What are /r/videoconferencing's favorite Products & Services?

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You can basically go as cheap as you want to, just stick to their recommended hardware

https://zoom.us/zoomrooms/hardware

Example

Logitech Webcam c930e $80 Intel NUC Kit NUC5i5RYH i5-5250U $350 Galaxy Tab A 8.0" 16GB (Wi-Fi) $120 Jabra Speak 510 $99

Total $649

Now it's entirely dependent upon what kind of conference room you have - this little camera would work for a 1-2 person room (maybe 3-4 if you position it right). If you want PTZ, that costs more. You want a better mic/speakers, that costs more. You want more than one screen, you need a better PC and that costs more. Etc.

If you want a ready-for-use product that doesn’t need any in-house development, I’d suggest TrueConf. It also supports plenty of features specifically designed for distance learning, e.g., conference recording, slideshow, and video lecture mode. To work offline and in private networks, you'll need to buy the full version, but you can get a free three-week trial.

Now MCUs are not very popular, but it's still a wise option with H.323/SIP infrastructure to maintain.

There's TrueConf MCU - it's software-based bridge that works with standards-based endpoints in LAN. There's a free version for up to 4 connections (always good to try it out first)

Pexip Infinity is also an MCU originally.

Personally I prefer to keep things separate because the all in ones do everything but the video and audio are not great quality. If I was buying one maybe I would look at a Dell

Dell S2422HZ 24-inch FHD 1920 x 1080 75Hz Video Conferencing Monitor, Pop-up Camera, Noise-Cancelling Dual Microphones, Dual 5W Speakers, USB-C connectivity, 16.7 Million Colors, Silver (Latest Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DYXSPT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KWK83CB6K0A8DE5XTACE

If reducing clutter is you goal I might look at the Logi Dock instead https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/personal-workspaces/logi-dock.html

Hey mickiebeth

if you are looking software zoom is best for an interactive session but you looking for a build solution you must go on Mirrorfly

hope you get the answer here

On the software side, I’d suggest TrueConf that operates in LAN/VPN with no Internet being involved. Offline operation is available only in the paid standard version, but you can book a free demo to test this feature (and anyway if you need only 2 rooms the price will be quite affordable, as it's concurrent-based). You can install TrueConf app on your laptop or Mac connected to your TV and display meeting on this TV.

In case you have an Android-based Smart TV, I’d suggest TrueConf; it’s an app for video calls and conferences designed for Android TV platform. Some compatible USB cameras are listed here: https://trueconf.com/support/system-requirements.html#smarttv

If you are ok with on-premises solutions, there's TrueConf, it's self-hosted and secure, the paid version works offline. There's also free version for up to 12 users: https://trueconf.com/products/tcsf/trueconf-server-free.html

Perhaps, you might try a self-hosted webinar platform to get more security control over your data. Something like TrueConf Server might be an option; this on-prem software supports YouTube streaming and enables attendees to join from browsers (no need to create an account and sign in). Besides, there are APIs and SDKs if you need to embed webinars into a website or existing app.

TrueConf supports Full HD recording at 30 fps (but this solution is self-hosted).

There is a free version for up to 12 users: https://trueconf.com/products/tcsf/trueconf-server-free.html

In TrueConf, there's a video lecture mode where the host can see and hear all participants, while each of them can see and hear only the host: https://trueconf.com/features/modes/virtual-training.html

Logitech Rally or Logitech BRIO. Both of them are 4K cameras, the latter being less expensive. But without proper software, 4K camera won't be enough for 4K video conferencing. As far as I know, TrueConf is capable of UltraHD meetings, here's their guide: https://trueconf.com/blog/knowledge-base/simple-guide-to-4k-video-conferencing.html

TrueConf provides real-time layout control, which allows arranging video windows in a certain order and locking the layout for all participants.

https://trueconf.com/blog/news/remote-layout-and-meeting-management.html

TrueConf allows multiple users to share their screens at the same time if you don't mind using self-hosted solution. There's a free version for 12 users so you can try multiple screen broadcasting.

If you are using Mavericks, you’ll need TrueConf 7.1.3 for mac OS which will be compatible with the later versions of TrueConf client applications. With this app you will be able to make video calls or participate in conferences, but some of new features will be unavailable. Currently, this version cannot be downloaded from App Store or from the TrueConf website; however, you can submit a ticket to the TrueConf support team and they will generate a downlink link for you:

https://trueconf.com/support/technical-support/add?id=2

In case you work for a U.S.-based university, I’d suggest TrueConf Server University. It’s a free self-hosted solution supporting video calls and conferences with up to 800 participants. They support screen sharing, webinars, conference recording, chat, telephony integration and other features.

