Yesterday, David Maldow of Let’s Do Video and Paul Richards of Conference Room Systems joined our own Nick Chong in a lively discussion about the transformation of video conference rooms from fixed physical spaces to cloud collaboration powerhouses. David focused on the big picture of video conferencing solutions while Paul showcased the best in audio, video, and collaboration technology options for your conference rooms.

During this entertaining and engaging discussion, we learned five must-know ideas and trends we wanted to share with you:

1. What kind of technology is video conferencing?

David discussed two types of technology: the right kind, which solves an existing problem, and the wrong kind, which is created, and then the inventors try to come up with the problem it solves. Video conferencing technology solved a real problem: most communication is non-verbal so phone calls just weren’t cutting it. However, the solution of creating video conferencing rooms didn’t actually solve this problem. It turns out no one wants to meet from conference rooms, or at least not to the extent or in the ways anticipated. The real solution is to use cloud platforms to bring people in from anywhere (not just conference rooms). Zoom’s Cloud Room Connector means that traditional conference rooms can now meet with anyone on mobile or desktop devices, so your old H.323 and SIP room systems are no longer collecting dust.

2. Talking about work vs. actually working

David asked, “Are you going into the meeting room to talk about work or are you going into the meeting room to do work?” Conference rooms had been used to communicate about what you have done and what you are going to do, rather than work on projects together. Cloud meeting and collaboration tools such as Zoom Rooms and the tools discussed in trend #5 are allowing people to actually work together virtually from their conference rooms.

Here’s a quick overview of Zoom Rooms:

3. All about cameras

Paul showed us a lot of cameras because there is no one camera that fits all conference rooms. He recommended you consider the field of view (how far and wide the camera will capture) and the optical zoom (you want more zoom for larger or longer rooms). Paul also discussed the benefits of using a camera with pre-sets. If you typically move between a couple positions in your room – for example, behind a podium, to the whiteboard, and to your seat – it is a more seamless experience if you just press each pre-set as you move.

4. Know your speakerphone

After cameras, Paul moved on to showing us a variety of speakerphones. Paul warned us that although people love BlueTooth speakers for their lack of wires, these speakers typically have more issues than hardwired USB speakers. For example, a cell phone or microwave in the room can disrupt your BlueTooth speakerphone.

Up until now, you had to trust manufacturers and online reviews to help you choose a speakerphone. Now you can hear the quality for yourself on CRS’s website, where they have recordings of every speakerphone they sell.

5. Many ways to collaborate

If you’ve been using Zoom for a while, you know we’re all about collaboration. We have awesome collaboration features such as screen sharing, whiteboarding, annotation, and remote control. But we were also really impressed by Paul’s display of the Sharp Aquos Board. Paul showed how you can easily whiteboard and then send or share the images from the smartboard.

If we’ve whetted your appetite for conference room transformations, we suggest checking out this complete recording of the webinar for more info. You can also learn more about Zoom Rooms and try Zoom for yourself by signing up for a free account today!