Conference PC Setup - Samsung TV + Hangouts
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Scenario: Client does a lot of conference calls. Typically uses Google Hangouts (90% of time) and Skype (10%).
They've just created a lovely conference room and purchased a huge Samsung Smart TV...They now decided they want to use that TV for video conferencing...The Samsung TV doesn't work with Google Hangouts (no app or compatible) so is problem for them but can use it for Skype.
I have suggested they connect a laptop (MAC's) into the TV via HDMI and mirror the screen or use Chromecast - which they have done and works, however the webcam and mic is on the laptop so they still have to crowd around the laptop to be in webcam shot.
The Samsung TV's does have webcam but will only work with Skype so not good for them.
Therefore the next solution is to get a dedicated conference computer which can sit behind the TV permanently connected (with a USB webcam to sit on top of TV) and then get some speakers and a wireless microphone to sit on the desk.... Does anyone have any recommendations for audio solutions or conference PC's (windows is fine) we can use for this scenario?
Thanks
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What about a Chromebox? I've dealt with a lot of larger firms that had exactly this scenario (with better planning) and Chromeboxes handled this well.
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I havent played with Chromebox...will look now...Can that also run Skype and allow for USB webcams?
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@Joel said:
I havent played with Chromebox...will look now...Can that also run Skype and allow for USB webcams?
I've NOT tried it with Skype, but I think so. Chromebox is just a desktop Chromebook. Exactly the same just desktop not laptop. So if you have ever tried a Chromebook, that would be the same experience.
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Skype not supported it seems: https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/3217430?hl=en-GB
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That sucks. You'll need something more powerful then. I know that a Linux Mint desktop will do it.
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An Intel Stick with Window 10 free could do this for you - though you'd have to test it to see if there would be enough processing power to make you happy.
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Skype doesn't work on chromeOS
makes it worthless to a lot of companies. -
@Dashrender said:
An Intel Stick with Window 10 free could do this for you - though you'd have to test it to see if there would be enough processing power to make you happy.
Havent heard good things on these Intel sticks! Would rather get the Chromebox...Skype works on the TV so perhaps I can suggest using TV for Skype and Chrombox for hangouts and bluejeans
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@Joel said:
@Dashrender said:
An Intel Stick with Window 10 free could do this for you - though you'd have to test it to see if there would be enough processing power to make you happy.
Havent heard good things on these Intel sticks! Would rather get the Chromebox...Skype works on the TV so perhaps I can suggest using TV for Skype and Chrombox for hangouts and bluejeans
There are tons of mini PC options, not much larger than a deck of cards that do have good reviews.
Since the Chromebox won't work for both options, a full desktop device (like the mini/micro PCs) are probably where you'll have look.Seems like a lot of work to have them change the process depending on which they are using. If you just live in the PC world on that machine - life is much easier.
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Yup was looking at this option. I think the HP ProDesk 400 G1 Mini Desktop will do the trick.
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An Android box would work also. I got a cheap one about 3 years ago. It's still around here somewhere. I used to use it before I got the Chromecast. I got it and an air mouse for the tv and it worked pretty well. Here's a picture of the air mouse and the Android box. It's not the exact Android device, but it's similar.
http://www.kewltv.net/index_artwork/mk808/2-4g-wireless-handheld-air-mouse-and-qwerty-keyboard_htjmof1351673590141.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/g7QAAOxyBvZTVh0I/$_35.JPG
