Wireless Presentation Systems
Published in July-August 2020
The world of education is changing, and technology is playing a key role. One of the major shifts as we emerge from the all-engulfing COVID-19, is the shift towards online education and the need to create a collaborative and inclusive educational environment. 2019 saw the Wireless Presentation System (WPS) hardware market continue to enjoy substantial growth worldwide and the sudden shift to online teaching and learning is acting as a catalyst to this growth. Here we look at a lineup of some Wireless Presentation Systems available in the market
Barco - wePresent WiPG-1600W
cross-platform compatibility allowing Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Android and iOS devices to present and interact together. WiPG-1600W also offers support for Apple AirPlay, allowing users to present using Apple’s native protocol.
WiPG-1600W offers all the features found in the WiPG-1000 plus smart and considerate upgrades. The on screen annotation and virtual whiteboard features enable presenters to highlight key points and elaborate on ideas during their presentation. Using a USB mouse plugged into the unit, presenters can annotate on screen and access conference control features for moderators without a touchscreen display.
WiPG-1600W offers a variety of connection styles to suite any environment. Using the onboard USB port, presentations of documents, media and video can be completed without any PC/Mac/mobile device.
With webslides, presenters can ensure their audience remains engaged and focused on the content being shared. With this feature enabled, all connected audience members can view content being projected to the display and any on screen annotations on their own device in real time.
Key Features Include:
- Flexible networking via wired LAN, wireless LAN or both at once
- USB connectivity
- Full 1080p resolution and low latency video streaming
- On screen annotation for more interactive presentations
- Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for flexible and simple installations
Showmi - 104A
Showmi is a Wireless Presentation System made for bring your own device (BYOD) content sharing by eliminating the need for AV, HDMI or VGA cables and allows users to share content seamlessly and professionally in small to Large-sized meeting rooms, classrooms and huddle spaces.
It supports dual Wi-Fi network protocols. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands with high sensitivity antennas to give you the best wireless display experience. It not only supports HDMI but also USB devices like flash drives, mouse and touch panels.
Key Features Include:
PC / Mac compatible: Wireless transmission via the Klick & Show TOUCH transmitter for Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac laptops and PCs to the base unit.
Airplay: Supports “Airplay” for wireless content mirroring from iOS devices, without using an app.
USB-Touch: Built-in USB-Touch function for connecting touch-displays and interactive boards.
Security: AES WPA2PSK authentication protocol for secure signal transmission.
Wireless AP: Built-in WiFi access point to set-up a standalone WiFi network between PC-sources/mobile devices and the base unit, instead of occupying an existing company/campus network. IEEE 802.11n/ac standard for transmission rates up to 1 Gbps. Choose between 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz band to minimize interference with other WiFi networks.
LAN-Network: Additional LAN port on base unit, to link mobile devices to a LAN network or internet whilst being connected to the Showmi receiver unit over WiFi.
Aurora - VLX-TC1-CF
The VLX Series utilizes Aurora’s IPBaseT technology, which synergizes various IP/AV standards to work together as one. It is reportedly the industry’s first 4K UHD transceiver with only 1.5 Frame (25ms) latency and visually lossless compression. Using a transmitter (encoder) and receiver (decoder), respectively, used to be the standard – until now. The VLX Series box or wall plates can be set up as either one to make installation, inventory, and troubleshooting easier. Another industry first is the option slot to add other IP capabilities, like Dante audio, for a more complete, distributed system. Audio, video, data, and control can be sent securely to one or many units using off-the-shelf 1G RJ-45 Ethernet switch. When the VLX is set up to be a transmitter, the 2 HDMI inputs (VLX-TC1-CF, VLX-TCW2H-C) or VGA/HDMI inputs (VLX-TCW2V-2) become a source switch and the HDMI output becomes a potential loop out. When set up as a receiver, a user can select the local HDMI inputs or an IP source. Fast-switching of the sources further enhances the presentation (Matching source resolutions and frame-rate required). Regardless of how the VLX is set up, the audio can be de-embedded at any location, and/or be sent to or received from a Dante enabled device. The USB is also flexible, working as a KVM and/or a high-speed data transfer (50Mbps) for memory sticks. Each VLX USB feature can also be set as a host or a device. To keep the system friendly, an OSD and integrated web server are available for easy navigation and setup of features. Digital signage, education, corporate, and residential are just a few markets which benefit from the flexibility and low cost of the VLX Series.
Key Features Include:
- 4K visually lossless over 1Gbps network
- Low 1.5 frame latency
- 1080p to 4K, 4K to 1080p scaling
- HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2
- Secure Content Encryption
- Unlimited scalability (based on network topology)
- Videowall with image rotation
- PoE (Power over Ethernet)
- Stereo line I/O
- RS-232 and IR Control Ports
- Auto sense switching
- USB 2.0 Host and Device Ports
- Dante IP audio option
Viewsonic - ViewSync3
The ViewSonic ViewSync 3 wireless presentation gateway offers a convenient AutoProject function for USB wireless presentations. Whether in meeting rooms or classrooms, presenters can easily plug-n-project from their own laptops via a wireless auto-projection USB dongle, instead of using a VGA cable or traditional wireless presentation setups, decreasing setup time and cutting back on monotonous procedures.
