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collaborate on all the content on screen. Projects and associated data can be stored locally or in the cloud, so users can access their content from any Cascade system at any time.


Cloud computing


The benefits of storing data on a network so it can accessed any- where are immediately apparent – to those who know and under- stand. The wide availability of an array of easy-to-use web-based applications can save costs and provide greater data security. Web-based software is more effi- cient because it does not require local installation, network con- figuration or local customisation. All the user need is an Internet connection and a browser. There are concerns about the security of cloud computing, but of far greater concern is the in- formation gap that exists among small businesses users. Re- search shows that 49% of small business owners aren’t aware of cloud computing, or don’t think it’s anything to do with them. Once again, education will be needed.


Keep it real


As we look further into the fu- ture of meetings, the technology horizon gets a little more fan- ciful. Here, the objective is to overcome the objections of the ‘virtual’ meeting detractors by enhancing the digital meeting experience. Face-to-face meet- ings are said to be based on the unique sensory experiences that are


necessary connections.


All five of the senses need to be stimulated for retrievable memo- ries to be created. Critics of ‘vir- tual’ meetings say that only face- to-face exchanges can do this. A range of technologies under the ‘alternative reality’ umbrella are anticipated to simulate the sen- sory experience of face-to-face meetings.


These technologies include: projecting holographic images of remote attendees in super high resolution; conducting meetings in


virtual environment meet-


ings where participants’ avatars can experience everything from “bumping into fellow partici- pants, holding private conversa- tions in a group setting, having to leave the meeting “room” to take a phone call, and experi- encing an aural depth in which crowds become louder the closer one’s avatar gets to them.” Meeting technologies have ad- vanced considerably in recent years, with device level collabo- ration and live video streaming to the use of virtual environments - including holographic partic- ipants at face-to-face meetings all of which point to what will be possible in the near future. New technological developments will continue to push the boundar- ies of the traditional meeting in ways yet to be imagined – and the pace of the developments will continue to increase.


for heightened Crestron RL connects over the corporate LAN, making implementation easy.


We’ve all seen it: Conference room clutter. You walk into a conference room and see a plethora of cables on the table to connect your laptop to make a presentation on the TV: VGA Cables, DVI Cables, HDMI Ca- bles, audio cables etc Not any more: Crestron has developed a range of technologies that bring order and efficiency to the meeting environment.


Whether for


ference rooms or other presen- tation


settings,


classrooms, con- it was just a


matter of time before requests came for a capability that us- ers already enjoyed at home, namely the ability to wirelessly stream content from their devic- es to the screens at work. Cre- stron AirMedia is the solution to this problem.


Crestron AirMedia is a Pre- sentation Gateway. It enables end-users to wirelessly and securely display content on a TV using laptops, tablets and smartphones, bringing pre- sentation, collaboration and content sharing capabilities to small conference rooms, meeting rooms and offices that aren’t wired for an AV system.


Scalability is a further con- sideration for wireless solu- tions. When a network of devices gets bigger than just a few, how do you manage them? Crestron has devel- oped AirMedia to cater for a range of different-sized meet- ings. AirMedia supports up to 40 users and can display up to four sources simulta- neously. Remote View allows


participants in other locations to securely log in from a web browser to view the presenta- tion.


AirMedia also includes the option of a four-digit access code to ensure the presenter sends content to the correct AirMedia gateway – not one in another room.


The Lync effect


The conference room should be a place where people can be creative, strategic and pro- ductive. During the last 40 years Crestron has innovat- ed, engineered and perfected the smart conference room. That’s why more global organ- isations, such as Microsoft, The World Bank and Comcast trust and rely on Crestron


conference room solutions ev- ery day. Crestron RL is based on Mic- rosoft Lync 2013, the popu- lar and powerful server-based application that many com- panies already use on a daily basis. This Lync-based group conferencing solution goes beyond simply facilitating a connection between confer- ence


participants; it maxi-


mises the benefits of Lync connectivity in the confer- ence room while integrating all systems, including lights, shades, and AV onto one plat- form.


the


Crestron RL connects over corporate LAN, making


implementation easy. No sys- tem design or programming is needed and if a Lync server is already in use, no additional


Crestron AirMedia enables end-users to wirelessly and securely display content on a TV using laptops, tablets and smartphones,


licenses, fees, or infrastruc- ture expenses, such as MCUs or gateways, are needed. There are multiple packages available, including one, two, or no displays and include the Crestron UC Codec for Lync, a 10" tabletop Crestron touch screen control, as well as optional features such as a 360⁰ panoramic HD camera and microphones. With just one touch of a button from the Crestron RL touch screen, anyone can walk into a conference room and instantly start a collabo- ration session. Ultra-respon- sive on-screen annotation brings presentations to life in a whole new way. A simple finger swipe on a touch dis- play allows someone to make a point there and then with no wasted time searching for that elusive stylus pen! With ‘no delay’ touch re- sponse annotation is instantly shared.


Furthermore, with


Crestron RL it is possible to share a desktop with local and remote participants, view and annotate over Microsoft PowerPoint or the interactive whiteboard using the 65” or 80” touch displays - all in real time. Also adding attend- ees on the fly from the confer- ence room, is as fast and easy as typing their names.


Crestron meeting technology: prepared for the future


Find out more about Crestron’s meeting room solutions at www.crestron.eu or call +44 (0)845 873 8787.


AV News August 2014 P11


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