As a concept announced in 2021. The 4-year development stage is now complete and testing is underway ready for launch at the ISE show in Barcelona in February 2025.

Immersive Telepresence became a buzz term nearly 20 years ago when Polycom and Tandberg produced their multi-codec, multi-display technologies. Into the traditional world of SIP video conferencing. Today, HP, the owners of Poly (ex Polycom) are bringing it back but rather than being termed “Telepresence”. It has coined a new term “Co-Presence”. Using some of the latest advancements in 3D imaging and AI processing. Starline promises to bring a unique experience to the workplace. Unlike earlier attempts by others to produce 3D video. The HP/Poly/Google solution will not require users to wear glasses or headsets. Imagine next generation video communication and the future of collaboration being delivered this year

Project Startline will only be available to Google platform users and is aimed at making video calls more lifelike and natural. As if two people are speaking to each other across a meeting room table. HP have already begun inviting companies. Including Salesforce, WeWork and T-Mobile to provide their feedbacks. To be amongst the first to receive products following its 2025 launch.

We are now inviting you to get on the London waiting list for a live demonstration. Contact our Sales Team for more information.

According to Andrew Nartker, General manager of Project Starline. “It works like a magic window where you can talk, gesture and make eye contact with another person, life-size and in three dimensions. The system uses advanced AI to build a photorealistic model of the person you’re talking to, and projects that onto a light field display with a unique sense of volume and depth. The result is a lifelike image of the other person as if they were right in front of you”.

At VideoCentric, we’re at the forefront of innovation in video communication and collaboration technologies. With the announcement of Project Starline’s upcoming launch in 2025, we are excited to offer you the opportunity to explore and experience this groundbreaking “Co-Presence” technology firsthand.

What constitutes a small room can be debated but at VideoCentric, we consider any room up with no side greater that 4m (13ft) a small one, containing 3-5 seats situated fairly close to a display screen and where the conference camera will be no more than 3 to 3.5m (10-12 ft) away from the furthest participant.

Huddle spaces are even smaller, often 2-3 seats with some bordering on a booth design for just 1-2 people equipped sometimes with an all-in-one desktop unit or touch-screen kiosk, and in other cases set up with a pre-installed display/TV for laptop users to bring their own device (BYOD) and start their own meeting (BYOM). Such rooms are typically used for HR interviews or for joining as a desktop user when sensitivity of information is high and use of an open space or hot-desk is inappropriate.

Depending on the size of space, the form factor of the system, the cloud platform standardly deployed and the need for BYOD flexibility, a number of leading solutions may apply. Some of the most popular we demonstrate, supply, install and support in such spaces include:

HUDDLE – All-in-One with integral display, camera, mic/s and speaker

DTEN Me 27” Pro for Zoom

Yealink A24 for MS Teams or Zoom

Neat Frame for MS Teams or Zoom

Lenovo Thinksmart View 27” Plus for MS Teams or Zoom

Cisco Desk Pro 27” for Webex and MS Teams

HUDDLE – BYOM Webcams & Bars

Yealink UVC34 Bar

HP Poly Studio V32 BYOD Bar

Neat Bar 1

Logitech RallyBar Huddle

Huddly IQ Camera with Mic

HUDDLE – Native MS TEAMS ROOM (MTR) systems

Yealink A10 (Android bar)

HP Poly Studio X32 (Android bar)

Logitech RallyBar Huddle (Android bar)

Yealink MVC-340 Windows bundle

Cisco Desk Pro 27” for Webex and MS Teams

HUDDLE – Native ZOOM ROOMS (ZR) systems

Yealink A10 (Android bar)

HP Poly Studio X32 (Android bar)

Logitech RallyBar Huddle (Android bar)

Yealink ZVC-340 Windows bundle

HUDDLE – Native GOOGLE MEET ROOM (GMR) systems

HP Poly Studio X32 BYOD Bar

Logitech RallyBar Huddle

HUDDLE – Native WEBEX ROOM and MS TEAMS ROOM systems

Cisco Desk Pro 27” All-in-One

SMALL – All-in-One with integral display, camera, mic/s and speaker

DTEN Me 27” Pro

Yealink A24

Lenovo Thinksmart Hub

SMALL BYOM Webcams & Bars

Yealink Smart Vision 40 (SV40) bar

HP Poly Studio V32 bar

Neat Bar 1

Logitech RallyBar Mini bar

Huddly IQ Camera with Mic

SMALL Native MS TEAMS ROOM (MTR) systems

Yealink A40 Android bar

Yealink MVC-S40 Windows bundle

HP Poly Studio X32 Meeting Bar Android bar

Neat Bar 2 Android bar

Logitech RallyBar Mini Android bar

Cisco Room Bar for Webex and MS Teams (Android)

