Video Conferencing Equipment Options
Definition
Video Conferencing Equipment includes hardware needed to conduct a conference, webinar or distance learning class, such as webcams, microphones, speakers and displays (from phone or laptop screen, to TV or projection screen). The hardware requires a computer, network connection and conferencing software, such as Zoom, Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, etc.
Examples
| Ideal Function | Examples of Video Conferencing Equipment | Where can I use this? | Approximate Cost | Images |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal meeting or recording; Huddle space; Conference room | Logitech USB Webcam; can be used with any laptop or desktop PC; includes built-in microphone. Models include c920, c903e and Brio. | Installed in various conference rooms and small classrooms (BAC, BHSN, OHSN, RWC). Also available for temporary checkout through Media Services in the Jackson Library. | $80-$200 |  |
| Classroom meeting, recording, or distance learning when the focus is on the instructor (lecture, demo, whiteboard) | HoverCam Solo 8+ is equally useful for showing documents and 3D objects onto a TV or projection screen, and for showing and capturing participants in a meeting or class. Beacuse of its small footprint and ease of aiming at the desired subject matter or speaker, and because conferencing software detects it as a webcam, it is the easiest and most flexible solution available. | Installed in IWU Marion classrooms, connected to the desktop PC. In some installations, the USB 3.0 cable can be unplugged from the front panel of the desktop computer and plugged into a user's laptop. A microphone is built-in. Also available for temporary checkout through Media Services in the Jackson Library. | $310-380 |  |
| Conference room; small classroom; meeting, recording, and distance learning with interactivity and discussion | Jabra Panacast 180-degree Auto-tracking webcam. The internal microphone is sufficient for people speaking within about 10'. When used at distances greater than 10', pair with any microphone, such as the Jabra Speak 710. Connects via USB. Speak 710 can connect by either USB or Blutooth. | Jackson Library Study Room 5-B |
$550 Panacast; $150 Speak; $700 Total |
 |
| Small classroom; meeting, recording, and distance learning; digital white-boarding, annotating |
VC cart 2.0 (2019), Newline X-series and Z-series interactive flat panel (IFP). A 55" or 65" touch-enabled display on a mobile TV cart, with built-in PC, WiFi, casting, webcam, microphone, speakers and touch-screen. Some mobile carts are height-adjustable. |
Elder Hall 232 and 351 NCMC 1118, 134; GMN 106
|
$6,000-$9,000 |  |
| Small classroom; meeting, recording, and distance learning; digital white-boarding, annotating |
VC cart 2.1 (2023), Newline Q-series interactive flat panel (IFP). A 65" touch-enabled display on a mobile TV cart, with a desktop PC attached to the back of the mount, USB webcam, HDMI, USB, and USB-C connections for laptop or tablet. |
GREC, CLEC, MVEC | $5000-$6000 |  |
| Conference room, small collaborative classroom; meeting, recording, and distance learning with interactivity and discussion | Meeting Owl. An all in one audio and video solution, in the appearance of an owl. Place it on the table in a location where all of the people in the room will be facing, and the 360 degree camera will pick up whomever is speaking. It has an 8-microphone array, built-in speakers, and the camera automatically tracks where the voice is coming from, providing a side-by-side view of the current and previous speakers, as well as a panoramic strip of the entire room. It connects to a desktop PC or a laptop via USB cable. It includes a power cable and a USB A to USB mini cable. |
At least 1 at each regional education center; JWAB meeting rooms 20 available for temporary checkout through Media Services in the Jackson Library. Several departments have their own Meeting Owls. |
$1,050 |  |
| Ideal conference solution for meetings and collaboration when Teams is the standard platform | Teams Room. A meeting space with a shared Teams license. Components include a TV, computer, webcam, sound system and touchscreen controller, like a Microsoft Surface. No cables on the table. Wirelessly mirror the content displayed on your Windows laptop or Android phone to the TV. Requires monthly or annual license. |
NGM 130, 300 BHSN 116 OHSN 571 IEC 103, 202 FWEC 302 |
contact support center for estimate |  |
Considerations
There is no One-Size-Fits-All in video conferencing!
Many of these options are available for purchase or short-term demo from Classroom Technology Services.
Call extension x2209, or email for the best solution for your intended application and/or environment.