Modern boardrooms, meeting rooms, and even individual offices now require audio visual (AV) systems to help them with their day-to-day jobs. A lack of a properly installed system could mean less than optimal performance for your organization. 

From organizational collaboration to team meetings, to sales presentations, organizations require the use of audio visual technology to perform at their best. 

In order to get the most out of your AV systems, you must understand what’s available along with how to get the best experience.

Components of an Office Audio Visual System

AV systems can have many different components that allow organizations to get the most out of their systems. You need more than a video screen and an office wifi connection to make it work well. When installing or updating your systems, there are several things to think about.

Displays/Screens

The main “visual” aspect of your AV system is going to be the display or screens you choose to utilize. There are several options to think about when designing this portion of an office AV system. 

There’s the number of screens. Many conference rooms have multiple screens to display different information with ease. For example, you may have your remote workers displayed on one screen with the presentation on a second screen. Of course one display is also an option. The information can be flipped back and forth or using picture in picture technology display all the information at once while highlighting what’s most important. 

Positioning can also play an important role in your AV experience. Larger rooms have more options as to where to position various displays. Some choose to have screens on the sides of the room in addition to at the back of the room. The height of the screen will also affect how users experience the display.

Lastly, the size and quality of each display is another important factor. If you’re displaying information and data you will want every person in the room to see things clearly. A screen that is too large, too small, or low quality can cause distractions and take away from the presentation. 

There are many options to choose from when choosing a display. Projectors and large projector screens are great for large rooms, smaller mounted displays are also a very common option, even the use of interactive whiteboards is a great idea for collaborative work environments. There’s really no one right answer when it comes to installing displays, just make sure that the choice provides a quality experience. 

Audio

The need for clear audio has become even more important as conferencing has become a norm in communication. Good communication is a two-way street. You not only need to hear the other party well, but they need to hear you as well. This happens with the right microphones and speakers. 

When it comes to microphones there are a couple of different options. Most commonly seen are the tabletop microphones. These can be either boundary mics and speakerphone mics which sit at the center of the table for multiple users to utilize at once or gooseneck mics that are positioned in front of each individual chair. There are also ceiling microphones that cover a large area and eliminate clutter from conference room tables. 

Like with microphones, organizations can choose to have tabletop or ceiling speakers, but there’s also the option of a soundbar. The size of the room is going to have one of the biggest impacts on this decision. For example, a soundbar is a good option for a smaller room but may be hard for everyone to hear in a larger room.

When installing an AV system it’s important not to just go for volume but the quality of the audio. 

Video Conferencing

In-person meetings are still held in conference rooms, but video conferencing has become a necessity for these rooms. No matter if it’s a potential client, the board of directors or a remote team, you want your conference calls to be flawless. In order to have seamless meetings, you need to ensure your cameras, conferencing software and connectivity are adequate. 

The camera chosen will largely depend on the size of the room and the distance between it and where individuals will be seated. The camera will need to have the viewing capabilities to see all at the table so that the video conference doesn’t become an awkward exchange of who’s talking. 

Oftentimes, an organization will already have video conferencing software that they’re using or want to use. The most important part of this is just ensuring that your equipment functions well with the technology you will want to use. Your AV system installer will be able to help with this. 

Perhaps the most important part of your conference room’s video conferencing setup is connectivity. No matter what cameras are used or what technology is installed, if the internet doesn’t work well you won’t have a very good conference call. You may be required to upgrade your Wifi or boost the signal to ensure a strong connection.

Controls

The last component that ties your AV systems together is the ability to control it all. A control panel (or multiple panels) can be installed to control nearly every aspect of a boardroom. 

Depending on the panel, it can be used to control a number of different aspects of the room. The lights, the sound, what’s being displayed and where, where the camera is pointing, the projector screen, the electronic shades, etc.

From simple to complex, organizations have the option to install control panels that help them shape their AV experience. 

AV System Considerations 

As you get ready to install an audio visual system in your office or boardroom, there are various things to consider to help ensure the best possible experience.

Functionality

The best technological features mean nothing if it doesn’t offer the right functions. When it comes to installing an AV system, it should meet your organization’s functional requirements. 

Ease of use

It’s not enough to simply have the right functional tools, it’s also important that the systems are easy enough to use for all of your team members. If your systems aren’t user-friendly, it can cause frustration, lost productivity, and may cause your team to look unprofessional if they fumble with technology during client meetings.

Design and Structured Cabling

There’s more to an audiovisual setup than mounting a screen and installing a soundbar. The functionality, ease of use, and overall experience come down to the design of the system. AV design takes into consideration all the components (microphones, speakers, displays, etc.) and determines the best way to install the system so that it’s a well-rounded experience for everyone every time. 

With the design also comes the need for structured cabling. Structured cabling provides organization for the many cables used in AV equipment and ensures the end result is clean and professional. It can also lend to higher performance of the equipment used. 

Choosing the right company

When it comes to office audio visual system installations, you want the job done right the first time. Anything done in the tech world that’s not done right will require additional time, energy, and money in the long run. If the first company you hired did not do a good job, the next company may have to redo a lot of the work done from the first company.

