Tech Decisions: Your guide to a well-equipped boardroom

commspartner — Fri, 06 May 2016 09:48:37 +0000

Part 1: The basics of display system selection for a boardroom

Executive meetings, staff meetings, client meetings, presentations, training… With so many uses, the boardroom is undeniably one of the most important spaces in your office environment. Consequently, your boardroom technology decisions are bound to have a significant impact on various aspects of your business.

Selecting the right technology for your boardroom might seem like a straightforward, budget-based task – but a number of important factors are often overlooked. This is especially true when it comes to selecting the perfect display option.

For instance, many of our clients are keen on specific display systems that they have seen in other boardrooms. Or they revamp or move to new offices, assuming that their existing technology will work just as well in the new space. However, every boardroom is different, with different technology needs.

In this first part of our boardroom technology series, we take a look at the basic factors that we consider before we make our recommendations on boardroom display systems. We also look at the differences between TV’s and projectors, and the pro’s and con’s of each.

Factors to consider:

Budget

If your room is small enough for an average sized TV, this is definitely the most cost-effective option. However, as soon as the screen requirement is larger than 65”, we start looking at projectors as an alternative.

Ease of use

Devices that are difficult to operate can cause unnecessary delays and embarrassment during meetings, with a direct effect on productivity, employee morale and visitor perception. In addition, you most likely need to cater for presenting visitors, who might use different devices to your team – or have had no training on your display system. Ease of use, including inter-operability, is therefore always top of mind when making our technology recommendations to clients.

Content

The type of content that you intend to display on your screen is one of the most important factors to consider. If you expect your attendees to read graphs and data, you need to ensure that the display is large and clear enough for this purpose.

Room size

Size matters! Along with the type of content that you wish to present on your screen, the size of your room – or more specifically, the distance to the furthest point of your boardroom table – determines how big your screen should be.

TV’s vs Projectors: What’s best for your boardroom?

Let’s have a quick look at the pro’s and con’s of each option:

TV’s

Pro’s

Easy to install
Usually has multiple inputs (3 x HDMI; multiple USB’s, etc)
Provides a crisp, bright image (particularly important for Video applications)
Depending on size, it works out less expensive than a projector and screen installation
Has built-in Audio
Low cost of ownership

Con’s

Not too many screens have VGA inputs (though this can be overcome with VGA to HDMI convertors)
Can be very expensive when looking at sizes over 65”
Take up “permanent” space on the boardroom wall

Projectors

Pro’s

More cost-effective when large images are required
Motorised projection screens do not take up “permanent” wall space

Con’s

Entry level models do not offer the same level of brightness as a TV. For this, one would need a more expensive model and specialised screen
Requires maintenance, e.g. cleaning of filters
High cost of ownership – projectors work via lamps, which have a “lamp life” of a certain amount of hours. This varies between projectors, where lamps can last anywhere between 3000 and 8000 hours. These lamps can cost several thousand rand to replace
Employees often forget to switch them off, which results in wasted lamp hours

While budget is probably the biggest consideration when choosing between a TV and a projector, it’s clear that there are various other factors that you may wish to consider before taking advantage of the latest promo at your favourite audio-visual outlet.

However, we’ve barely covered the basics! In part 2, we’ll look at some of the technical differences between the various types of TV’s and projectors available, to further assist you in making your technology decision.

At CommsPartner, we realise that the difference is in the details, no matter how small. We apply this thinking to our designs, our installations and our after-sales service delivery.

Ready to take the next step? Want to work with our professional team to assist with your project?

We will assist you with:

Consultation Services. We will identify the correct solution for your project.
Design Services. We have access to top professional brands from around the world and will quote you on the suitable solution for your project.
Project Management Services. We will deal directly with your Interior Designer, Architects, Electricians or Electrical Engineers to ensure the successful planning of the project.
Installation Services. Our installation teams are trained to handle any size Corporate Audio Visual, Video Conferencing and IT project throughout Africa. We have installation and support teams in Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa & Uganda.
Preventative Maintenance and Service Level Agreements.
3-Year Guarantee on all installation and programming work.