I absolutely had to choose this connection plate, because it is the simplest for teachers to use. This is actually an extender setup, but with the fact that there is only 1 wire in the wall, it is super simple to setup.
HDBaseT is the global standard for the transmission of ultra-high-definition video & audio, Ethernet, controls, USB and up to 100W of power over a single, long-distance, cable. For audiovisual, consumer electronics, and even industrial PCs, this can be a simple category cable (Cat6 or above), for up to 100m/328ft.
Without HDBaseT, it would be very difficult for me to create a wall plate connection that simply passes through USB, 3.5 mm audio, and HDMI that's reliable and easy to setup.
First off USB 2.0 is limited to 16.5 ft. Yes I can add active cable extensions, but you can't find them in-wall rated to building code. Alternatively, there are USB extenders over category cable, but the ones that don't require power are unreliable long term and the good one's that are reliable require a bigger wall plate.
With the Audio and HDMI, I would have to plan the distances from the plate to display fairly accurately without HDBaseT, because it gets really difficult to terminate these cables. Also, HDMI can be problematic through a passive connection (as in the connector in the plate).
For more information on HDBaseT, visit HDBaseT.org
Multiple USB devices through a single connection at the plate. For example, you can plug in 1 USB cable from your computer to the wall plate and control a smart board or connect a webcam.
Plug in music independent of video through a 3.5 mm jack. Some teachers like background concentration music and this system makes that easy with a phone, ipad, or anything with a 3.5mm jack.
Apple products, Macbooks, PCs, any type of smart phone, and even old VGA on 1 connectivity ring that securely attaches to the HDMI cable. That said the ring can be customized with 100s of options, so choosing the right on will be the most difficult process. The make like simple, here is what I believe to be the most applicable to the classroom.
HDMI adapters for the following:
The product page for the HDMI, Audio, USB2.0 Wall Plate has additional links to all the items you will need to make the system complete. You'll just need to decide the appropriate length of cables. The product page for the DL-AR3777 shows the process to secure the ring to the HDMI cable.
Other than this, you will need a 110v outlet for the receiver box at the display. If that is just not possible, we can run a low voltage wire from the back of the wall plate to a desired location for power. You can call me in this rare case for help.
Once you have all your cables, you just start plugging things in with power being last. It's just that easy.
]]>Keeping it simple, start with a display that is big enough for multiple size rooms, but not so big that someone has to move their head to see different parts of the presentation. Something that may surprise you is, you don’t need a 4K Display for your meetings, but the other end of this is there are not many displays for sale that are less than 4K. While most people won’t notice, I prefer a higher refresh rate so that mouse movements look seamless. This 55” Samsung display will work comfortably well up to 14 feet away
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079NH4VHR/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_RHmABb0C0F7B4
To avoid drilling holes, I’d stay with a cart or floor stand. A cart will also allow for max flexibility. The trick here is going to be easy assembly. I found one of the highest rated cart on Amazon that is the easiest to install. I own this cart myself. Here that item is.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GQLLCTA
I am no interior designer, but I will have a couple of suggestions for furniture that will function well for technology integration.
You could spend hours on selecting the right table and contacting local companies for pricing and availability. RF-AV.com is all about speed and ease, so I have done a bunch of research for you and here is what I ended up with:
Wayfair has a barrel shaped table that comes in several sizes and most importantly has grommets that you can use to pass cable through. As a guide 4 person - 6 ft, 6 person - 8 ft, and so on.
To swivel or not to swivel, that is the question. Saying you don't have a problem with the swivel, you just need something that is rated for the number of hours a meeting could go for. This mid back chair should work.
Often over looked, lighting is very important if you are hosting video conferencing. Lighting can change the persons on the other end perception from warm welcoming to fearful. I would buy 3 or 4 of lamps of whatever style you want as long as it takes a regular light bulk. 1 to the left of the tv/webcam, 1 to the right and 1 to the rear on the opposite side of the natural light. If no natural light then 2 to the rear.
Consider color temperature changing bulb so that you can match the color temp of any natural lighting. Philips makes the "Hue" and here is a link to the starter kit. $150
Here we are looking for a good wide field of view camera and mic. The Logitech Meetup is a good choice as it has a good field of view, an excellent mic, and as an added bonus, good output sound. You can simple place it on one of the 2 trays on the cart or purchase the TV mount for extra security. Another added option is the extension mic which would be handy for bigger rooms.
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MeetUp-Expansion-Conferencing-Meeting/dp/B072Q88NZC
Finally getting to products RF-AV.com offers. The main thing we are trying to accomplish is the ability of anyone walking into the room to be able to connect and present. We'll do that with a hardwired and wireless solution in the same room. We'll finish it off with some cable management.
We'll need video and USB connections and we will route through the cart, table legs, and table grommet to get to your computer.
