a remote Neat Bar Pro that is using Neat Symmetry (people framing) to send close-up shots of several meeting participants.
Multi-Stream Support
The prior section focused on methods that video bar vendors use to optimize the single video stream their devices send to the calling platform (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Webex, etc). Some video bars can also send multiple video streams to multi-stream capable calling platforms.For example, a video bar might send one video stream containing a wide view of the entire room and a second video stream containing a gallery view showing each participant in a separate video window. Alternatively, a video bar might send three video streams, each providing a tight view of a portion of the room to the calling platform.
For example, Logitech’s Android video bars (Rally Bar Huddle, Rally Bar Mini, and Rally Bar) support sending multiple video streams to Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
The image below shows the remote experience during a Zoom Meeting with a Logitech video bar sending five simultaneous video streams (one “full-room view” stream and four “active-speaker” streams). Recon Research refers to this experience as “Hybrid Mode.”
Multi-stream support is still in its infancy. Today, multi-stream support varies by calling platform and video bar vendor and model.
Summary – Video Features
The current generation of meeting room video bars offer a vast array of video-related features, including multiple cameras with wide and narrow fields of view, high resolution (MP) image sensors, optical and digital zoom, external camera support, intelligent (AI) video features, and even multi-stream support.Recon Research expects video bar vendors to release many new video features, especially AI and multi-camera / multi-stream capabilities, within the next year.
Audio Features
Believe it or not, audio is the most important part of a virtual meeting. After all, meetings can proceed with less-than-ideal video quality or camera framing, but the meeting fails if you can’t hear every word the remote participants say.
Most video bars capture voices well in small spaces, but providing a high-quality “immersive” experience in medium to large meeting rooms is far more difficult.
This section introduces key audio technologies found in modern video bars. We’ll explore features that enhance clarity, reduce background noise, and improve overall audio performance across various meeting environments.
Understanding these audio capabilities is crucial for selecting the right video bars for your organization.
Number of Microphones – Some video bars have as few as 4 mic elements, while others have 25 or more. Systems designed to support larger spaces generally include more mic elements.
Voice Pickup Range – Determines how far participants can be from the video bar and still be heard clearly. Video bars for small spaces generally offer a 10 to 20-foot pickup range, while devices for larger spaces may offer pickup ranges of 25 feet or more.
Speaker Systems – Video bars typically include multiple internal loudspeakers to provide high-quality audio throughout the meeting room. Video bars for smaller rooms may include one or two small speakers, while those for larger spaces might include more speakers of different types and sizes.
Mics and Speakers on Featured Meeting Room Video Bars
Click the chevron below for detailed information about the mics, pickup ranges, and speakers on featured video bars.
* These solutions are intended for integrated spaces and are designed for use with external microphones / audio systems.
IMPORTANT NOTE – Having more mic elements, a larger voice pickup area, or more speakers does not necessarily mean a video bar will offer superior audio performance. Other elements such as mic element placement, audio processing, room acoustics and room noise also play important roles in delivering a strong audio experience.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the key audio processing capabilities found in modern video bars.
Echo Cancellation (AEC) – Removes echoes by comparing incoming and outgoing audio signals and canceling out any repeated sounds. This capability ensures clear communication without distracting echoes during video and audio conferences.
Full-Duplex Audio – Allows simultaneous two-way communication, enabling participants to speak and hear at the same time without audio cut-offs or interruptions.
Auto Mic Mute – Automatically detects and mutes the microphones when only background noises or non-speech sounds are present, ensuring only relevant voices are transmitted during a call.
Outgoing Voice Leveling (AGC) – Automatically adjusts the volume of the meeting room participants’ voices to provide a consistent outgoing audio level, preventing some participants from sounding too loud or too quiet.
Incoming Voice Leveling (AGC) – Automatically adjusts the volume of incoming audio from the remote sites / participants to maintain a consistent level, ensuring all remote participants can be heard clearly.
Stereo Sound – Plays the incoming (far-end) audio through two separate channels and stereo speakers (left and right), providing a sense of directionality to remote talkers, and creating a more immersive and natural listening experience.
Spatial Audio (3D) – Creates an immersive three-dimensional sound experience by precisely positioning audio sources in virtual space, resulting in an experience that simulates how we hear in the real world.
