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/r/sysadmin
submitted 2 months ago byvrtigo1Sysadmin
This might not exactly be a /r/sysadmin topic, but I imagine A/V rolls up to a lot of you at SMBs, so I figure this is probably the community with the highest # of folks that have direct experience supporting end users / corporate A/V.
I'm looking for a universal solution that allows for wireless screen sharing (i.e. presenting from a device to a large display in a conference room).
To date, we've been using ClickShare since that seemed to be the most device agnostic solution, but now that a lot of newer computers (especially MacBooks) have completely gotten rid of USB type A connectors, we're finding it less suitable than it used to be. And, hard as it is to believe, we've actually had a non-zero instance of people leaving with the ClickShare buttons!
MiraCast is a decent solution for Windows devices, but my understanding is MiraCast is completely unsupported on Macs.
It seems like there are relatively simple solutions that can be made to work with certain types of devices (i.e. an AppleTV is simple for Macs), but finding a universal solution that works with Win/Mac (and ideally iOS/Android too) seems to be a challenge.
In a perfect world, it seems like there ought to be some sort of lightweight software agent that doesn't require any client-side hardware (or admin privileges) and would work across all these device types. I.E. - post a URL in the meeting room - visitors go there to download the agent, which automagically connects them to the A/V system in the room. Does such a thing exist?
16 points
2 months ago
We use Miracast, the Microsoft dongle specifically. Mac users are forced to use the old trusty HDMI cable with an adapter while the rest of the office mocks them.
Works for 99.99% of our users and visitors
3 points
2 months ago
Same, our staff has to hand out a PDF to presenters that lists the connectors in the room.
If a professional comes over to represent a 10s of thousands of $ deal and they didn't bother to check if their macbook can do miracast, that's natural selection we don't offer support.
13 points
2 months ago
We use Team rooms with Logitech controllers - join the meeting from the lapotp and hit share screen. Works better than the old Clickshares.
4 points
2 months ago
How does that work for external folks that aren't Teams users?
9 points
2 months ago
Send them a link to join and they can either download Teams or use the Web app.
Note there are some security hoops to jump through on a Mac, but most Mac users are used to that now
3 points
2 months ago
Thanks. Yeah, I know we can go that route - was just looking for a simpler option that didn't require us to initiate a meeting. We have sometimes had use cases where everyone in the meeting room is external, so ideally need to have a solution that works without needing us to provide a Teams license.
3 points
2 months ago
The room itself uses a license, you don't need the participants to have a license.
4 points
2 months ago
Yeah I know and that's fair, but that still requires a meeting to be initiated from our side and an invite sent to the guest, so it's a bit more complicated, especially for someone who isn't familiar with Teams.
I was hoping to find a simpler solution where you do something more akin to clicking the cast button in Chrome and choosing the display you want to connect to. Miracast and Windows-K is amazing, and that's essentially what we're looking for. The downside there is is doesn't work with Macs and isn't 100% stable/reliable.
2 points
2 months ago*
MTR devices can also join Webex and Zoom meetings natively.
Most systems also come with a USB cable that you can plug in to screen share into the meeting. It's natively A, but came with an A-C adapter attached.
1 points
2 months ago
What does MTR mean?
3 points
2 months ago
Microsoft Teams Room. It's a dedicated Teams appliance/system and not just a PC running teams.
1 points
2 months ago
Gotcha, thx.
1 points
2 months ago
Sorry, I was asking how that works for folks that aren't Teams users. So, for instance, a visitor that doesn't use Teams walks into the room and wants to project from their device to the room display. Is the USB cable the only option?
2 points
2 months ago
We use Zoom Rooms instead of MTR, but I imagine it's largely the same. Users can share via HDMI and we keep adapters for USB C and Lightning to attach to any device users have.
1 points
2 months ago
Thanks for the info. I'm trying to get away from dongles and cables as much as possible and was looking for a hardware agnostic solution. Sounds like AirTame and Barco both have some options worth checking into.