The Logitech Meetup cam is 16 ft long. If that is not long enough, then get the USB extension cable: 16 ft USB Extension Cable Part # U026-016 (https://rf-av.com/products/u026-016). $40
HDMI VGA and 3.5 Audio Cable $ 75-115 Part# E-HDVAM-M-15 or E-HDVAM-M-19
15 or 19 ft lengths available. This will work for anyone walking in with old technology that still uses VGA. The HDMI is 4K rated.
HDMI Adapter Ring $150
Attach this ring to the HDMI part of the cable. I am recommending the part # DL-AR4074 as it covers most scenarios, but if you need other adapters follow the "Customize Your Adapter Ring" button to build your own custom option. If you're not sure what to get call us.
Wireless $600
This unit comes in at a fraction of the cost of some of the other popular options on the market (Crestron AirMedia, Barco, Kramer VIA). The best thing is you will not need to download an app. You either set it up on as a peer2peer device or configure it to your office network. Simply connect your device to the network and then screen mirror.
AutoSwitcher to Tie It All Together Part # DL-AS31-2H1V $360
The item features CEC control which will essentially wake up the display if you plug in a cable. It also auto-switches to the last thing plugged into it.
You'll need 2 HDMI cables to plug in the AirPoint to the AutoSwitcher and from the AutoSwitcher to the TV. You can pick up the E2 or M2 Series HDMI cables the have high retention HDMI connections to keep the cables in place. Here is a link to all the lengths for the M2 series HDMI https://rf-av.com/search?q=m2-hdsem $20
You can either zip tie the AirPoint and the AutoSwitcher to the back of the cart or mount them under the table. Where you place these will determine how long of cables you should get.
Cable Management $20-30
Take a look at Amazon's Best Sellers in Electrical Cord Management
Definitely get a Sleeve or floor runner and some cable ties.
Now you have a fully functional meeting room or space at a fraction of the cost of hiring a pro to do everything. The total cost for a room the supports up to 6 should be less than $5500 for the display with cart, all furniture, and all technology. Let's go back over the Bill of Material.
Meeting Room For 6 |
|||
Description | Price Per Unit | Units | Total |
Samsung Display | 600 | 1 | 600 |
Display mount | 80 | 1 | 80 |
Table | 1088 | 1 | 1088 |
Chairs | 50 | 6 | 300 |
Beautiful Lamps | 100 | 4 | 400 |
Philips Light Bulb Kit | 150 | 1 | 150 |
ConferenceCam with extra mic | 1009 | 1 | 1009 |
Connectivity | 0 | ||
^USB extension | 40 | 1 | 40 |
^HDMI/VGA Cable | 114 | 1 | 114 |
^HDMI Adapter Ring | 150 | 1 | 150 |
^Wireless Media Connection | 600 | 1 | 600 |
^AutoSwitcher | 360 | 1 | 360 |
^HDMI Cables 5' | 10.5 | 2 | 21 |
^Cable Management | 30 | 1 | 30 |
Total Cost to your company | $4942 |
Thinking about different scenarios, maybe I just got stuck in the basement floor IDF closet because door is jammed, or perhaps there is someone who walked in that's waiving a pistol around. The ability to be able to make a phone call could make the difference between staying the night somewhere you rather wouldn't or even life or death.
On the lighter side, access to data that you need on-the-fly utilizing high speed data rates can be the difference to getting a project on time and under budget. Most project plans and scope of work information is stored on the cloud. In technology you may be working with a piece of equipment and need chat support or firmware updates right now. Maybe you just ran out of the specific plenum grade wire for the job and need to order more asap.
Above all you want your technology to work and work well on the construction site. Here I will show you a couple of solutions to give everyone on the construction site to ability to make reliable phone calls and help everyone or just key personnel dramatically improve data for whatever device they bring. We will do this utilizing Wilson Electronics branded products and Cradlepoint routers. Here I will be separating cellphone reception and high speed data for better control, ease of setup and use, and on an as needed basis (maybe the phones are all fine and you just need fast data rates). The active units are rugged and durable enough to put up with harsh construction conditions and movements from one site to another. I will also be recommending some cable upgrades to make to make the system that much stronger.
There are 2 units you'll more than likely want to choose due to their ruggedness and ease of use. Both of these are 4G LTE-Advanced for the fastest mobile data available. All you will need is a sim-card from your carrier or to buy a bundled deal that includes the sim-card.
Key Features:
Key Features:
This unit is an absolute must add to either of the Cradlepoint routers listed. This is the only way (in my opinion) to maximize carrier aggregation with the least amount of bit errors. In other words, this will give you crazy fast speed. Another reason why we are choosing this unit over say an all in one wireless repeater (like the weBoost Connect 4G for example) is the ease of use and speed of setup. The Signal 4G is a direct connect amp which means you won't have to worry about all the factors of antenna placement. Just plug in the antenna, the cable to the Cradlepoint, and power up.
Key Features:
Optional Upgrades:
Finally, this is the unit to improve cell phone reception for everyone who walks onto the project site regardless of who they pay their monthly bill to. I am picking this unit over an all-in-one 4G unit for a couple of reasons:
Optional Upgrades