Audio Processing on Featured Meeting Room Video Bars
Click on the chevron below for detailed information on the audio processing capabilities available on featured meeting room video bars.
Voice Activity Detection (VAD) – Identifies the presence of human speech in an audio signal, enabling the system to activate audio processing and transmit audio only when someone is talking.
Basic Noise Suppression – Uses traditional signal processing techniques (e.g., frequency filtering, amplitude thresholding, etc.) to reduce unwanted background noise such as HVAC noise from audio signals.
AI Noise Suppression – Leverages machine learning algorithms to intelligently identify and remove a wide range of background noises in real-time. This technology can distinguish between speech and complex noise patterns, resulting in significantly clearer audio even in challenging conditions.
Capture Area Control – Defines one or more physical zones within which the video bar actively captures audio while intelligently suppressing sounds from outside these boundaries. This feature keeps ambient noise or adjacent conversations in open / multi-use spaces from impacting the meeting.
AI Voice Targeting – Combines advanced AI-powered image analysis with dynamic beamforming technology to identify, track, and prioritize audio capture from participants facing the camera. This feature ensures that only the audio from those actively participating in the meeting will be sent to the remote participants.
Noise Cancellation on Featured Meeting Room Video Bars
Click on the chevron below for detailed information on the noise cancellation capabilities available on featured meeting room video bars.
Fortunately, some video bars can connect to external microphones or third-party audio systems, extending their audio reach to cover larger or more challenging spaces.
External Microphones – Some vendors offer external microphones designed for use with their video bars. Table mics work well in small and medium spaces, while ceiling mics are ideal for medium and large spaces. Some video bars also support wireless (Bluetooth) mics that can be placed almost anywhere in the room.
Center of Table Cameras – While primarily marketed as camera systems, these devices also include sophisticated microphone arrays. Because these units are placed in the center of the meeting table, they bring the microphones closer to the participants, which can significantly improve the voice pickup of participants seated far from the front of the room.
Note, however, that not all video bar vendors offer a center-of-table camera solution.
External Audio Systems – Some video bars can be used with third-party professional audio systems. These external audio systems allow the video bars to support larger spaces and those with complex audio requirements.
For example, the AudioCodes RX15 external microphone can be used to expand the audio coverage of the RXV81 video bar.
Key features found on video bars, include auto mic mute, incoming and outgoing voice leveling, stereo and spatial sound, voice detection, basic and AI-powered noise suppression, and more.
Always remember that the most important part of a video meeting is the audio, so don’t skimp on the audio system!
Most video bars capture voices well in small spaces, but providing a high-quality “immersive” experience in medium to large meeting rooms is far more difficult.
This section introduces key audio technologies found in modern video bars. We’ll explore features that enhance clarity, reduce background noise, and improve overall audio performance across various meeting environments.
Understanding these audio capabilities is crucial for selecting the right video bars for your organization.
Microphones & Speakers
Most video bars include multiple microphones that work together to enhance voice capture and enable features like beamforming.
What is Beamforming?
Beamforming is an advanced audio technology that uses groups of microphone elements to create focused areas of audio capture, often called “beams.” These beams can be dynamically adjusted to target specific areas where voices are detected, effectively amplifying desired sounds (meaning voices) while attenuating (reducing) unwanted sounds from other sources or directions.
Beamforming is an advanced audio technology that uses groups of microphone elements to create focused areas of audio capture, often called “beams.” These beams can be dynamically adjusted to target specific areas where voices are detected, effectively amplifying desired sounds (meaning voices) while attenuating (reducing) unwanted sounds from other sources or directions.
Number of Microphones – Some video bars have as few as 4 mic elements, while others have 25 or more. Systems designed to support larger spaces generally include more mic elements.
Voice Pickup Range – Determines how far participants can be from the video bar and still be heard clearly. Video bars for small spaces generally offer a 10 to 20-foot pickup range, while devices for larger spaces may offer pickup ranges of 25 feet or more.
Speaker Systems – Video bars typically include multiple internal loudspeakers to provide high-quality audio throughout the meeting room. Video bars for smaller rooms may include one or two small speakers, while those for larger spaces might include more speakers of different types and sizes.
Mics and Speakers on Featured Meeting Room Video Bars
Click the chevron below for detailed information about the mics, pickup ranges, and speakers on featured video bars.