SMALL Native ZOOM ROOMS (ZR) systems

Yealink A40 Android bar

Yealink ZVC-S40 Windows bundle

HP Poly Studio X32 Android bar

Neat Bar 2 Android bar

Logitech RallyBar Mini Android bar

SMALL Native GOOGLE MEET ROOM (GMR) systems)

HP Poly Studio X32 Android bar

Logitech RallyBar Mini Android bar

SMALL – Native WEBEX ROOM and MS TEAMS ROOM systems

Cisco Room Bar (Android)

CONSULT WITH US – Let us know the size of your space, the cloud platform that has been standardised for your organisation, your needs for wired or wireless BYOD flexibility and whether you’ve already seen some comparative demonstrations and we’ll come up with the most suitable systems that we can demonstrate, supply, install and support for you. Whether you’re looking to spend up this year’s capital budget, or spread your costs monthly over the next 1-5 years, we will make our recommendations to ensure that you maximise your return on investment (RoI).

It doesn’t!

Like any car will get you from A to B. They will do it with different levels of refinement, quality, performance, style, comfort and passenger suitability. The same applies to video communications solutions; one system type does NOT suit all rooms. Therefore, it is a mistake to buy a video bar just because it looks stylish and fits a budget.

The most important thing is that your users feel that it meets their requirements in terms of video quality, audio performance and ease of use and that it is so reliable that your IT department doesn’t need to hand each time they have a virtual meeting.

The main considerations when choosing a system:-

• Is the room longer than wide in terms of where the TV will be positioned?
• Does the camera lens need to capture participants more than 3m away?
• Do the microphones need to have a pick-up range greater than 3m radius?
• Will small in-built loudspeakers be adequate for a room full of people?
• Does the room design have poor acoustics or hard furnishings?
• Is your primary cloud platform Teams, Zoom, Webex, GoogleMeet or other?
• Is a secondary cloud platform sometimes used?
• Is the installation to support desktop apps on a connected laptop (BYOD mode)?
• Would you prefer presentations on a 2^nd display rather than lose participants into PIP?
• How would laptop users like to share presentations? Via direct cable or wirelessly?
• Is there any glare coming from windows opposite the display screen?
• Would you room benefit from multiple cameras, automatically “AI” selected?
• How will your new system handle recent regulations for assisted hearing?
• Are your rooms of the divisible type?
• Does this solution integrate with your calendaring, hybrid working, room booking and hotdesking strategy?

If you don’t really know the answers to all of these considerations, then consult with the experts, request a free survey and a price-match quote. Every room will be different and we have a solution for all of them, whether that be Windows, Android, Single or Dual Display, Native or BYOD with table mics, ceiling mics, lapel or gooseneck, Wired or Wireless. Take our solutions for a “test drive” first and discuss “making your meeting rooms great again”. Our solutions are selected from best in class from all of the world’s leading manufacturers, as certified by Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco and Google and we demonstrate and support virtually everything we sell.

Contact Us

For more information or to place an order, please contact our Sales Team!

VideoCentric’s extensive range of products, most of which are integrated into complete solutions for Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet, can be demonstrated at various locations across the UK, including London, Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Leeds, and Edinburgh. Our in-house experts provide consultancy, installation and technical support to ensure you get the most out of your investment regardless of which market sector you operate in. Experience firsthand, the quality, technical innovation, quality & reliability that set our solutions apart with unique demonstrations crafted to suit your organisation and the specific needs of your meeting spaces.

Personal vs. Meeting Room Cameras

Logitech’s webcams and meeting room cameras are purpose-built to deliver high-quality video experiences. For individuals, options like the Brio 505 Business Webcam offer an affordable and effective setup. With a 1080p video, 4x digital zoom, and a built-in microphone. Ideal for desktops, these webcams create a personal focal length while maintaining audio quality with accessories like headsets or external mics for optimal sound.