It’s so important to find an AV company that is experienced, professional and has great customer service. 

Remember you’re not just dealing with technology as a one-time setup.  As technology needs to be added or if things potentially break in the future, you will want to have someone you trust. At Systcom, we’ve been helping businesses with their telecommunications, IT and cabling needs for over 50 years. Over time we’ve changed to adapt to changes in technology but one thing that hasn’t changed is our ability to meet challenges and exceed customer expectations. If you’re looking for a new or updated AV system in the mid-Atlantic area for your office(s) then give us a call. 

CCTV camera systems are a great way for businesses large and small to protect their business. They help prevent and decrease loss associated with theft, vandalism or other damages such as a fire.  

This type of surveillance system has been a go-to choice for business security for many years because of their versatility and reliability. In fact, it’s a large part of the integrated security systems we help businesses create.  

While simple in concept, there is a lot that goes into choosing and installing the right CCTV camera systems. If you’re a business looking for more information on CCTV camera systems you’ve come to the right place. We will help you understand not just CCTV cameras but business security better. 

If you are in the mid-Atlantic region and ready to protect your business now, give us a call for a free consultation. We can speak with you and help you find the best security camera systems for your business. 

Why CCTV Cameras are the go-to choice for Businesses

CCTV camera systems are a classic form of surveillance equipment that have been around for years and for good reason. They are reliable, have a number of applications and have many advantages over other surveillance systems.

Here are some of the reasons businesses choose CCTV cameras

• It offers 24/7 surveillance.
• The video can be viewed in real time and also recorded. 
• There are modern remote surveillance capabilities such as monitoring via a smartphone
• It runs without the use of an internet connection. (This is important as that can be a vulnerability.)
• There are many types which allow for flexibility in designing an integrated security system.

By simply having a functional CCTV camera system businesses can potentially minimize losses and deter crime before it’s even attempted. 

Just the presence of surveillance makes criminals think twice. It is a deterrent to crime but can also offer evidence to help identify and find any guilty parties. Cameras can even help protect a business from damages not associated with crime. If actively monitoring, a camera can catch potential problems before they become issues such as a leaky pipe, help customers who may be in harm’s way or provide evidence against false claims and staged accidents on the premises. 

As you can tell, CCTV systems offer many benefits to businesses of all shapes and sizes. However, to get the most out of your surveillance system, it has to be properly installed. 

Installation of CCTV Camera Systems

Proper installation of your camera systems is critical. It can affect your camera’s video quality, the overall protection of your business and functionality down the line. The last thing you want to discover after an incident is that your surveillance system didn’t get a proper recording at the most crucial time.

There are two things to consider when it comes to installation: Having the right equipment and the proper setup itself.

Choosing the right CCTV equipment

There are different types of CCTV cameras which each have their own place but also have different applications. This is why it’s important to ensure you have the right setup.

Here are things to consider:

• The type of camera
• Video Quality
• Storage
• Price
• Ability to integrate with current security systems

At the end of the day, you want a video surveillance system that functions the way you expect and is user-friendly enough for you to utilize it to the fullest extent.

Proper installation of the CCTV systems

How the cameras are installed is just as important as choosing the right cameras. This often comes down to who is the one installing the equipment. 

Many small businesses attempt to set up CCTV cameras on their own. This option can save businesses a lot of money but can hurt them in the long run if things are not properly installed. 

Here are things to consider when installing CCTV cameras:

• Security design (i.e. placement and positioning of the cameras)
• Infrastructure (the physical layer that allows technological systems to function efficiently)
• Data Integration (where is the recording data going?)
• Integration with current security systems

Opting to set up your own CCTV camera systems is not an option we recommend. To ensure proper installation and to ensure the best experience, we recommend hiring a skilled security system installation company. 

They will provide a better installation, have knowledge of video quality, infrastructure, data integration, offer assistance where needed and will test to ensure proper installation of all cameras. 

If you are going to invest in the safety of your establishment, make sure it is installed the best way possible.

Other Business Security Considerations

We’ve discussed the merits of surveillance cameras and most organizations agree that having a surveillance system is important. This is a great step in protecting your business, employees and patrons but there are limitations to surveillance only security. 

Think beyond surveillance cameras in how you can protect your organization.  An integrated security system offers surveillance and prevention. Security cameras in and off themselves are a great deterrent, but what if a criminal is able to bypass the cameras or doesn’t care if they are seen? 

To further protect your business it’s important to focus on other areas of your security. 

• Fire alarm and other types of alarm systems
• Intrusion detection
• Access control
• Employee security awareness

At Systcom, we believe in a well rounded security approach. We offer CCTV cameras but we also help businesses design integrated security systems to provide cohesive and improved protection for businesses. 

If you want to protect your organization, CCTV cameras are a good start, but consider an integrated system for maximum protection. 

Many businesses opt for surveillance and alarm systems but miss out on protecting their business at the point of entry. A commercial access control system restricts unwanted access to areas providing businesses with more security at points of access. While a surveillance system or alarm provides an important level of security, it is most effective after entry has already been made.