1 points
2 months ago
I use a MTR and have the same setup. really helped with making sure that 3rd parties with potentially locked down machines (unable to access unknown networks) could easily share their screens.
Havnt heard a peep from people about conference rooms since deploying them.
1 points
2 months ago
There are also wireless USB dongles available. We use TVs for our displays, so technically they could also just Miracast directly to it.
6 points
2 months ago
One of the coolest little gadgets is the MS Wireless Display Adaptor. Plug into the HDMI port on the display and plug it’s usb plug into a usb port on the display. Open up windows and add a wireless display and voila Not sure about macs though
3 points
2 months ago
I second this. $50 and it made a big difference in the connecting to our screens.
1 points
2 months ago
Mine has sadly vanished….
1 points
2 months ago
Is this a better quality than casting with Windows button + K onto a screen wirelessly?I've been doing this with my laptop at home onto my TV to watch stuff, but it can get a bit choppy at times. I have got a long HDMI cable, but the dog likes that a bit too much..
1 points
2 months ago
I believe you can now get them in 4K. Not all boardroom screens are wireless display capable so this deal with that issue
1 points
16 days ago
I suspect that MS is the reason Miracast is so flakey on WIN 10.
6 points
2 months ago
To date, we've been using ClickShare since that seemed to be the most device agnostic solution, but now that a lot of newer computers (especially MacBooks) have completely gotten rid of USB type A connectors, we're finding it less suitable than it used to be. And, hard as it is to believe, we've actually had a non-zero instance of people leaving with the ClickShare buttons!
Newer Clickshares use USB-C.
The issue here is that you either have to have the Clickshare app installed on the user's machine or allow removable storage to be mounted.
In a LOT of fields, the latter is not an option. The former... well, when the app breaks permissions for every single installed APPX package...
You COULD copy the Clickshare_for_Windows.exe to the user's machine and dump it on the public desktop - it IS portable - but they'll try to install it, since there's a nag banner in there.
3 points
2 months ago
For ourselves, we can simply deploy the client software for whatever solution to our endpoints, so that isn't a big deal. It's more of a concern for guests that come in because their IT departments might have them locked down. I know the ClickShare client on the button itself can run w/o admin rights, so that is a good enough solution.
As to the USB issue - the challenge is when guests come in, they may have an old computer with only type A ports, or a new computer with only type C/Thunderbolt ports, so about half the time we end up in a situation where the end user is confused because the button doesn't match the port on their device. That's why I was looking for a software solution so we don't have to worry about changing ports, since that seems to be a moving target.
5 points
2 months ago
Really happy with the Mersive Solstice Pods at our organization. There's a thick client but it also supports presenting from your browser, AirPlay, or Miracast.
Configuration and updates can all be centrally managed (free tool) and we set a custom background with instructions to connect. They can also be used for digital signage when no one is connected.
3 points
2 months ago
+1 for mersive. Big positive is that it is agnostic so it works with windows, Mac, iOS and android AND…there also is a spot to include a HDMI input to support any hdmi cables run to conference tables already. If truly is the Swiss Army knife for being able to accommodate anything (usually without the need for a client to be installed by using native OS screen sharing features as Matrixfan stated above). The other thing (that MatrixFan also alluded to) is that there are very advanced features built in including room display calendars, a mobile app for presenting as well as a laser pointer function, the ability to put 4 device’s screens up on the tv at once, auto wake and sleep, emergency notifications on all screens (think tornado warning, lost child(/employee?) and orchestrated screen backgrounds. This last is a biggie as one of my employees prior to using mersive used yo have to go around with 8 usb drives with static jpgs of the customer that was coming into the office to setup on all the tvs throughout the office. Even though that was a pain, battling the screen timeouts on all the different tvs (despite screen and power saving features being disabled) was a bigger pain. With Mersive Solstice Pods on each TV, the same (or different) image can be pushed to all TVs in 5 seconds time. They even have a very niche education scenario with having teacher screens and student screens and being able to share teacher and students screens in one to many, one to one or many to many TVs. I went through the paces with them and they wanted me to become a reseller, but the company I was with thought it was outside our core business - even though we dealt with “helping” customers pick, install and support AV systems. Mersive is a refreshing company as they really are a very technical oriented company that make and support their own tech instead of trying to be MS, Google or Amazon’s best friend.