When it comes to meeting rooms, Logitech’s Rally series rises to the challenge. Each solution, from the compact Rally Bar Mini for huddle rooms to the Rally Bar for larger spaces. Integrates features such as wide-angle lenses, AI-driven auto-framing, and motorised pan/tilt options. These systems are designed to capture the entire room dynamically, making them perfect for team-focused interactions.

BYOD vs. Room Systems – Choosing the Right Setup

Logitech’s flexibility in system design means you can choose between BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups and dedicated room systems depending on your needs.

• BYOD Systems: Perfect for small meeting spaces. BYOD solutions allow users to connect their personal devices and run meetings via their preferred software. Logitech’s Swytch solution, for example, facilitates seamless content sharing and connectivity with a simple USB interface. This setup is particularly useful in hybrid workspaces where multiple devices are used.
• Room Systems: For more integrated and centrally managed systems. Logitech’s dedicated solutions offer enhanced functionality with support for major video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. The Rally Bar and Rally Plus options support dual displays, have an IP-based controller, and are ready to wake up when users approach. Room systems streamline the user experience and ensure that team members can quickly start meetings without login or password hassles.

AI and Advanced Audio – The Logitech Edge

Logitech’s AI-powered features in cameras like the Sight and Rally series are designed to create an immersive meeting experience. The AI algorithms allow for automatic speaker tracking, multi-camera auto-framing, and background noise suppression, ensuring clear visuals and sound regardless of room dynamics.

For example, the Rally Bar Huddle and Rally PTZ provide sophisticated audio coverage with multiple in-built mics, speaker arrays, and noise suppression capabilities. In larger spaces, additional mic pods can be added to extend the audio range.

Contact Us

For more information or to place an order, please contact our Sales Team!

VideoCentric’s extensive range of products, most of which are integrated into complete solutions for Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet, can be demonstrated at various locations across the UK, including London, Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Leeds, and Edinburgh. Our in-house experts provide consultancy, installation and technical support to ensure you get the most out of your investment regardless of which market sector you operate in. Experience firsthand, the quality, technical innovation, quality & reliability that set our solutions apart with unique demonstrations crafted to suit your organisation and the specific needs of your meeting spaces.

Why Choose Poly for Your Meeting Spaces?

Poly solutions are designed to fit any workspace, whether it’s a small huddle room or a large conference room. Featuring innovations like speaker-tracking, people-framing, and AI-enhanced audio, Poly ensures clear visuals and sound that create a natural meeting experience.

Key Offerings in Poly’s Product Range

1. Poly / HP  Studio Series – Tailored for Room Size and Versatility
   • Small Rooms: Poly Studio R30 provides 4K digital video, a 120° field of view (FoV), auto-framing, and speaker tracking—ideal for 3-5 person spaces.

1. • Medium Rooms: Poly Studio V52 offers a versatile setup with enhanced microphones and dual speakers for rooms up to 5m x 4m. Providing clear audio coverage.

1. • Large Rooms: Poly Studio E70 with dual 4K cameras, people counting, and AI framing is perfect for larger, more complex meeting environments up to 7.6m.

Poly / HP X Series – Android-Based Solutions for Simplicity and Efficiency

• • The Poly X32, X52, and X72 Android bars bring advanced AI, effortless USB connectivity, and enhanced audio quality, with easy touch control. Each model is optimised for a specific room size, allowing flexibility across different spaces without compromising on performance.

Poly Sync and Trio Series – Exceptional Audio Coverage

• • Poly Sync 20, 40, and 60 models provide Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable audio solutions. The Trio C60 and Sync 60+ cover larger rooms with expanded audio reach. Allowing smooth communication no matter the room size.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Flexibility

• • • Poly supports BYOD environments with accessible kits, from basic USB hubs to USB extenders over Cat6. Ensuring that every participant can easily connect and share without technical barriers.

Choosing the Right Solution: BYOD vs. Native Room System

For businesses weighing BYOD solutions against native room systems, Poly’s offerings accommodate both, delivering a consistent, professional experience. A Poly solution allows companies to adopt either approach without sacrificing quality or security. With robust options that meet the needs of both setups.

