Zoom Rooms have changed the way that we communicate, collaborate, learn, and educate. In the recent past, businesses have been forced to utilize expensive, cumbersome, proprietary, video conferencing hardware systems to conduct very limited point to point means between offices. These systems were so limited in nature that it was an impossibility to even connect with remote participants who had not invested in identical hardware solutions on their premises. Companies like Cisco, Polycom, and Lifesize, who for years dominated the marketplace, are now faced with a new challenger. This rival contender has surpassed what was once believed to be impossible and is now dominating headlines. That challenger is Zoom Communications.
Who Are Zoom?
Zoom has rapidly become one of the most talked about companies in communication solutions. The hype is real! They are single-handedly changing the way businesses, educational facilities, and corporate offices connect globally. Zoom is making what was once an impossibility into what is now a reality. Above all, they are constantly challenging the status quo of modern video communication and continuing to expand their capabilities.
Zoom integrates cloud video conferencing, online meetings, and group messaging into one easy-to-use platform. Having unified compatibility between Android, iOS, PC and Mac devices makes the user experience seamless and accessible for all those around the world. Additionally, there is an app for Smartphones and Tablets for those that want to conference remotely or on the go.
There are an innumerable amount of features and benefits such as: 323/SIP connector, a developers platform, audio-video meetings, instant messaging, and not to mention the ability to host comprehensive and feature-rich webinars. However, it is the Zoom Rooms that may be most appealing. These are virtual conference rooms that replaces the legacy style of older conferencing systems, at a much lower cost of ownership. Remote participants, one–touch meeting start features, and designated secure room link with end to end encryption are all part of it’s easy to use features.
As more and more companies diversify with offices internationally, staff working remotely and clients near and far, any and all businesses benefit from efficient collaboration and streamline communication.
What is a Zoom Room?
So, you’re probably wondering what exactly makes a room a Zoom Room? I know, it’s a bit of a tongue twister. Zoom Rooms are a software-based room “system” that integrates audio and video conferencing with iPad control, effectively eliminating expensive conference room hardware and separate control platforms for maximum efficiency. To set up a Zoom room you will need the following: a Windows or Mac computer that can run the Zoom Room software, and a tablet that can run the Zoom Room app. A display (TV or Projector), camera, microphone, and speakers are necessary to complete the environment for video conferencing via Zoom Rooms. These hardware components are typically plug-and-play (via USB). And, it will also work with other software conferencing platforms, should that ever be required.
Zoom is now a solid leader in the market due to their user-friendly software. A basic Zoom account is free, however, a Zoom Room does require a license. The license includes all of the prime features and settings for the most beneficial and opportune solution. Prior to obtaining a license, conducting a Zoom Room test is essential. Tests are encouraged by Zoom as it enables the potential users to experience the software first hand while allowing time to determine if it is an ideal fit for their video conferencing environment. Potential Zoom Rooms can be rearranged and redesigned for the testing, which can be fun!
Get A Free Zoom Trial
A 30-day free trial is available, which is tremendously advantageous in getting acclimated to the software and platform prior to committing. Click here to start your free 30-day trial. Heads Up! Once the room has been set up, we would advise prior to starting the free trial to run a test first.
The Benefits of a Zoom Room
Having a Zoom Room comes with major benefits, and thus why more and more corporate offices are investing in licenses and equipment for high–quality video and audio. Over the past 20 years video conferencing has been present in offices. Furthermore, with the development of technology, it has allowed video conferencing to progress and become a staple. Having a Zoom Room can save a company not only time, but money and energy too.
Time
The most important advantage to a Zoom Room is the amount of money it can save. It deducts the cost of all travel expenses from airline fares, accommodation, meals and paid time spent traveling. These expenses take a huge chunk out of a businesses budget. Just do the math, or let the Havard Business Review do that for you with their ‘Cost of a meeting calculator’. With a Zoom Room set-up, it deducts all these costs allowing the savings generated to go towards something else within the business, like putting it towards the Christmas Party, right?
Money
Time is an important factor in businesses today. Saving time means saving money. Video conferencing consumes only the required amount of time for the meeting itself. It eliminates the time taken to set up a meeting room and off-topic chat before the meeting. Firstly, think about how a face to face meeting would usually go. The planning before a meeting can take time; which room, which office, an outside office location? When a location is decided, the travel time to and from the meeting should be taken into account. Consequently, according to Zoom, 70% of people who use video conferencing save almost 50 minutes a week!
Energy
Lastly, saving physical energy is another perk to using video conferencing. Some meeting can take energy and effort to attend physically. For some people this can be a challenge. Meetings can sometimes be international affairs, and not only does this take time and money but also physical energy. Dealing with different time zones is very demanding. The only physical energy required when having a Zoom Room conference is getting comfy and clicking to start the meeting.
Zoom Room Features
As mentioned previously, Zoom has a wide range of unique and high-quality features that make it stand out from its competitors. For example; H.323/SIP connector, a developer’s platform, audio-video meetings, instant messaging, and the ability to host webinars.