With bundled presentation software, it helps the presentation host to enhance interaction capabilities in large-scale meeting/class environments. Moderator mode allows 50+ simultaneous connections from attendees’ PCs or NBs. The host can preview all connected screens before broadcasting, and can choose any linked screen to present. In seconds, the chosen presenter’s ideas can be shared with all.
The ViewSync 3 supports laptop wireless 2.4G / 5GHz projection, Screen Mirroring and DLNA Media Streaming from your tablet or smartphone. It can support any of the above connection protocols and devices without a manual switch. Users can quickly connect to the ViewSync 3.
2.4GHz is a very popular bandwidth for most wireless devices, which can easily cause transmission lag. The advantage of a 5GHz network is that it can have twice the link speed, which increases the quality for multi-media broadcasting. WiFi Dual Band support utilizes flexible usage, by providing either 2.4G or 5GHz network.
The bundled software allows real-time annotations on content displayed from Windows or Mac laptops. These changes can be saved and updated instantly, allowing the presenter and laptop-connected audience simple, yet effective interaction.
With a built-in HDMI port, the ViewSync 3 receives and transmits Full HD 1920 x 1080 images.
Extron - ShareLink Pro 500
Extron ShareLink Pro 500 enables anyone to present wired or wireless content from their computers, tablets, or smartphones onto a display for easy collaboration. It features streaming technology that supports simultaneous display of up to four devices, including an HDMI-connected device, and dynamically update the display layout as new content is shared or removed. The HDMI input supports wired connections from any connected source in the room. To support a wide range of environments, ShareLink Pro has collaboration and moderator modes that facilitate both open and controlled environments. When used with Extron GVE – GlobalViewer Enterprise software, multiple units can be managed across an enterprise or campus. ShareLink Pro’s professional capabilities provide easy integration of AV and mobile devices into meeting, huddle, collaboration, and presentation spaces.
Key Features Include:
- Wirelessly share content from mobile devices
- Provides full screen mirroring for all devices
- Supports 802.1X Authentication
- Supports Mac and Windows computers as well as Apple and Android tablets and smartphones
- Extron ShareLInk Pro macOS app
- Dedicated app provides consistent user experience across platforms
- View up to four pieces of content simultaneously from any connected user
- Easy setup and commissioning with Extron PCS – Product Configuration Software
- Wired and wireless sources can collaborate simultaneously
- HDMI input supports computer and video resolutions up to 4K
- HDMI output supports computer and video resolutions up to 4K (ShareLink Pro 1000) or 1080p (ShareLink Pro 500)
- Compatible with TeamWork Show Me cables (ShareLink Pro 1000 only)
- Collaboration mode allows any attendee to display content and control the presentation
- Moderator mode ensures only approved users’ content is displayed
- Display codes ensure content is delivered only to the selected display devices
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet enables segmentation of guest and private networks (ShareLink Pro 1000 only)
- Fully customizable welcome screen
- Display control options over HDMI connection include CEC (ShareLink Pro 500) or RS 232 and CEC (ShareLink Pro 1000)
- WebShare technology displays slide images on attendee’s personal devices via a Web browser
BenQ - InstaShow
BenQ’s InstaShow wireless presentation system removes challenges like restricted number of users, wrestling with cables and logging onto the network and speeds up learning by enabling users to wirelessly present by simply plugging in the InstaShow button to their devices and tapping it to share content to projectors and flat panels in the room. There is no software or app in order for it to run on a laptop, and no need to log onto the school’s network, and with its standard HDMI interface – will connect to any HDMI classroom source such as document cameras, media players, and digital microsopes. The system also sets a new benchmark in the number of participants or devices that can be shared, with up to 16 students (InstaShow WDC10 model) or even up to 32 students (InstaShow S WDS20 model) connected to the system. With InstaShow, not only does the whole class have the potential to join in, but up to four students at a time can share their screens simultaneously to the display instead of the typical two that are allowed with most systems.
The latest model, which released in Q4 2019, InstaShow S, supports mobile phone and tablets as well as allowing Windows laptop users working in classrooms with interactive displays to command their laptop right from the touch screen, opening files, controlling video playback, changing documents, and then saving them to their notebook. There’s no running back and forth from laptop to the front of the classroom. Now teachers and students can present and learn at the speed of the future.
InstaShow S can maintain stable wireless connections even in less-than-ideal Wi-Fi environments. Equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/n for transfer speeds of up to 700Mbps*, InstaShow S facilitates easy and smooth sharing of presentations, pictures, documents, and Full HD video.
*300Mbps over 2.4G; 400Mbps over 5G.