Understanding Webcams for Professional Spaces

In the evolving world of video communication, the term “webcam” extends beyond simple, desktop-based cameras. While traditional webcams are commonly associated with individual workstations. Today’s professional-grade webcams, like those offered by Poly, cater to diverse environments—from personal desks to large meeting rooms. A desktop webcam typically provides a personal focal length and sound designed for single-user engagement. Often lacking advanced audio features such as echo-cancellation or speaker-tracking. However, when moving to larger spaces, the requirements for camera quality, field of view, and audio capabilities become significantly more complex.

For meeting rooms, Poly webcams and video bars integrate sophisticated features. Including auto-framing, speaker-tracking, and powerful built-in microphones and speakers to ensure that all participants are seen and heard clearly. This enhanced technology eliminates distractions like background noise and adjusts the camera view to focus on active speakers or groups. Creating a seamless and engaging meeting experience. By selecting a high-quality webcam suited to the room’s needs, organisations can optimise their remote and hybrid communication setups. Enabling professional interactions that feel as natural and connected as in-person discussions.

Optimising Meeting Room Sound with Poly Audio Solutions

Audio quality can make or break a meeting experience, especially in today’s hybrid workplaces where clear communication is essential. Poly’s range of audio units, including the Poly Sync series and Trio C60, is crafted to deliver high-definition. Reliable sound across various room sizes. The Poly Sync models (20, 40, 60, and the Sync 60+) are specifically designed to suit spaces ranging from small huddle rooms to larger conference areas. Featuring wireless, Bluetooth-enabled capabilities and advanced echo cancellation, each model offers a flexible, clutter-free setup. For example, the Poly Sync 20 works well for intimate meeting spaces with a 4m x 4m range. While the Sync 60+ extends coverage to rooms as large as 12m x 6m with a dual-mic array.

For even larger rooms, the Poly Trio C60 and Nureva HDL series bring high-performance audio with beam-forming technology and extensive mic arrays that capture every participant’s voice with clarity. The Trio C60, suited for small-to-medium rooms, includes a 360-degree microphone pickup with built-in echo cancellation. While the Nureva HDL200 and HDL300 scale up to fit rooms up to 15m x 9m with virtual microphone technology. This array of options allows organisations to tailor audio solutions based on room size and specific needs, ensuring that every word is heard clearly and naturally, fostering productive and engaging meetings for both in-person and remote participants.

Advanced Camera Modes

Modern meeting rooms require more than just high-resolution video; they need cameras that adapt to the room’s dynamics and the participants’ needs. Poly’s advanced camera modes bring features like auto-framing, speaker-tracking, and manual control that are designed to optimise visuals in diverse meeting environments. With auto-framing, the camera intuitively adjusts to include all participants in the frame, creating a seamless experience that eliminates the need for manual intervention. Speaker-tracking enhances this by actively following the individual speaking, providing a more immersive experience for remote attendees who might otherwise miss visual cues.

For larger spaces or specific presentation needs, Poly offers manual control and optical zoom capabilities, allowing users to take control when precision is essential. This is particularly valuable in training sessions or educational settings where a presenter may need to focus on specific details. Additionally, with AI-driven people framing and presenter tracking, Poly’s cameras can maintain a clear focus on individuals or groups even in larger rooms, creating an engaging and professional visual experience for everyone involved. By leveraging these adaptable camera modes, organisations can create a more dynamic, responsive environment that enhances communication and collaboration for both in-person and remote participants.

VideoCentric’s Commitment as a Poly/HP Reseller

At VideoCentric, we understand that effective communication is central to successful operations. As a trusted Poly/HP reseller, we provide not only the products but also expert guidance, installation, and support to help organizations unlock the full potential of Poly’s solutions.

Contact our Specialist Sales Team for more information.

Individuals on the other hand have their personal devices running a DESKTOP version of Teams, Zoom, Google M or Webex and it is the PERSON that is invited to the conference. Usually working from home, but also from coffee shops and shared workspaces, they JOIN in the way they are already very familiar with, ie by keyboard/mouse or via a mobile app.

But what about the HYBRID worker who is returning to the office maybe a couple of days a week? He or she is more spontaneous, happy to occupy any meeting room as long as the booking system indicates that it is free but wants to take advantage of the superior camera, echo-cancelling microphones, loudspeakers and other collaborative tools already pre-installed in that room. This is where BYOD (Bring your own device) or BYOM (Bring your own meeting) comes in.