For an ideal integrated security system, access controls play an important role. It is not only a barrier to entry but the site of them can even be a deterrent for break-in attempts. They are great for use in gated entries, entryways, and areas that require increased security or compliance measures.

If you are looking to improve your security at points of entry, installing an access control system may be right for you. Continue reading to find out more about the process, or, feel free to contact us and speak with an experienced security technician. 

Types of Access Control Systems

When it comes to access control, organizations have options for how their systems are designed. Some will choose to have a simple system where anyone with the password/code can enter, while others will have more complex systems which will allow some individuals to access areas while limiting their access in other places.

Here are the common access control systems to consider:

Keypad Panels

A keypad will only require a PIN code for entry. No access car or credentials are required. This means anyone who obtains the code will be able to enter.

Swipe Card Access Control

Traditionally, these types of systems utilized magnetic stripe technology with the use of swipe cards to gain access. This provides a little more security than the keypads because an organization can control which cards can access which rooms (think hotel rooms). With the help of modern technology many organizations are now switching to smart card or proximity readers which has a very similar function but instead of swiping one can simply hold the card up to the panel.

Biometric Scanners

Biometric access control systems utilize biological data to allow access. This can come in the form of fingerprints, iris scans, facial recognition or other biometric identifiers. Once the biological data is stored, it can be used to provide access based on the permissions granted. 

Bluetooth Control Readers

A newer form of access control utilizes Bluetooth technology within smartphones. Now, instead of issuing keycards, fobs, or a universal pin, individuals can use their smart devices for access. These types of systems utilize proximity readers and special apps to allow access.

Remote Gate Access Control 

Unlike other forms of access control, remote access control requires another individual to allow access. This is most commonly used via an intercom system. Think about electronic gates or facilities that require you to be “buzzed” in. These are simple as they only require the press of a button. What makes them secure is that the button is inaccessible to the individual who wants access. 

With several different options in access control technology, organizations are able to implement a system that is just right to fit their needs. 

Choosing the Right Access Control System

Having choices to choose from is of great importance, but it can get a little overwhelming for organizations or individuals who aren’t security experts. Everyone wants to be be as secure as possible, but one also has to be practical with their access control systems. 

When looking for the right system, there are 3 factors to consider. 

Practicality

How your organization will utilize the system is one of the biggest factors in determining which technologies to utilize. For example, a keypad system wouldn’t make sense for the individual rooms in a hotel. With new guests coming everyday, a hotel would need to reset the keypad passwords every day. Instead, they can simply reset and reassign key cards with ease.

Level of security

How secure do you need your facility or room to be? Some places have highly sensitive information and should only be accessed by a select few individuals. Risking someone stealing a keycard or discovering a keypad’s code is not an option. These places will require biometric access so no mistakes can be made. While on the other hand, a supply closet may only need a keypad entry. 

Price

Like with most things, price matters. Every organization wants the best out of their security systems but those measures have to be within financial reason. 

When you think about access control implementation with these factors in mind, it makes the decision easier to make. However, remember that access control is only one part of an integrated security system. It’s important to think about how that system is designed when deciding the best way to install or upgrade your access control technology. 

For questions, help, or installation requests, contact our commercial security system installers. We have been helping organizations in Maryland and throughout the mid-Atlantic area with their cabling and security needs for over 20 years.

Structured cabling, often referred to as structured network cabling, is the process of organizing an infrastructure of cables made up of small, standardized elements. It helps to simplify and organize a business’s cabling system to help support rapid advancements in technology. This can be used for a number of purposes including large-scale projects such as structuring the physical layer of a data center or a smaller scale project such as organizing various cables in a conference room. 

Businesses all shapes and sizes can benefit from this type of service. You may have heard this term before but you’ve likely thought “how does this really benefit me, and are the benefits worth the investment?” Today, we are going to discover just that. In this article, we will help you understand structured cabling better by discussing the benefits it brings and what it means for businesses. 

6 Major Benefits of Structured Cabling

Structured cabling is extremely important to a business’s technology infrastructure. It allows for growth and keeps the physical layer of the technological infrastructure from descending into chaos.  

While every organization is different, there are a number of reasons ways they can benefit from structured cabling:

Makes systems easier to manage

Businesses have a number of technologies that require the use of cabling. Oftentimes, these different technologies are set up one at a time over time as an organization’s technological needs grow. This creates a number of different setup designs, cables start to become disorganized and determining how each system has been set up gets confusing over time. 

By utilizing structured cabling, an organization has an easier time managing all its systems because they are all organized in the same matter. This causes less frustration and tech changes become easier to manage.

Adaptable

In today’s competitive business environment, an organization needs to easily adapt to technological changes. Structured cabling helps organizations to future proof their technology investments by making it easier to upgrade or add technology. 

Structured cabling systems provide very high bandwidth for technology and also make implementing changes a snap. This means that when an organization needs to implement newer technology, such as improved video conferencing, their systems will already be equipped to handle the implementation with little change required. 

Flexible

Much like it’s ability to improve adaptability, the structured system provides flexibility due to its ease of management. This makes it easier to accommodate new changes and upgrades.