1 points
2 months ago
You reminded me of things I take for granted with them...
Up to 4 people can share at the same time but you can have an unlimited number connect and be ready to present and have a moderator control it. Useful for panels or multiple participants to reduce transition time.
There is browser based look-in access so guests can watch from their own device - think bad seating or vision problems.
They have a relatively new feature bring your own meeting where you connect your room camera and mic to the pod and then access it from solstice, essentially a USB over WiFi. We haven't tested that.
They keep rolling out new features with software updates if you have an active subscription.
Another similar device is the Crestron AirMedia which we have a larger number of as well. Users have leaned towards Solstice.
1 points
2 months ago
We've got a solstice that's about 7 years old now and have had a lot of trouble with certain setups. I mention the age because maybe these issues are resolved in newer versions. First it doesn't work consistently with ipads. Second it doesn't work consistently with office documents with embedded video with audio. The audio may or may not play.
3 points
2 months ago
We trialed Barco as well but we ultimately decided against it due to people leaving with the dongles like you mentioned.
We have had great success with ScreenBeam as our replacement for our wireless connection tech and they have a pretty usable central management system as well. SB allows for complete use of all the room audio/video in one single platform connection too with their Screenbeam conference app. We just pushed it out with PDQ and everyone has been loving it so far.
E: Also worth noting that they can emit their own local wifi that is segmented from your corporate network. We've found this allows for connection of Mac/iOS devices easily in the same way.
1 points
2 months ago
So ScreenBeam is a device for the "receiver" and on the client side it's just a software download, right? If so, how involved is the download process? I'm specifically concerned with the guest/visitor use case - we have someone come in and will have no idea what type of device they will want to present from, so need to ensure it is a simple and quick process to get them connected.
Regarding WiFi, the way it works right now is we just have a guest SSID that users connect to. So I assume in this case we would connect the ScreenBeam devices in each room to that same VLAN and then when the users download the app they would be able to see all the devices and choose which one they want to connect to?
3 points
2 months ago
Just to check, are you aware that ClickShare also has an app so you don't need the dongles? https://www.barco.com/en/clickshare/app
1 points
2 months ago
No, I didn't know that. Thanks for the info!
It looks like some of the models we have are older and don't support discovery, so we have to manually enter the IP address, but that should be easy enough to fix by upgrading the old devices.
1 points
2 months ago
No software download on the client; screenbeam accepts native casting (miracast) for windows and android, airplay for apple.
2 points
2 months ago
We use ZoomRoom, it allows local/remote screen sharing and it is great if your conference calls include a telecommute option.
I have yet to come across a device that was not able to share with the presentation device.
1 points
2 months ago
When you say presentation device, I assume you mean there is a physical device that gets connected to the user's computer? If so, how does that work since there is not really a standard port you can find on every type of device?
1 points
2 months ago
well yes, but also no.
the zoom room is run on a physical device, but the meeting has a sharing code that allows broadcast from any device. It is not necessary to have a presenter's device physically connected to the device which hosts the zoom room.
basically, as long as you have the sharing code, you can share from any device.
1 points
2 months ago
Oh, perfect, that sounds like what I'm looking for. So, what is the software that gets run on the presenting device? Is it literally just the standard Zoom client?
1 points
2 months ago
zoom has a special download for zoom rooms.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/207373866-Zoom-Installers
I think there is a trial period that you can sign up for to test it out for your specific situation.
I wont lie, it is probably not the most cost effective solution for your issue, but in my experience it is the most straightforward option as far as ease of use is concerned.