BYOD Meeting Rooms (as well as Native Room solutions) need to be designed with consideration of:-

• Room Length – this determines whether an optical or digital camera is needed to maintain focus
• Room Width – this determines whether a wide angled video bar is better than a PTZ camera or capturing those at the front of the room
• Room Height – this often determines the microphone type (ceiling, wired tabletop, wireless tabletop, wearable etc) & their positioning
• Room Acoustics – many modern offices are designed around aesthetics rather than acoustical performance and so hybrid offices will have been redesigned with resonance, soft furnishings and careful microphone positioning in mind
• Floor structure – underfloor cable routing is common in many meeting rooms but those with solid floors need wireless technologies for presentation and for BYOD camera/audio connectivity through to the user’s personal device

So, VideoCentric’s BYOD solutions are numerous; over 50 in total and all selected and tested with Microsoft and Zoom certification in mind. Webcams can arguable be classed as BYOD devices and although we have hundreds of these, we are excluding them from this article as we continue to focus on complete BYOD solutions for Huddle, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large Meeting Rooms, Boardrooms, Classrooms and Training Facilities.

The way we will sub-divide them for supply, installation, support or hire is:-

BYOD Digital Video Bars – for short/wide or square rooms

BYOD Optical PTZ Bundles – for long/narrow or high rooms

BYOD Wired Extenders – for rooms with floor voids

BYOD Wireless Transceivers – for rooms with solid floors or wire-free approach

Now let’s examine each one in turn.

BYOD Digital Video Bars

Aver VB130

Aver VB342 Pro

Logitech Meetup

Logitech RallyBar-Huddle

Logitech RallyBar-Mini

Logitech RallyBar

HP Poly R30

HP Poly Studio USB

HP Poly Studio V32

HP Studio V52

HP Poly V72

Neat Bar 1

Yealink UVC34

Yealink SmartVision 40 (SV40)

BYOD Optical PTZ Bundles

Logitech Rally Bundle (1 Table Mic + 1 Speaker Bar)

Logitech Rally Plus Bundle (2 Table Mics + 2 Speaker Bars)

Yealink UVC84 Bundle D1 (1 Table Speakerphone)

Yealink UVC84 Bundles D2-D4 (1-3 Wired Table Mics + 1-2 Soundbars)

Yealink UVC84 Bundles D10-D14) (1-2 Ceiling Mics + 1-4 Ceiling Speakers)

Yealink UVC84 Bundles D20-D25) (1-4 Wireless Table Mics + 1-2 Soundbars)

Yealink UVC86 Bundle E1 (1 speakerphone)

Yealink UVC86 Bundles E2-E4 (1-3 Wired Table Mics + 1-2 Soundbars)

Yealink UVC86 Bundles E10-E14) (1-2 Ceiling Mics + 1-4 Ceiling Speakers)

Yealink UVC86 Bundles E20-E25) (1-4 Wireless Table Mics + 1-2 Soundbars)

BYOD Wired Modules & Extenders – for rooms with floor voids

Icron Acroname Hub & Cable Kit for BYOD over Cat6 into HP Poly MTR

Logitech Swytch BYOD Kit

Yealink BYOD Extender for Windows based MTRs & ZRs

Yealink BYOD Module for Android Bars & Meeting Boards

Cable Kits for Neat.Bar.1 BYOD Bar

Cable Kits for HP Poly Studio X30, X32, X50, X52, X70, X72  Series Android systems

Cable Kits for DTEN Bar & D7X systems

BYOD Wireless Transceivers – for rooms with solid floors or wire-free approach

Barco Clickshare CX20

Barco Clickshare CX30

Barco Clickshare CX50 Gen.1

Barco Clickshare CX50 Gen.2

Screenbeam 1100Plus

Yealink Roomcast

Contact Us

For more information or to place an order, please contact our Sales Team!

VideoCentric’s extensive range of products, most of which are integrated into complete solutions for Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet, can be demonstrated at various locations across the UK, including London, Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Leeds, and Edinburgh. Our in-house experts provide consultancy, installation and technical support to ensure you get the most out of your investment regardless of which market sector you operate in. Experience firsthand, the quality, technical innovation, quality & reliability that set our solutions apart with unique demonstrations crafted to suit your organisation and the specific needs of your meeting spaces.

Getting Started

1. Sign In to Google Account: To use Google Meet, you need a Google account. If you don’t have one, you can create it for free.
2. Access Google Meet: Go to meet.google.com or find the Google Meet app on your device. Sign in with your Google account credentials.