Click to expand the list
| Vendor | Device Name | # of Microphones | Voice Pickup | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AudioCodes | RXV81 | 6 | 4.5 m (15 ft) | 1 x 10 watt |
| Cisco | Room Bar | 4 | 3 m (10 ft) | Stereo (2 full-range speakers) |
| Cisco | Room Bar Pro | 16 | 4 m (13 ft) | Stereo (3 full-range speakers, 2 woofers) |
| Cisco | Room Kit EQ * | Uses external mics | Depends on audio system in use | 1 full-range speaker, 2 woofers) |
| Cisco | Room Kit Pro * | Uses external mics | Depends on audio system in use | 1 full-range speaker, 2 woofers) |
| DTEN | Bar | 12 | Up to 7 m (23 ft) | 2 x 15 watt |
| Logitech | MeetUp | 3 | Up to 4 m (13 ft) | 1 |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | 6 | Up to 7 m (23 ft) | 1 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | 6 | Up to 7 m (23 ft) | 1 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | 6 | Up to 7 m (23 ft) | 3 |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | 6 | Up to 7 m (23 ft) | 2 |
| Neat | Neat Bar | 5 | 5 m (16 ft) | 1 speaker |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | 5 | 5 m (16 ft) | 1 speaker |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | 16 | 10 m (33 ft) | 3 speakers |
* These solutions are intended for integrated spaces and are designed for use with external microphones / audio systems.
IMPORTANT NOTE – Having more mic elements, a larger voice pickup area, or more speakers does not necessarily mean a video bar will offer superior audio performance. Other elements such as mic element placement, audio processing, room acoustics and room noise also play important roles in delivering a strong audio experience.
Audio Processing
Today’s video bars offer advanced audio processing technologies that work in tandem with the microphone array to optimize voice capture, reduce unwanted noise, and create a more immersive audio experience.In this section, we’ll explore some of the key audio processing capabilities found in modern video bars.
Echo Cancellation (AEC) – Removes echoes by comparing incoming and outgoing audio signals and canceling out any repeated sounds. This capability ensures clear communication without distracting echoes during video and audio conferences.
Full-Duplex Audio – Allows simultaneous two-way communication, enabling participants to speak and hear at the same time without audio cut-offs or interruptions.
Auto Mic Mute – Automatically detects and mutes the microphones when only background noises or non-speech sounds are present, ensuring only relevant voices are transmitted during a call.
Outgoing Voice Leveling (AGC) – Automatically adjusts the volume of the meeting room participants’ voices to provide a consistent outgoing audio level, preventing some participants from sounding too loud or too quiet.
Incoming Voice Leveling (AGC) – Automatically adjusts the volume of incoming audio from the remote sites / participants to maintain a consistent level, ensuring all remote participants can be heard clearly.
Stereo Sound – Plays the incoming (far-end) audio through two separate channels and stereo speakers (left and right), providing a sense of directionality to remote talkers, and creating a more immersive and natural listening experience.
Spatial Audio (3D) – Creates an immersive three-dimensional sound experience by precisely positioning audio sources in virtual space, resulting in an experience that simulates how we hear in the real world.
Audio Processing on Featured Meeting Room Video Bars
Click on the chevron below for detailed information on the audio processing capabilities available on featured meeting room video bars.
Click to expand the list
| Vendor | Device Name | Echo Cancel | Full Duplex | Auto Mute | Outgoing Leveling | Incoming Leveling | Stereo Sound | Spatial Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AudioCodes | RXV81 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Bar | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cisco | Room Bar Pro | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cisco | Room Kit EQ | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Kit Pro | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| DTEN | Bar | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Logitech | MeetUp | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Noise Cancellation & Suppression
Noise cancellation and suppression technologies are crucial components of modern video bar audio systems, enhancing the clarity and quality of communication in virtual meetings. These advanced features work to minimize or eliminate unwanted background sounds, ensuring that participants’ voices remain clear and intelligible.Voice Activity Detection (VAD) – Identifies the presence of human speech in an audio signal, enabling the system to activate audio processing and transmit audio only when someone is talking.
Basic Noise Suppression – Uses traditional signal processing techniques (e.g., frequency filtering, amplitude thresholding, etc.) to reduce unwanted background noise such as HVAC noise from audio signals.
