I'm looking for advice on how to set up a conference room audio-visual system that meets some specific requirements from our CEO. Currently, we have a desktop connected to two large TVs through a KVM and docking station, along with a rally bar that has some compatibility issues. The CEO wants to be able to connect two separate laptops at the end of the table, with each laptop displaying on a different TV. Additionally, we still need the option to use one laptop with both TVs or use the desktop with both TVs. I'm considering matrix switches, but I'm not quite an expert in this area, so any recommendations to simplify this would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Hiring a dedicated AV partner to handle this can save a lot of headaches. Your CEO probably won’t mind spending on a reliable solution that won’t require constant troubleshooting. Don’t try to piece together a cheaper solution if it’s going to complicate things—let them show off something impressive!
Check out Extron or Crestron solutions; they can handle various use cases effectively, but be ready for a hefty price tag. It's worth it for a seamless setup, though!
Yeah, it definitely sounds like you'll be giving the CEO a bit of a shock when they see the estimates!
What’s your budget looking like, and how smooth do you want this setup to be? Monoprice has some budget-friendly HDMI matrix switches that might work, but they can be slow. If you're open to spending a bit more, AVProEdge offers better options with some KVM functions. I also recommend checking out Aurora's Reax systems for a more user-friendly experience, yet they require setup expertise.
I haven’t been given a budget yet, unfortunately. It's a bit tough to plan without those limits!
You essentially need a 4x2 video matrix switch that allows for multiple configurations with your inputs and outputs. Just ensure it supports USB passthrough for your rally bar or use a dedicated USB switch for it.
If it’s just for presentations, you could also use different HDMI inputs on your TVs for laptops versus the desktop. Just make sure everyone knows to swap inputs accordingly—though I know that can get tricky with some users!
We thought of that, but our users often struggle to change inputs. We keep getting tickets for 'it’s not working,' and it’s just someone on the wrong setting!
I get that, but our IT manager prefers we handle things in-house. I’ll definitely suggest this again, though.