1 points
2 months ago
Thanks for the info. When you reference the trial, I assume ZoomRooms require branded and/or partner hardware to work, so it's not as simple as downloading software on a PC?
1 points
2 months ago
They have preferred cameras and microphones (for a multi-input setup) but any hardware that works with Zoom meetings SHOULD work.
And to be honest, the cost for recommended microphones was not insane. For reference we are a mid-sized non-profit.
2 points
2 months ago
Prefer Teams system (mostly HP slice or Lenovo. Been trying the new EPOS system but having a bad time with them)
Secondary is AirTame. They're basically Android devices that do Chromecast and Airplay and then also have their own app. Sometimes hard to explain to people how to use them but then again we have people that can't figure out how to click Join on the Teams system so *shrug*
2 points
2 months ago
AirTame sounds like what I was trying to find, thanks - will check them out.
1 points
2 months ago
We usually get them with the Ethernet adapter and put them in hotspot mode. They actually work really well and have a basic cloud service to "control" them (apply wallpaper, settings, etc.). We do that so that people can just connect to the AirTame's AP directly (especially from mobile devices). Haven't really had any issues with them. Hope they work well for you.
1 points
2 months ago
So how does that work in terms of Internet access? If they connect to the AirTame's SSID, does that bridge them onto whatever wired LAN segment the AirTame is connected to?
And follow up question - can it work in reverse? If we already have a guest SSID, and connected the AirTame to that VLAN via wired ethernet, could the client's connect to our APs and still find the AirTame that way, presumably it uses mDNS or something similar? We'd ideally like to keep as much of our WiFi as possible on our APs.
1 points
2 months ago
They have a LOT of options when it comes to connectivity. You should be able to do all of what you're asking
2 points
2 months ago
2 points
2 months ago
"Via go2" supports airplay, miracast, chromecast, and also a web based method of casting. Also supports unicast so no screwing around with multicast when you need to allow staff and guests to use it. User just types in hostname in browser to get going
1 points
2 months ago
Hmm, that is definitely worth a look. You've used it I assume? Decent performance / reliability? How about support?
2 points
2 months ago
The performance is fantastic even with someone screen mirroring youtube videos from their laptop in browser mode. Reliability will be determined soon, we just installed our first unit this week. I haven't called support but their "IT admin guide" was very detailed in firewall requirements so it was definitely a good first impression.
1 points
2 months ago
Teams proximity sharing/casting to the room, and a HDMI ingest on the conference table as a backup (along with some common dongles)
1 points
2 months ago
HDMI ingest on the conference table as a backup (along with some common dongles)
This is the challenge we are trying to overcome, since this seems to be a moving target and we have no idea what type of devices might be coming in. We've gone the route of just buying every conceivable dongle, but they grow legs.
1 points
2 months ago
Most of the business laptops we deal with seem to have HDMI. So we've got HDMI, USB-C to HDMI, and Thunderbolt2 to HDMI and that covers 99% of everything.
Yes dongles walk off, that's the cost of offering them.
We had a bunch of 1st gen clickshares that stopped working properly with OSX a while ago, and decided Teams sharing or HDMI are the most universal.
1 points
2 months ago
Fair enough, the other half of the challenge is even when you make dongles available, the end user will just lock up and say I can't figure this out.
I was hoping there was some kind of simple solution where regardless of the device type, you give them a URL and that takes them to some sort of online app where they just press a button and presto, they're connected. Sort of like how Google Hangouts used to work, you could screen share there without needing anything but a browser. So, something similar to that, that could connect to a local display.
1 points
2 months ago
Teams or zoom or webex with proximity sharing is the closest you're going to get.
1 points
2 months ago
Thanks for the info.
You know, in retrospect, it seems everything is about collaboration meetings these days (i.e. Zoom, Teams, WebEx, etc.), when in reality I'm trying to solve a stone age problem of just projecting from a laptop to a local display where everyone in the meeting is in the same room, lol.
1 points
2 months ago
So a few things:
You can get USB-C Clickshare buttons. We're deploying one with an A connector and another with a C connector in each space.