AI Noise Suppression – Leverages machine learning algorithms to intelligently identify and remove a wide range of background noises in real-time. This technology can distinguish between speech and complex noise patterns, resulting in significantly clearer audio even in challenging conditions.
Capture Area Control – Defines one or more physical zones within which the video bar actively captures audio while intelligently suppressing sounds from outside these boundaries. This feature keeps ambient noise or adjacent conversations in open / multi-use spaces from impacting the meeting.
AI Voice Targeting – Combines advanced AI-powered image analysis with dynamic beamforming technology to identify, track, and prioritize audio capture from participants facing the camera. This feature ensures that only the audio from those actively participating in the meeting will be sent to the remote participants.
Noise Cancellation on Featured Meeting Room Video Bars
Click on the chevron below for detailed information on the noise cancellation capabilities available on featured meeting room video bars.
Click to expand the list
| Vendor | Device Name | Voice Activity Detection | Basic Noise Suppression | AI Noise Suppression | Capture Area Control | AI Voice Targeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AudioCodes | RXV81 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Bar Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cisco | Room Kit EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Cisco | Room Kit Pro | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| DTEN | Bar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Logitech | MeetUp | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Logitech | MeetUp 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Huddle | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Logitech | Rally Bar Mini | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Logitech | Rally Bar | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar 2 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Neat | Neat Bar Pro | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
External Audio Support
Video bars are designed to provide excellent audio coverage for a wide range of room sizes. However, even the best video bars offering the most advanced audio technology may be unable to handle the audio requirements of some spaces.Fortunately, some video bars can connect to external microphones or third-party audio systems, extending their audio reach to cover larger or more challenging spaces.
External Microphones – Some vendors offer external microphones designed for use with their video bars. Table mics work well in small and medium spaces, while ceiling mics are ideal for medium and large spaces. Some video bars also support wireless (Bluetooth) mics that can be placed almost anywhere in the room.
Center of Table Cameras – While primarily marketed as camera systems, these devices also include sophisticated microphone arrays. Because these units are placed in the center of the meeting table, they bring the microphones closer to the participants, which can significantly improve the voice pickup of participants seated far from the front of the room.
Note, however, that not all video bar vendors offer a center-of-table camera solution.
External Audio Systems – Some video bars can be used with third-party professional audio systems. These external audio systems allow the video bars to support larger spaces and those with complex audio requirements.
For example, the AudioCodes RX15 external microphone can be used to expand the audio coverage of the RXV81 video bar.
Summary – Audio Features
Today’s video bars include powerful audio systems designed to provide high quality audio in even the most challenging acoustic environments.Key features found on video bars, include auto mic mute, incoming and outgoing voice leveling, stereo and spatial sound, voice detection, basic and AI-powered noise suppression, and more.
Always remember that the most important part of a video meeting is the audio, so don’t skimp on the audio system!
Meeting & Device Controllers
Touch Controllers / Panels
Most video bar vendors offer touch controllers that act as the user interface (UI) for the entire meeting experience. Touch controllers are available in two flavors:- Android (or other OS) touch controllers that run the controller app from the chosen UC platform (Teams, Zoom, Google, Webex, etc.)
- USB touch controllers that connect to the meeting room PC running the video conferencing app
For example, the Cisco Room Navigator 10-inch touch controller can be deployed as a tabletop conference and room controller device or as a wall-mounted scheduling display.
Cisco Room Navigator requires only a single Ethernet cable for power and control, includes sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality, and offers native support for the Cisco Room Booking or the Microsoft Teams panel experience, or can run third-party web apps.
[ Author’s Note – In the past, video conferencing software vendors (Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco, Google, etc.) did not allow meeting room AV control vendors to co-exist on their touch panels. As a result, some meeting rooms have two touch controllers on the table: one to control the meeting room, and one to control the video conferencing experience.
Fortunately, in the last few quarters, the UC vendors have started allowing AV control vendors to embed their control pages on the video conferencing system controller. Over time, this should eliminate the need for two touch controllers per room. ]
Handheld Remotes
Some vendors also include (or offer optional) handheld IR or RF remotes for their video bars. These handheld remotes typically include functions like:- Power on/off
- Volume up/down
- Microphone mute
- Camera pan/tilt/zoom
- Define and select camera presets
In some cases, these handheld remotes are also used by installers / admins to install and configure the video bar.