With the speed of technological changes, many businesses need IT systems that are easily scalable. They also need to react quickly and easily. Creating a completely new design or running cables through ceilings every time a new device gets added is inefficient. For organizations who need the ease and flexibility of adding, or changing technology quickly, structured cabling helps.  

Limits downtime

With an unorganized design, IT professionals can take a long time to identify the source of an issue, troubleshoot and fix it. They will need to sort through a mess of cables and take additional time organizing cables before they even can begin resolving issues.  It can also lead to confusion and mistakes in the initial setup process. 

With structured cabling, an IT professional can more quickly troubleshoot and fix issues. This means less time spent fixing issues and less time spent by employees waiting around for problems to get fixed.

Cost-effective

Structured cabling is not just affordable, but it saves money for diagnostic issues, servicing, repairs, upgrades and new installations. When an IT technician can get to the root cause of an issue sooner or can install new technology faster, it saves the organization time and money spent on tech support services.

Keeps areas cleaner and organized

One of the biggest overlooked benefits of structured cabling is the ability to keep an organization’s cables neat and tidy. Instead of having cables sprawled across the floor, hanging out of open spaces or randomly strung up on the ceiling, structured cabling organizes cables together and in most cases hides them from site. This allows a business to maintain its professional look but it also prevents cables from being damaged. 

From corporate organizations to school campuses and even retail shops, many can benefit structured cabling.

Who does Structured Cabling Benefit?

When it comes to structured cabling, there are various business types with different technological needs that can benefit. Corporate work environments, medical facilities, entertainment venues, industrial facilities, retail establishments, schools, and the list of who can benefit goes on in on.

Essentially, anything with cables and modern technology can utilize structured cabling. Here are a few examples:

• Conference rooms
• Data centers
• Security systems
• Audiovisual setups
• Telecommunications
• Wifi and wireless network systems

If cables are run through it, then it can potentially be a situation for structured cabling. If you have a question in mind or wondering if structured cabling is right for you then make sure to connect with a structured cabling company like us here at Systcom.

Taking security measures such as installing security cameras is crucial now more than ever for businesses. Not only does it help protect the business and its employees but it also provides the ability to access footage if something were to happen. A business’s security decisions should not be done haphazardly, which is why we want to help businesses ensure the proper installation of security cameras and systems. 

Choosing the Security Camera Features That Best Fit Your Needs

Modern technology has given us the ability to provide more than a simple camera setup. As a business owner, you have access to a number of features and camera systems that allow you the best protection necessary. 

• Closed-circuit (CCTV)
• Remote Monitoring
• 360-degree fisheye (i.e. no blindspots)
• Full-color display
• HD imaging
• Cloud storage
• Motion sensor capabilities
• Intrusion detection
• Mobile alerts
• Unattended baggage detection
• Wireless options
• Waterproof cameras

All these various technologies have been designed because of the various needs businesses have. This is why it’s important to think about what your business truly needs.

Do you want to deter intruders? Is employee theft a potential issue? Does your organization want to provide safety for everyone across the campus grounds? When a business knows what they hope to gain by installing security cameras, it makes the decision of choosing which security features a much easier one. 

Of course, when you work with a professional installation company, you will also have the expertise of trained technicians to help design the security setup or give insights into features your business would benefit the most from.

Why CCTV Cameras are so Popular

A quick note on the popularity of CCTV camera systems. Security cameras have seen many innovations over the years so many business owners ask about the relevance of CCTV security cameras. With the advancements in technology, CCTV security cameras are still amongst the most popular form of surveillance. These types of cameras are installed far more often than any type of system. And here’s why:

• Reliable
• Viewed on a monitor and also is recorded
• Runs all the time, not just when motion detected
• Uses a closed-loop system that doesn’t require an internet connection (internet connections can lead to vulnerabilities)

CCTV camera systems for business are simple, reliable and because they have been around for so long, generally come with everything necessary to protect your business day and night.

Think Beyond the Security Camera

When it comes to protecting your business, you should think in terms of fully integrated security, not just having security cameras installed. Security cameras themselves only offer surveillance. This is great for deterring potential intruders or reviewing footage in case something happens but in and of themselves they are not the most efficient way to protect your business.

An integrated security system provides improved security in a number of ways:

• Better security
• More control
• Better access and monitoring capabilities
• Improved ease of use

Traditionally, security systems parts were isolated and would function independently. With an integrated security system, each component “talks” to the others allowing them to function together. This means if one system identifies an issue, the rest of the systems will be notified. It also means businesses have the ability to monitor any and all their systems wherever they are.

When there is an intruder, managers and ownership want to be notified immediately. When something happens while the business is closed, they want remote access. Some businesses have areas where access control via keycard or biometrics makes better sense than lock and key. These are the things an integrated system will allow for.

An integrated security system gives businesses more protection but it also gives them the ability to stop issues in real-time. 

Why Businesses Should Choose a Professional Installer

Nearly everything is available for purchase on the internet. Especially with the rise in connected devices, many businesses debate the merits of hiring a professional installer vs installing a simple security system themselves. 