If you are not from the United States, TrueConf provides special academic licenses and discounts to educational organizations worldwide + they have a free version for 12 users: https://trueconf.com/pricing/special-licenses.html

A possible way to fix this issue is to connect your Logitech camera to the TV, restart the TV, and then run TrueConf for Android. If this does not work, you may test the camera using a different video call application for Android. If there is still no video, It might be possible that Logitech c930e is not compatible with Sony XG9505. At any rate, you may submit a ticket to TrueConf support center to get more professional help: https://trueconf.com/support.html

TrueConf might be a good option. It’s a self-hosted solution allowing users to integrate video conferencing into their website. Your students will be able to make video calls or connect to conferences from their browsers without downloading apps or doing sign-ups. They only need to have a URL to the conference webpage.

I’d go with TrueConf, they claim to provide high audio and video quality even at low bandwidth. Btw, TrueConf is also capable of 4K video conferencing provided you have proper setup and network connection at least 8 Mb/s. The recommended setup will cost about $2,000 per one meeting room, if you already have 4K camera, 4K screen or speakerphone, it will cost less. To put that into perspective, Lifesize’s endpoint will cost about $7500 (with annual subscription the price will rise up to $8500).

Depends on your goals and equipment. At our office we are currently using TrueConf Server, is a software server free for up to 12 users. If I remember right, full version offers up to 250 users.

Thanks! Just checked TrueConf website and I actually may give it a try. Also I've found a good article about 4K meeting room setup, maybe you'll find it useful: https://trueconf.com/blog/reviews-comparisons/simple-guide-to-4k-video-conferencing.html

Video conferencing & collaboration solution will cut your travel expenses, this is for sure. I’ve seen a lot of real case studies that prove this point, you may take a look at this one - Bhutan Government connected remote districts using video conferencing and reduced business trip expenses: https://trueconf.com/blog/press-release/bhutan-commissions-trueconf-system-200-administrative-districts.html

However, I don’t think a hardware solution is a key here. You need to invest in video conferencing devices in huddle rooms or meeting rooms, where there's a need to capture a lot of people and provide high quality video. However, for remote workplaces it would be extremely costly to supply your device to every user you are to be in contact with. A software product supporting all popular platforms, on the other hand, would perfectly match the purpose, especially in places where people can bring their own devices to their workplace. In this case, they will be able to connect from any laptop or mobile device, and the only thing you need to invest to is your software.

I had this one and it didn't work for me, as it resets to default zoom setting (wide FOV) every time the cam is re-initialized. So I would start Zoom, it would find the cam, I would switch it to the narrower FOV, but once the conference starts it re-sets back to the wide angle. So I would have to change FOV to narrow again. The same if I turn the cam off during the conference and turn it back on again. Plus privacy screen is really difficult to move.

I ended up getting this little thing

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WXF8GHL/

which has 65% FOV by default. Works fine so far, mic is ok too, and privacy screen is easy to open/close. The built-in light is actually a bit irritating as it turns on if you barely touch the cam on the side and I don't like the light shining right into my eyes but I guess you can't have everything :)

Faced with the same issue over the past year+ (no need for the wide-angle view showing half of the room...), I purchased the NexiGo N650 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GZVJ83P). It's a huge improvement -- a narrower field of view to begin with and then, with the digital zoom feature, the effective FOV can even be further narrowed. To top things off, it's relatively reasonably priced.

You could try eMeet Jupiter. It has 96° view angle and adjusts the screen size according to the position of the participants in multi-person meetings. It also has 4 built-in microphones and 1 speaker, which will be probably enough for your setup. It costs around $ 200: https://www.amazon.com/Conference-Tracking-eMeet-Jupiter-Adjustable/dp/B08T1YWW48

So this little thing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GZVJ83P

appears to have 3 digital zoom settings (and it's a button on the camera so companion software is optional). Am I correct to assume that the digital zoom is equivalent to changing Field of View angle (aside from decrease in quality since it's digital zoom)?

The webcam states 90 degree FOV so not sure how to read this.

I mean best practice here would be for only one of you to join the audio portion on the conference. Get a decent USB echo cancelling mic that can sit between you. These are nice: Jabra Speak 510 MS Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for Softphone and Mobile Phone – Easy Setup, Portable Speaker for Holding Meetings Anywhere with Outstanding Sound Quality https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X15NDTV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CnmxFbDQFXCYR

It’s not perfect because only the person connected to audio will have their video feed highlighted when they are speaking but it can work.