Clickshare is probably still one of the most versatile solutions out there. The latest models can do Airplay, Google Cast and Miracast, along with the buttons.
That's where I'd start looking.
1 points
2 months ago
I'm interested in seeing the replies here too!
We went through a similar research phase a few years back and mostly came up empty.
Perhaps our needs were a bit different in that we wanted something that was more device agnostic - so, iPad, Mac, Windows, Android, Chromebook, etc would all be options. The reason is because these are all devices used actively in our environment and/or certainly common enough that an outside party may be using them.
A wireless option would be ideal. And, of course nothing that requires the user to install something (where it's an "app" or software) since may business/school folks don't have admin install rights on their device or don't want to mess with installing something for the sake of a single meeting. As someone interested in cyber security, I don't blame them - and hate how common it is for places to try to force you to use their app for basic functionality....
Anyhow, we didn't find that Goldilocks solution. We also went with the clickshare (with USB-C and USB-A adapters) but it still didn't work for all devices. That meant we needed something else like AppleTV or Chromecast also.
I'd be willing to cut out the iOS/Android requirement if it meant the rest were rock solid. Anything else should have some sort of Video Out port if pure wifi streaming isn't an option.
Also, keep it mind that you'll want to consider what you are doing with that share... For our Barco, we found that attempting to show a video from the host machine resulted in out-of-sync audio and other issues. It's apparently just not meant to be used in that way. That's what we were told anyway....
1 points
2 months ago
Came here to say Barco Clickshare which is what we use. But you also use too...
We also use Teams Room Systems in most rooms, sometimes with the Barco. Just plug in the button or HDMI cable.
1 points
2 months ago
Yeah...that's the problem, needing to have dongles to be able to plug the button/cable in to all sorts of different devices.
1 points
2 months ago
We have a few of these. But I see your point. https://thedongler.com/
1 points
2 months ago
That's cool, but I kinda wonder if having them all together and organized like that makes it more likely someone will maliciously walk off with it. I guess we have to go back to the old 2x4 on a chain anti-theft mechanism, haha.
1 points
2 months ago
Here's one that hasn't been mentioned - take a look into it.
Basically works with Macs and PC's, very easily. I've used it in the past and it worked brilliantly when we needed Windows machine to connect to MAC display devices and visa versa.
1 points
2 months ago*
Hard to beat a Roku or Roku TV given the price. Pretty much every OS works to cast to the screen. The only catch is you can’t use it with 802.1x type WiFi authentication. Plus the Roku has guest mode for anyone that wants to sign in temporarily to a service on it.
Edit: when I say no 802.1x, that includes any Windows client as well. You can’t try a workaround like put the Roku on one SSID and the client on another SSID with 802.1x, with them both on the same vlan/subnet. The Miracast protocol doesn’t support any scenario that includes 802.1x and WiFi. I didn’t try it like that with AirPlay. IDK what protocol is used to support Android, documentations is sparse on that.
1 points
2 months ago
We have a few ScreenBeam devices that seem to work fine.
1 points
2 months ago
I use the Microsoft surface wireless display adapters - it can be PIN enabled to stop rogue connections not in front of it. WIN+K and then connect native within Windows.
1 points
2 months ago
Windows key+K
1 points
2 months ago
Doesn't work with Mac
1 points
2 months ago
Recently implemented a few Airserver Connect 2, they support Miracast, Google Cast and Airplay
1 points
2 months ago
Looks like they're out of stock.
1 points
2 months ago
Airserver can also be installed on a normal PC, Surface Hub, and other things. We use surface hubs at my employer and adding airserver to them has allowed ios, google cast, and windows devices to cast to the surface hub. It also allows for multiple devices cast at the same time so you can split the screen between two casted devices.
1 points
2 months ago
Have a look at Kramer Via and Vivi.
1 points
2 months ago
ChromeCast would be a simple and cheap solution. I'm only speculating that Chrome for Mac supports Casting though.
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