With technological skills and help from Youtube, it is possible to install security cameras in your own business. However, it’s not the wisest business practice as you could leave your business vulnerable in a number of ways:

• Blind spots for intruders to bypass
• Shotty imaging makes it hard to identify suspects
• Lack of integration leaving the systems inefficient
• Untested systems leading to later vulnerabilities

A business may save a little bit of money upfront with a DIY install job, but if an incident were to occur, the money and time lost would far outweigh any financial benefits gained. 

Proper installation from an experienced technician, on the other hand, comes with many benefits:

• Improved Security with the right systems in place
• Less likely chance of blind spots with proper design
• Ease of use and excellent functionality with proper integration
• Cleaner looks and smoother updates with structured cabling
• Knowledge and expertise

A professional can design the system to ensure there are no blind spots and the systems being installed make sense for the business’s needs. They ensure proper installation and run tests to make sure. And they are also there to help service the systems later or make themselves available if the business has questions. 

Not only is it oftentimes more beneficial financially in the long run to hire a professional but it can also save a business many headaches and a lot of time. 

As a business seeks to protect itself and its employees it should ensure they have the right features, a properly integrated system and that the job is done by a professional who will do it right.

There are a number of Audio Visual (AV) solutions available to businesses no matter the industry. AV systems have become vital to how we communicate and do business. Could you imagine speaking at a conference, presenting a proposal to a prospective client, or making a campus-wide announcement without the use of microphones, speakers, or video screens!? 

Audio equipment, video screens, cameras, lighting, etc. All of these are aspects of AV systems and can be used in a variety of ways for different businesses. A warehouse will use PA systems throughout their buildings, office buildings will have video conferencing setups, a counseling center may have a sound masking system in place and the list of AV possibilities goes on. 

Because there are so many different AV solutions and applications we wanted to help businesses understand the potential options. 

In this article, we will explore the different types of solutions applicable for businesses and how to get the best AV experience. Of course, if you have questions you can always give us a call. 

The Types of AV Solutions

When it comes to seamless communication it’s important to have the right AV Solutions. Your technology should add value and just be something your business has to do to stay “relevant.” For example, having a video display in a conference room is good, but if the only microphone and camera are the ones on your laptop then the video display isn’t adding very much value to your conference calls.

Many businesses simply don’t really know what is available, so they are left with sub-par AV integrations. To ensure you get real value out of your equipment, we’ve broken down the main components of modern AV solutions: 

• Audio Equipment

Audio equipment should help enhance communication within your organization. It’s important for communication to be effortless wherever you are, but the sound quality also has to be high quality. There is a number of different audio equipment that your organization can utilize.

• Microphones and speakers
• PA systems
• Sound masking

• Visual displays

What can be seen is just as important as what can be heard. Your displays should be sharp and allow you to better convey whatever it is you are trying to communicate. When it comes to video displays there are a number of things to consider that can help aid in how you communicate. 

• Video Screens
• Projectors
• Cameras
• Interactive whiteboards

• Connectivity

Connectivity is the unheard and unseen aspects of AV that allow everything to work well together. It not only aids in better audio and visual quality but in some instances, it is a requirement for the audio and visual to even function. Here are some of the connectivity aspects that will help ensure your AV equipment is functioning at its optimal efficiency:

• Structured Cabling
• Network Services
• Control Panels
• Wired and wireless Integrations

With all of your AV equipment, you want to think about the user experience. If you’re installing a PA system or speakers, does it make sense to have 2-way communication? Can both the tech-savvy and the technology-inept use it? Does its functionality aid in your ability to communicate?

When exploring AV solutions, it’s important to think about the user experience, not just the basic needs. 

How to get the best AV experience for your business

With the internet, anyone with a little bit of knowledge can obtain high-quality AV equipment and learn how to plug the right cables into the right places. Many businesses choose to go this route but often end up with a subpar experience. You’ve likely experienced this in your office or when visiting another business. 

Their video conferencing is constantly having issues. Their sound and video experience is low quality. There are tangled cords and wires everywhere. The microphone only works when sitting in a specific seat And the list goes on. 

Besides the fact that they are trained and do the job all the time, there are two reasons why professional AV installers create the best AV experience. These reasons are:

• Design
• Proper Installation
• Testing

Proper installation is of course the most obvious reason because, without it, the systems simply won’t function correctly. But it means more than simply hooking the right cables into the right ports. It also means testing the installation in various ways to ensure that the setup works every time and from everywhere you need it. 

The design aspect is less obvious and is something most in-house IT people don’t think about. When an AV expert installs their systems they look into how everything works together. There is a lot that they look at that most people would not have thought of. Things like: Will the speakers allow for everywhere in the room to hear without giving feedback? Are the cameras and screens positioned in a way that every party can see well? Is the Wifi signal strong enough in this room for video conferencing or will they experience issues? How can we best organize the cables the room stays clutter-free?

Hiring or consulting with an expert AV professional is the best way to ensure your systems will provide you with the best possible experience. 

Video conferencing has been on the rise over the past several years, but exploded with the emergence of the Coronavirus. Since then, more and more businesses are looking to update or install new video conferencing systems in their offices.

As video conferencing becomes the new norm for meeting and presenting, businesses can no longer function with subpar technology. 