Hosting a Meeting

Step 1: Start a New Meeting

1. Click on the “New Meeting” button or select “Start a meeting” option.
2. Allow access to your camera and microphone when prompted.
3. You’ll be given a meeting link to share with participants.

Step 2: Invite Participants

1. Click on the “Add people” icon.
2. Enter the email addresses of the participants you want to invite.
3. Click “Send” to send the meeting invitation.

Step 3: Customize Meeting Settings (Optional)

1. Before joining the meeting, you can customize settings like enabling or disabling the microphone and camera, adjusting the layout, or adding captions.

Step 4: Start the Meeting

1. Once you’re ready, click on the “Join now” button to start the meeting.
2. Wait for participants to join.

Attending a Meeting

Step 1: Join a Meeting

1. Click on the meeting link shared with you.
2. Allow access to your camera and microphone if prompted.
3. Click on “Join Meeting” to enter the virtual meeting room.

Step 2: Adjust Settings (Optional)

1. Before joining the meeting, you can adjust settings like your camera and microphone preferences.

Step 3: Participate in the Meeting

1. Once you’re in the meeting, you can interact with other participants using video, audio, and chat features.
2. Use the buttons at the bottom of the screen to mute/unmute your microphone, turn your camera on/off, or share your screen if needed.

Tips for a Successful Meeting

1. Test Your Equipment: Ensure your camera, microphone, and speakers/headphones are working properly before the meeting.
2. Join Early: Join the meeting a few minutes early to address any technical issues and greet participants.
3. Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet and well-lit space for the meeting and minimize background noise.
4. Be Engaged: Stay engaged during the meeting by actively participating and paying attention to the discussion.
5. Use Etiquette: Follow meeting etiquette like muting your microphone when not speaking and avoiding talking over others.
6. End the Meeting: Once the meeting is over, click on the “End call” button to leave the meeting room.

Google Meet is a powerful tool for hosting and attending virtual meetings, whether for work, school, or social gatherings. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing best practices, you’ll be able to make the most out of your Google Meet experience. Stay connected, stay productive, and happy meeting!

For more information on technology that is compatible with GoogleMeet contact our sales team today!

VideoCloud™ is a trademark originally used by to brand VideoCentric’s own service portfolio. Which was launched as far back as 2007 as VIPER (Video over IP EverywheRe).

Then based on RADVision and Codian servers housed inside VideoCentric’s own Wokingham premises. It was replaced in 2010 by a rack of resilient and secure Tandberg and Cisco VCS and MultiPoint servers owned by VideoCentric and hosted in a professional data centre in Farnborough where it took on the name VideoCloud. This included multipoint SIP and H.323 hosting, an endpoint registration service, firewall traversal and ISDN & PSTN gateways, leading the way in room system and desktop interoperability.

Scalability became a challenge and so between 2011 and 2013. BlueJeans, Vidyo and Videxio Cloud services were white labelled and integrated into the VideoCloud brand. In 2017, Videxio was purchased by Pexip of Norway and so Pexip Infinity and Pexip-as-a Service became the engine behind the VideoCloud portfolio making it one of the most powerful and flexible video communications services in the world.

Although still operating today, in 2024, the days of SIP and H.323 have passed and VideoCloud is a shadow of its previous service. Overtaken by Microsoft Teams, Zoom Meetings, Google Meet, Cisco Webex and telephony orientated services from Ring Central, Zoom and 8×8.

The importance of this history is that VideoCentric’s engineers who embarked upon this 17 year ride are still on board today. And are still offering their knowledge, skills and expert consultancy and training  to customers who have a mixed estate of cloud subscriptions where Microsoft and Google CVI licences, Zoom CRC, Pexip Connect and Webex interoperability remain as important as ever, or where public sector organisations are still preferring on-premise or secure privately-hosted services rather than those in the public domain. The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and non-European development will continue to fuel the need for VideoCentric’s expertise.