H.323/SIP Connector
For the IT managers and technicians reading, seeing that Zoom software has the H.323/SIP video conferencing codecs integration provides a sigh of relief. The H.323 or SIP device can make a video call to a Room Connector to join a Zoom cloud meeting. This allows environments with an existing investment in Cisco, Polycom, and Lifesize hardware to integrate easily into the Zoom platform. There are two different options for the H.323/SIP Room Connector. Zoom host the Cloud Room Connector, or the Virtual Room Connector on premise. Both are available as an add-on option. For more Room Connectors click here.
Zoom Developer Platform
Zoom now has the Zoom Developer Platform which was introduced back in early 2017. It is Zoom’s collaboration platform which is simple and easy to use and can deliver faultless video in difficult environments. Therefore, this allows Zoom to be used outside the office environment and can be integrated into new situations and locations. Most importantly, it works across all platform. For exmaple, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and MobileRTC platforms.
Instant Messaging & Webinars
Audio-Video meetings and instant messaging go together hand in hand. However, some pieces of video conferencing software don’t have those features. Zoom Chat is simple to use and increases team communication. It a virtual workspace where channels allow the creation of group projects and more. It’s a great feeling to be able. Lastly, Zoom gives the ability to host online webinars through their is. Webinars can include 100 interactive video participants and 10,000+ attendees! Zoom can also integrate CRM systems, this allows businesses to integrate a Zoom Room with much more ease.
Zoom Room Equipment
A Zoom Room does not require extortionate hardware. A display, speakers, microphones are the key components. Using Zoom Rooms for huddles and conference calls requires having a large display if there are going to be between 2-7 people on average using. Finding the perfect hardware can be difficult. Here are our recommendations on the best hardware which integrate smoothly with Zoom.
Logitech MeetUp
The Logitech MeetUp is the all-in-one conference cam which has an extra-wide field of view. It features integrated audio which makes a perfect fit for a huddle room or small conference room. Group huddles no longer require everyone to bring their own laptops. The all-in-one conference cam eliminates this element, which can create give the sense of more space in the room. The best part about the MeetUp is the 4K ultra high def sensor which gives the lens a sharper clarity and allows presenters to be in full focus. The extra wide field of view is perfect for huddle rooms and smaller collaborative meeting spaces. All members can be seen and heard with the anti-vibration enclosure. MeetUp is a plug and play USB connection to conference room computers, which means once it is connected it can be easily accessed.
Logitech Rally Systems
Another Logitech product on the list is the Logitech Rally. This modern ultra-HD conference camera system comes with automatic camera control. The Rally provides studio-quality video which elevates light balance, which can highlight faces and skin tones, even in poor lighting conditions. The audio is crystal clear. The system amplifies voice clarity by suppressing background sounds and focuses on active speakers. Meetings are crystal clear due to the mics being so sensitive. This ensures that everyone in the meeting can be clearly heard and understood. RightSense technology is a software feature by Logitech. RightSense technology makes video conferencing easy. Meetings become more natural and efficent.
Creston Mercury
Did you know, the Crestron Mercury can feature in a Zoom Room?! That’s right. Crestron even has a package which comes with a Huddly Go camera, wireless keyboard, and the Zoom Room software preinstalled on the Crestron Mercury tablet. A conference system which delivers a complete collaboration.
The Crestron Mercury is a 7-inch colour touchscreen tablet. The simple design and user-friendly software make collaboration between software and hardware smooth and simple. In addition, the Crestron Mercury uses Ethernet and USB connections to ensure that a reliable connection is consistent. This means that no glitches or annoying interruptions can derail a video conference taking place. Therefore, the quality of the hardware makes this video conferencing solution a smooth transition which allows it to work so well with a Zoom.
Huddy IQ
The future is here with the Huddy IQ, which is an AI-powered conference camera. The ultra-wide lenses the camera to get a full view of the conference room with a 150-degree lens. It is ideal for bigger rooms with larger audiences (10 or more). Huddy IQ is a plug and play device which connects via USB and works with a Zoom Room set up. In order to set up and use the camera, drivers or installation software are not necessary. This explains why it has been such a hit with video conference rooms all over the world.
The AI aspect of the camera can detect how many people are in the room in real time. It gives the organization insights into how their video conferencing room is working to their advantage. This feature is a bonus and can help monitor the usage of the room, the status if the room is free and the people count on each call. Organizations have found this feature beneficial.
Conclusion – Do Zoom Rooms Work?
To sum up, ‘Can Zoom Rooms help a business?’ In short, Absolutely.
Zoom Rooms save time, money and energy. They provide a smooth, more enjoyable meeting experience. With only a few clicks or touches of a tablet. This creates a strong, reliable form of contact. This is what Hollywood movies envisioned for us back in the 80s! It is beginning to become the standard in more offices around the world. Don’t fall behind the technology game and make sure your business is always in the loop! Check out our other blog on The Modern Meeting Room and why less is more.
What are your opinions on Zoom Rooms? Do you love them? Comment below.
For all your corporate, hospitality, commercial and educational audio needs, contact the team at Limitless AV Inc. Make sure to follow us on Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter!