Now is the time for businesses to address the video conferencing technology in their offices, conference rooms and boardrooms. And we are here to help. In this article we will discuss all the AV solutions your business may want to consider, the installation process and other considerations when having new video conferencing equipment installed in your office. Of course you can always reach out if you have specific questions.

Considerations for video conferencing

“Can you hear me now?” “Hold on your video is cutting in and out” “I’m sorry you’re breaking up.” “Hey it’s Joe I’m here too, can you hear me?” – We’ve all been part of a bad video call. Sometimes it’s user error, other times it’s just a bad connection, and sometimes technology just breaks down. 

But when we plan accordingly, and begin with the right solutions in mind, we can mitigate many of the problems that business face which lead to bad video conferencing experiences. 

Here are a few things you should think about before installing video conferencing equipment:

• Sound quality
• Connection / Wireless presentation
• User friendliness and ease of use
• Functionality

The last thing you want is for your team members or yourself to be frustrated every time you attempt a video conference in the office. You want to have a seamless experience with every video call. 

As you explore different solutions, don’t forget to consider the experience you’ll have. 

The Different Web Conferencing Solutions

Web conferencing is the ability to meet or present digitally with clients, prospects and team members in different locations. When we say “web conferencing” many individuals think internet and video screen. Not much else is considered. But when thinking about a web conferencing solution for your business there’s actually quite a lot that you should consider.

• Web conferencing software
• Wireless network installation, integration and extension
  • Does the room have a strong and stable internet connection?
• Quality Visual display
  • Are the monitors and cameras installed in a way that everyone (in the room and those digitally) can adequately see each other?
• Quality sound design 
  • Is the sound quality good for all parties? Are there quality microphones so the digital parties can hear everyone in the room and is there a well designed speaker system so those in the conference room can hear the digital parties without feedback?
• Sound Masking
  • Should the conversations from the web conferences be masked for privacy or to avoid office distractions?
• Structured Cabling
  • Part of instaling video conferencing systems is to ensure that everything is organized and clutter free.

The Video Conferencing Installation Process

When it comes to video conferencing installation you want the job done right the first time. Organizations don’t want to run into technical issues down the line so they often opt to hire a professional AV installer. 

When a professional installs your web conferencing systems it simplifies the process for you and with little interference with your daily operations. Processionals often have a process that ensures quality video conferencing with great functionality.

Here’s the installation process we follow:

• The Initial Consultation

Before we do anything, we need to hear our clients needs first. We provide an idea of the scope of work so that all parties are on the same page. 

• The Design

For brand new installation jobs or updates, we help our clients design the system for the best experience. The design will address the best way to use the systems for the optimal results.

• Speaker, microphone, monitor and other equipment placement
• Testing network strength and assessing if an extender is necessary
• Ensuring the best technology for functionality sake is used
• Etc.

As the professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure that the foundation is laid well so that once the systems are installed, they function at their optimal performance.

• Installation

When it comes to installing the conferencing equipment, our team handles it all. We setup and test equipment to ensure things are functioning properly. We also structure the cabling to keep the space neat and clutter-free. 

• Maintenance and Future Upgrades

Of course no matter how well an installation job is done, accidents happen and technology can grow obsolete. If an employee breaks a piece of equipment, there’s a change in internet providers and equipment needs to be reconnected, a power outage resets the systems, etc. We make ourselves available for maintenance, repairs and upgrades. 

For our clients the process is simple. With some of your insights into what you are looking for, we help them achieve their desired conferencing room setup. 

Sound masking has been an increasing trend in Baltimore businesses as more people become aware of its benefits.  It can help offices reduce distractions and provide privacy. If you’re considering sound masking for your business, we want to help give you the information to make that decision.

What are the Benefits of Sound Masking?

The need for privacy and the knowledge that sounds can be distracting are not new concepts. However, with new information on the science of sound pollution, the effects of distraction on productivity, the continued pressure to stay HIPPA compliant, and the ability to create the technology, sound masking has been a growing trend for organizations all over the world.

Unlike most trends, sound masking is not just new technology that’s impressive to install. It carries many benefits that make it an obvious choice for many organizations.

Let’s explore the benefits:

Protects speech privacy

Many organizations require privacy to protect their clients’ private information and for internal purposes. Doctor offices, counseling centers, even conference rooms are expected to be a place where conversations can be kept confidential. Sound masking helps with this.

Improves Productivity by reducing noise distractions

We are a society that lives off the need to stay productive. While a small percentage of individuals enjoy background noise and conversations while working, the rest of the population can be easily distracted. Libraries, schools, offices, and any other shared workspace can all provide improved productivity with the help of an installed sound masking system.

Improves acoustics

Have you ever had a hard time with a conversation because you could hear everyone’s conversations? Have you ever noticed that some rooms seem very echoey? With the help of sound masking, the acoustics of a room can be improved to create a balanced comfortable environment that’s not too quiet and not too loud.

Reduces stress and mental fatigue

You may be rolling your eye thinking “can sound masking really reduce stress?” And the answer is yes. One thing we don’t consider is how much noise pollution we encounter every day in the workplace. Most office employees have to deal with distracting conversations around the office, their office mate’s radio, ringing phones, and more, all while trying to focus on the tasks in front of them. This can lead to additional mental fatigue as the days go on. 