VideoCloud™ Today    

VideoCloud™ remains a trademark used by VideoCentric but as a marketing collection of offerings from 3^rd party cloud service providers. VideoCentric adds value in terms of licences, consultancy, installation, configuration, administrator and user training in:-

• Meetings Licences (eg Zoom Pro, Zoom Biz, Zoom Enterprise, Webex)
• One Touch Join and Domain Hosting
• Telephony and Contact Centre Integration
• Interoperability Subscriptions (eg Zoom CRC, Microsoft CVI, Google Meet CVI)
• SIP & H.323 Room Endpoint Registration & Firewall Traversal
• Webinars & Event Subscriptions
• AI feature expansion, storage and security

VideoCentric is H.M. Government accredited to supply such services into the public sector and demonstrate recent successes under G-Cloud into The Home Office as well as others into The Foreign Office, multiple NHS Hospitals, UK Schools and Universities. Contact us to share our experiences and make the right decisions for your organisation.

What is G-Cloud?

It is a framework agreement which has been pre-assessed by H.M. Crown Commercial Service to ensure that all sellers listed on it are able to deliver and support the specific service in a professional way. It is a contractual agreement providing any public sector organisation access to the latest innovations through cloud-based services including hosting, software licences, support services and pay-as-you-go subscriptions without the need for further scrutinization of a supplier’s credentials.

VideoCentric has been on G-Cloud since G-Cloud 8 and is proud to have been awards a place on G-Cloud 14 in October 2024.

Contact our Sales Team Here!

VideoCentric offers tailored solutions to keep everyone connected and engaged.

The Challenges of Dispersed Teams

Dispersed teams face unique challenges, such as:

• Communication breakdowns: Miscommunication can easily occur when teams operate across different locations or time zones.
• Lack of real-time collaboration: Remote workers may struggle to stay connected or feel isolated without proper tools.
• Inconsistent technology: Varying office setups can lead to disjointed communication and hinder workflow efficiency.
• Employee engagement: With dispersed workforces, it can be difficult to maintain a cohesive culture and ensure employees feel valued and involved.

To overcome these challenges, organisations need the right technology to facilitate a cohesive and productive work environment.

Tailored Solutions for Remote & Hybrid Workforces

VideoCentric provides advanced video conferencing, collaboration, and unified communication solutions designed specifically for teams working remotely or in hybrid environments. Our solutions include:

1. High-Quality Video Conferencing

With tools like Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, Cisco Webex and other leading video conferencing platforms, we help your teams stay connected. Whether it’s a team huddle, client meeting, or company-wide presentation, our systems ensure high-quality audio and video so that everyone can collaborate effortlessly, no matter where they are.

2. Cloud-Based Communication Platforms

Our cloud communication solutions allow teams to stay connected via chat, video, and voice calls, all through a single, unified interface. Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Cisco Webex provide a secure, scalable way for your teams to collaborate in real-time.

3. Collaboration Tools

For teams to work together effectively, we provide interactive displays and collaboration hubs that allow real-time file sharing, annotation, and co-creation. These tools bridge the gap between in-office and remote teams, ensuring everyone has equal access to information and can contribute seamlessly.

4. Remote Meeting Room Management

Our remote management solutions ensure that all your meeting rooms across locations stay functional and efficient. With systems you can monitor and manage your AV equipment, troubleshoot issues remotely, and keep your teams connected without disruptions.

5. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Solutions

Our BYOD solutions allow employees to seamlessly connect their personal devices to company infrastructure, ensuring remote workers can participate in meetings without hassle. VideoCentric offers plug-and-play systems with the flexibility to connect to any device or platform.

Enhancing Productivity with Dispersed Teams

With VideoCentric’s expertise, your business can:

• Reduce travel costs: Connect with teams, clients, and partners via video without the need for expensive travel.
• Improve decision-making: Real-time collaboration ensures that important decisions can be made faster.
• Boost employee engagement: Keep employees engaged and motivated with user-friendly tools that support their preferred ways of working.
• Simplify IT management: Our managed services reduce the burden on your IT teams by providing ongoing support, updates, and troubleshooting for your collaboration tools.

Why Choose VideoCentric?

With over 20 years of experience in designing, implementing, and supporting video conferencing and unified communications solutions, VideoCentric is your trusted partner for creating flexible, efficient, and highly productive remote work environments. We work closely with you to understand the unique needs of your dispersed teams and provide bespoke solutions that drive success.

Contact our Team Today!

The Not So Well-Known Hangouts Meet

Quietly launched in 2017,  Google Hangouts Meet was added to the Google business productivity suite, G-Suite, to provide HD Video Meetings via a browser or app.