Monitoring & Management Options
Device Vendor Management Platforms
Many video conferencing device vendors offer centralized management systems (cloud portals) designed to simplify the task of deploying, monitoring and managing their devices.In the past, these management platforms were installed on-premises (meaning on the customer’s network / behind the customer’s firewall). While on-premises management platforms still exist on the market, today, most video conferencing vendors offer cloud-based management portals.
Features commonly found in vendor-provided device management systems, include:
- Device registration
- Device configuration & provisioning
- Remote firmware updates
- Real time monitoring of device status
- Remote device control
- Proactive issue detection
- Device usage analytics
- Room utilization insights
As an example, Webex Control Hub is a centralized, cloud-based management platform for Cisco’s collaboration products and services. Control Hub provides administrators with a single pane of glass to manage meetings, messaging, calling, collaboration devices (such as video bars), and contact center solutions.
From a device perspective, the key features of Control Hub include unified user and device management (including Cisco devices and accessories, and third-party peripherals), remote device access, diagnostics, and workspace insights around room utilization and video bar technology adoption trends.
Some video conferencing device vendors offer their management platforms to customers for no cost, while others charge for either basic or advanced features.
UC Provider Management Platforms
Many UC providers include some form of video conferencing device monitoring and management with their service.For example, the Microsoft Teams Room Management portal includes monitoring and management for Microsoft Teams (the platform, meetings, etc.) and video devices running the Microsoft Teams Rooms software.
Similarly, the Zoom Rooms management dashboard includes monitoring, diagnostics, analytics, and insights for devices (meeting room PCs, video bars, etc.) running Zoom Rooms.
Along the same lines, Cisco’s management portal, Webex Control Hub, includes monitoring, management, utilization analytics, and diagnostics of the Webex platform and Cisco collaboration devices running either Cisco Rooms (Webex) or Microsoft Teams.
Summary – Monitoring & Management
Video bar customers can manage their systems with their device vendor’s management portal or within their UC provider’s management portal. And there are advantages to each option.- Device vendor management platforms typically provide access to detailed information and a wide range of settings.
- UC platform providers offer access to less information and only a handful of settings, but allow the convenience of managing both the calling service and devices within a single system.
Most customers use the UC platform provider’s portal for day-to-day monitoring and management and the video device vendor’s portal for more intensive management tasks (e.g., device installations, provisioning, software updates, etc.).
Featured (and Other) Video Bar Vendors
Recon Research thanks these video bar vendors for supporting the creation of this comprehensive study.
This section provides a comprehensive list of vendors offering meeting room video bars.
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Featured (and Other) Video Bar Vendors
Recon Research thanks these video bar vendors for supporting the creation of this comprehensive study.
This section provides a comprehensive list of vendors offering meeting room video bars.
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Please contact info@reconres.com with the names of video bar vendors we may have overlooked.
OLD VERSION
This section provides a comprehensive list of vendors offering meeting room video bars.
This section provides a comprehensive list of vendors offering meeting room video bars.
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OLD VERSION
This section provides a comprehensive list of vendors offering meeting room video bars.
This section provides a comprehensive list of vendors offering meeting room video bars.
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Closing Thoughts and Comments
As organizations adapt to hybrid work environments, the need for these convenient, cost-effective, well-performing devices grows.
As we close out this study, we offer the following tips to help you make informed, defendable meeting room video bar purchasing decisions.
Finally, trust your instincts when it comes to video bars, but validate through careful testing.
Don’t worry. With thoughtful consideration and a structured approach, you can select the right video conferencing solutions for your needs today and tomorrow.
And if you need help choosing the right video conferencing, AV, or UC devices, contact us anytime at info@reconres.com.
As we close out this study, we offer the following tips to help you make informed, defendable meeting room video bar purchasing decisions.
- Focus on your needs – not industry buzz words.
- Keep things simple. In most spaces, simple means a video bar, a display, and a touch controller.
- Make the workflow and experience as consistent as possible.
- Remember that during a video meeting, audio is actually more important than video.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of device management.
- Choose your vendor(s) and video bar wisely.
Finally, trust your instincts when it comes to video bars, but validate through careful testing.
Don’t worry. With thoughtful consideration and a structured approach, you can select the right video conferencing solutions for your needs today and tomorrow.
And if you need help choosing the right video conferencing, AV, or UC devices, contact us anytime at info@reconres.com.