Have you ever had a day where you just drove home with the radio off because your brain felt wiped out? That’s due to too much noise pollution. Sound masking can help stave off sound pollution, reducing the mental fatigue of employees.

Is Sound Masking the same as White Noise?

The benefits of sound masking sound great, but is it the same as white noise? The answer is no. 

While there are some similarities between the two and benefits that both provide, the two are not quite the same. 

White noise is a “localized: noise. When it’s heard, your ears and brain can determine where the sound is coming from. White noise is often used as a distraction or a focal point (think about how people use fans as white noise to help them sleep). This can end up adding to the noise of a room and can become a distraction in and of itself. 

Sound masking on the other hand creates an immersive experience that creates sound everywhere. Its unique design doesn’t just create noise but creates sound at a frequency that overlaps human speech. When installed correctly, sound masking fades into the background and goes unnoticed. 

Organizations can find uses for both white noise and sound masking technology. However, if your goal is to limit the distractions instead of creating a noisy focal point, then you may want to consider sound masking. 

How to get Sound Masking Installed at your Organization

The best way to install sound masking for your organization is to hire a sound masking expert. While you can purchase sound masking equipment and install it yourself, there’s much more to it than hooking up a few wires. The design is just as important as proper installation. 

Proper installation and design of a sound masking system require knowledge of how AV systems work so that zoning and room response are at proper levels. It also takes an understanding of how sound masking works so the speakers are placed in the correct areas and at the correct frequencies. 

Sound masking can provide an organization with many benefits, but only if properly installed. If your organization is interested in sound masking or has questions about it, please contact us at any time. 

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the way we worked was shifting. Now, it’s been forever changed – and with that comes the need for modern boardroom technology that can serve multiple functions, without compromising on quality.

Sound Quality, Acoustics, and Reverb Reduction

One of the most significant new demands on the modern boardroom is the ability to host meetings via video conferencing. This means that excellent sound quality –both for participants inside the room and for those attending virtually– has become a necessity.

Unfortunately, many boardrooms just weren’t designed with this functionality in mind. This makes a sound quality overhaul one of the most imperative upgrades for the modern boardroom.

Reverb issues are common, and degrade the sound quality and intelligibility of participants. Reverberation is often caused by flat, hard surfaces (like tables and windows) which bounce soundwaves around the room, causing distortion.   

It’s important to note that factors like room size and ceiling height all make a difference in determining the most appropriate upgrades. For example, in a room with an average ceiling height, roughly 40% of the square footage should be treated with sound-dampening solutions for optimal sound quality.

The placement of speakers and microphones should also be reassessed. Array-microphone technologies, which actually steer and direct sound pickup, are ideal.    

Wireless Presentation Systems

With so many people working both in the office and from home, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture has grown exponentially. In a meeting, this means presenters who want to share content from their laptops and tablets on a shared TV, interactive whiteboard or screen would normally have to manually connect their device to it by a cable.

This interrupts the flow of the meeting, disturbs the other participants, and wastes time. In contrast, a wireless presentation system allows attendees to project their laptop, tablet, notebook, or smartphone content without the need to plug in a cable. This makes sharing and collaborating seamless and effortless – and keeps the room free of clutter in the process!

Wireless presentation systems are currently one of the most sought-after modern boardroom technologies. To present their content, the owner of the device can either plug in a small button or ‘puck’ to start sharing or simply connect to the desired screen via the company Wi-Fi. 

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

In face-to-face meetings, it’s natural for participants to look directly at the person speaking. Replicating this experience in a video conference where you have more than one speaker seated at the boardroom table can be a challenge – unless you have a pan-tilt camera!

These can be mounted beneath your main screen and aimed directly at the person who is currently talking, all with the touch of a button on the remote control. They’re designed to work with all the major video conferencing apps and cloud services and don’t require any OS-specific drivers.

This makes it simple to replicate the in-person meeting experience, even if your clients are conferencing in from hundreds of miles away. The modern boardroom technology behind PTZ cameras is similar to that of integrated security PT cameras, which allow you to view different angles of a room with the same camera.

Crestron Flex – Unified Conferencing

From small huddle spaces to large conference venues, Crestron Flex offers a dynamic range of desktop phones, tabletop devices, soundbars, and mobile carts that make collaboration easy.

Built upon the XiO Cloud platform, you can connect, provision, and manage anywhere from 5 to 5,000 devices, regardless of the operating system. The system was designed in partnership with Microsoft, so integrates effortlessly with Microsoft Teams, Zoom Rooms, and BYOD applications.

Each connected device instantly transforms into a multipurpose dashboard, allowing users to control everything from room scheduling and presentation launch to adjusting lighting, shades, and climate.