Provided as a business alternative to the consumer Hangouts, Meet provides a simple way to call straight from Gmail and schedule meetings within Google Calendar, alongside a plethora of features historically found within professional Video Conferencing and Collaboration tools.

With Hangouts Meet available for those using G-Suite across their organisation, Google’s business platform is continuing to grow as a strong competitor against Microsoft’s leading UC Cloud Platform, Office 365 – a success that has ousted all of the the mainstream consumer technology providers to rethink their focus, and look at how they can squeeze into, or successfully expand in the business market (just look at the last 24 months of roadmaps and announcements from Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Google etc. etc…)

A brief “VS” explanation – Confused with what’s compared with what? Think “Microsoft vs Google”, “Skype vs Hangouts”, “Skype for Business vs Hangouts Meet”, “Teams vs Groups”, “Office 365 vs G-Suite”

Someone Re-canned that Can Of Worms

(Cue Google Branded Can Opener)

A few years ago, you may recall I wrote a blog on Skype to anything Video Conferencing, where we delved into the challenges of communicating with the consumer platform in the business world.

In case you don’t want to read the full past blog, in summary; following the purchase of Skype by Microsoft and ultimately leading to the Skype for Business brand, the closed architecture, non standards-based approach effectively chose to ignore the two decades of efforts in developing standards and protocols aimed at achieving any-to-any Video Communications across the globe.

Skype, Cisco SX80, desktops & meeting rooms all within one conference space – Skype to anything!

Microsoft, stuck with their preferred island approach (there’s definitely business sense for them in it), causing headaches and confusion amongst customers to say the least, many of whom didn’t realise the complexity and challenges they would come up against just wanting to talk between their meeting room and their desktop.

A few years on, the likes of VideoCentric and a small handful of other experienced integrators work on a daily basis to assist organisations with Microsoft environments to successfully communicate outside of their island, or with other technologies deployed across their business. There’s particular gateways, software versions, compatibility & interop challenges, lesser known devices that work well, and well marketed “Microsoft Interoperable” devices we wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. It’s been a challenge, but as integrators, our business is to make this multi-vendor communication work for you, and the Microsoft challenges are just starting to settle. Phew.

Back to Google…

So back to that Google can of worms. It’s the “our way or the highway” approach all over again. G-Suite users to G-Suite users, Hangouts Meet to Hangouts Meet – no problem. But you want to bring in a Cisco or Polycom device, or any standards-based software into a call? Communicate between your meeting rooms and desktop users, or have a catch up with a customer who doesn’t use Google? That’s a no no.

However it isn’t all frustration and headaches. Yet again, a small team of interoperability experts based out in Norway have successfully solved the Google interoperability challenge, just as they did with Skype. With their years of experience in video interoperability and transcoding, the Pexip team have successfully launched a Google Hangouts Gateway, enabling anyone in a Google environment to communicate with anyone outside their environment, seamlessly and professionally – with all the features you’d expect, whatever device you are calling from.

Google Hangouts Meet to Skype for Business?

Yes! An unlikely pairing, but one that’s now possible all the same too. Your Skype for Business users get their familiar experience, and Google Hangouts Meet users stick with theirs too. Everyones happy.

In the Cloud?

Although Pexip creates hardware on-premise based solutions, the future of collaboration technology is in the cloud. VideoCentric are now dedicated to cloud-based services for video-based communications, and with this, comes Google Hangouts Meet interoperability in the Cloud.

Using the Pexip transcoding engine as a platform, VideoCentric and Videxio together with the Google Cloud, provide a cloud-based interoperability service for your G-Suite, so that you can call in from any standards-based video conferencing system on SIP or H.323, Microsoft Skype for Business/Office 365 or browser client and hold secure professional video meetings, without the need for hardware.

Keep Creating the Islands – Norway’s on the Case

It seems that whilst the big players are competing with China for the “most islands created in the 21st century” award, our Norwegian friends will keep doing what they do best – creating stable & interoperable technology that brings people together, not islands them apart.

If you’d like to talk further about Google Hangouts Meet interoperability, whether on-premise or in the cloud, or to find out about professional meeting room endpoints for your meeting spaces within your Google environment, get in touch today – our team can arrange a demonstration, share information and pricing, and help your business be more open and collaborative with anyone, anywhere, anytime.