Wired vs Wireless: Four Reasons Why it’s Time to Ditch the Cables

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]AV solutions are evolving in many directions. One of those directions is developing away from wired systems and leveraging wireless options instead. This approach took off during the 2020 pandemic, as businesses were in need of touchless conferencing and collaboration technology. In the process, professionals found that they enjoyed the added flexibility and convenience wireless AV technology provides.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What is a Wireless Presentation Solution?

There are numerous wireless presentation solutions on the market. A few of the most popular include the Barco Clickshare, Mersive Solstice and Crestron AirMedia. All wireless presentation solutions are characterized by simple wireless connectivity. The user follows some on-screen prompts provided by the room's display, enters a temporary passcode, and then has access to the room's technology, including conferencing hardware, lighting and audio. Wireless solutions can be integrated into your existing AV technology without compatibility issues. They only need to be added as an input for the system's switcher. Many organizations find that this approach is the best approach for running their meetings. Here, we've included four of the top reasons why your organization might agree.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wireless Solutions are Compatible with all Presentation Devices

Users can establish this wireless connection to any device they want, including their own laptop, tablet or smartphone. Not every organization has a BYOD setup in place, but for those that do, wireless presentation solutions offer a ton of value. That's because going wireless means anyone can walk into the conference room and utilize its technologies with zero prior knowledge. All a presenter needs is their own device and a few minutes to connect it to the room. Once connected, the presenter can share content from their own device and use it as a starting point for collaboration. Leading wireless solutions are device-agnostic, so they work with all types of devices and all device brands. Again, an advantage if the presenter doesn't know everything about the room beforehand. One of the primary advantages of going wireless is added flexibility. This flexibility is especially helpful for hybrid teams, as remote members of the team may have to occasionally come to the office to run a meeting. With a wireless solution in place, those employees won't have to worry about having the right video cable or inputs for their device.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wireless Solutions Speed Up and Simplify Meetings

Because there's no need to mess with wires, wireless connectivity can be established faster and more reliably. Even better, going wireless means the meeting's presenter can access the room's controls through a single portal. There's no need to establish multiple connections to multiple devices, which speeds things up further. With speed and simplicity prioritized, meetings begin on time reliably (with fewer calls to IT needed). This could mean several minutes per meeting, and if your organization relies on regular collaboration among departments, that could mean saving a significant amount of time and money.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wireless Solutions Also Power More Engaging Meetings

Meeting engagement depends, in part, on how quickly and frustration-free the meeting begins. Delays will have the other participants staring down the clock and thinking about what they'll have to move around if the meeting doesn't get going soon. Wireless solutions continue driving engagement, though, even after the meeting has begun. Because users can connect and control from their own devices, they're never interfacing with technology they're uncomfortable with. This allows the meeting's presenter to effortlessly manage the meeting and share content as needed, without having to stop everything and figure out what to do next. The meeting flows smoothly and people stay focused as a result.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wireless Solutions Keep Conference Rooms Neat and Tidy

Meetings take place in rooms of all sizes and configurations. Some of those rooms, like huddle rooms and focus rooms, are quite small and can feel smaller still with cables running through them. Cables can cause frustrating, unprofessional-looking clutter in small meeting spaces. They can also cause trips, drops, and other meeting-halting accidents. During a meeting, what if someone trips over a wire and accidentally yanks an HDMI out of the presenter's computer? What if that meeting involves an important client who suddenly can't see any content the user is sharing, because their device is no longer connected, but can see a bunch of people fumbling for the cable to plug it back in? That’s not a good look for any organization. There are ways to organize and cleanly run cables through a meeting room, including furniture that can contain the cables and connection ports. These methods work, but they can be expensive. Many companies find that it's more cost effective to avoid wires in the first place.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A Certified AV Integrator Can Help Any Organization Cut the Cables

As AV solutions continue to improve and deliver a better user experience, wireless AV technology will become a larger priority. With enhanced convenience and meeting effectiveness, it's easy to see why. It's also easy to get started with a wireless presentation solution, if you have a certified AV integrator handling the design, installation, and setup. In most cases, an integrator can seamlessly work wireless solutions into an existing AV solution and existing wireless network. And with an integrator, you'll be able to identify the best wireless solutions to keep your organization collaborating effectively.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]