Crestron Flex solutions include:

• The P-Series Crestron Flex Phone and M-Series Mini Tabletop with Microsoft Teams software – up to 3 people
• The B-Series Smart Soundbar – up to 5 people
• The M-Series Tabletop – up to 15 people
• The M Series with Mic Kit – up to 30 people
• The C-Series customer solutions for large venues and lecture halls – any number of people
• The R-Series Mobile UC mobile solutions – any number of people

Available features include:

• High fidelity audio and high-resolution video
• 360° quad microphone arrays
• Beamforming technology and mic pods
• High-precision, HD intelligent cameras with 150° field of vision

Biamp Conference Room Solutions

Biamp conference room solutions use patented technologies engineered to optimize productivity in rooms of all shapes and sizes.

One of their most innovative offerings is beam tracking intelligent microphones. These point dynamic beams exactly where they are needed as the presenter moves around the space, delivering exceptional intelligibility. Other notable features include single cable solutions, burst power mode to manage peak audio in large meetings with multiple speakers, and acoustic echo cancellation.

• For huddle rooms, Biamp offers the Devio system, complete with an effortless Auto Setup feature
• For medium conference rooms, the Tesira system includes speaker-tracking parlé microphones
• For large conference rooms, the TesiraFORTE easily scales up to handle acoustic challenges with ease

Biamp conference room solutions easily integrate with Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and Cisco WebEx – and are compatible with products from leading suppliers including HP, Lenovo, Logitech, and Poly.

In Conclusion

These 5 modern boardroom technology upgrades should be top of your list if you want to deliver outstanding presentations to your clients and enhance collaboration for your employees. 

Contact us to upgrade your boardroom technology or for more information.

A warehouse paging system can be a powerful tool for improving efficiency and productivity. Even in noisy factory environments, a PA system can allow you to easily broadcast a message to all workers, or ask a single worker to reply via an intercom or call box near their current location, or with a handheld radio. 

One of the biggest benefits of a wireless warehouse PA system is that no messy cables are needed, which can get damaged and even be hazardous in a warehouse environment with lots of traffic.    

In this article, we’ll run through 5 tips to help you choose the right paging system for warehouse use that meets your needs.   

1. Consider the square footage, shape, ceiling height, and noise level of the warehouse 

Naturally, the larger your warehouse space, the more speakers or horns you will need to make sure all staff can hear broadcasts easily. While you might already know the square footage of your warehouse, calculating the cubic footage is vital when sound waves are involved. 

If your ceilings are particularly high, this will affect what types of horns can be used and where they should be placed. You should also have a good idea of the typical noise level in the environment in decibels. 

2. Do you need a one way paging or talk back paging solution?

A one-way warehouse paging system is generally sufficient for smaller warehouses, when the solution will only be used to make general announcements, ask a worker to report to the office, alert staff to the arrival of a delivery or pickup vehicle, or for emergency or evacuation announcements. 

In contrast, talk back systems allow individuals to respond to announcements through the paging speakers or via a talkback controller. This is ideal where real-time communication between office staff and warehouse staff is required – such as getting an instant update on inventory levels of a particular product for the sales department. 

3. Could you benefit from connecting your phone to your PA system too?

Beyond talk back capability, another option is a paging system for warehouse use that also connects with your telephone system. With this functionality in place, your warehouse and technical staff suddenly becomes accessible to multiple branches, or reps traveling on the road. 

These can also be coupled with VoIP technology, allowing seamless and serverless communication between customers, office employees, and warehouse staff.   

4. What type of speakers do you need?

While high-powered horns are most commonly used in large, noisy factory environments, they’re not the only option. There are three main types of speaker to consider – ceiling speakers, wall baffles, and horns.  

Ceiling speakers:

As the name suggests, these speakers are embedded in ceiling panels. They’re suitable for heights of up to 20 feet, and should be spaced 2x the ceiling height apart. So if your ceiling height is 10 feet, for example, speakers should be placed 20 feet apart. A good option for small warehouses and storage areas. 

Wall baffles:

Instead of radiating sound downwards as with a ceiling speaker, wall baffles send soundwaves horizontally. Because of this, it’s important never to place them directly opposite one another.  

Wall baffle speakers are a good option for smaller and medium warehouses which have a ceiling height over 20 feet, but aren’t large enough to warrant horns.

Horns:

Finally, the most powerful warehouse speakers are horns. They can be used indoors, including in noisy environments, as well as outdoors. These are also the types most commonly used by airports and at large shopping centers. Depending on the power of the horn, they can be spaced 50 feet apart and upwards, and are usually mounted 20 feet above the ground or higher.

5. Self-amplified or central-amplified?

Finally, you’ll need to decide between a 70-volt central-amplified, or a 24-volt self-amplified paging system. Here’s a quick synopsis of the two options:

70-volt central-amplified for larger warehouses:

• One receiver which amplifies the signal to a number of speakers connected to the same wire. (i.e. one power supply) 
• Suitable for music and other audio, rather than just voice. 
• Can easily interface with additional peripherals like microphones.
• Cannot be used near phone lines, as the stronger signal can cause interference.
• More expensive, but easier to scale. 

24-volt self-amplified for smaller warehouses:

• Each speaker has its own power supply, which means more cabling. 
• Only suitable for voice communication. 
• No interference with phone lines. 
• More affordable, but can only be used with up to six speakers or four horns.

If you need the best of both, Systcom can design a dynamic system for you that works in tandem. Contact us today.