Q&A: Why VDO360 Focuses on USB Market for Video Conferencing

VDO360’s Chip Manning talks video conferencing cameras, why USB rules and what not to do during tricky video installs.

CI Staff

Once upon a time, a codec required an engineer to just keep it running. Today video cameras capture entire rooms of people conversing with remote employees and facilitate unified communications across markets like corporate, health care and government.

Chip Manning, principal and COO at VDO360, took the time to speak with CI about the company’s new products, sales as well as technical tips, and how managing accessories well is the best way for installers not to get tripped up during a project.

What would you say to dealers who are already familiar with your product line?

We have just released two new products. Clearwater is the award-winning Compass camera with an Intel i5 PC right inside. The package includes camera/PC, win 10, Esquire 2 Harman Kardon Bluetooth Speakerphone, wireless keyboard and cables to create a truly wireless system. The Saber is a USB3 camera with 1080P 60FPS, YUY2 uncompressed video to the PC, 12X Zoom, 72.5 FOV and DVI-I (HDMI) provides an incredible video picture.

What would you say to dealers who are stumbling across your company for the first time?

VDO360 manufactures and distributes a complete line of USB HD PTZ Cameras. The opportunity in video conferencing has moved to the cloud. Services like Skype, Go To Meeting, Zoom and others are providing affordable conferencing services. To bring that video call into the conference room, you need a large monitor, a decent USB speakerphone and a high quality USB HD camera. We make the camera that provides outstanding video.

Tell us about one particularly interesting installation of your product.

Our cameras are used everywhere. In education, both distance learning and lecture capture applications. In Telemedicine, our cameras are being installed on mobile medical carts. Federal and State agencies are using our cameras for everyday video conferencing requirements. And of course businesses are using our cameras, not just in the executive conference room but in multiple work spaces throughout the organizations. 

Besides the usual, what really specific thing differentiates you from your competitors?

We simply use technology that provides the best picture. Whether in USB 2.0 or 3.0 our picture quality is viewed by most as the best in the market. We focus only on the USB market, so we are specialized and dedicated to the cloud based conferencing environment. We are the manufacturer and we listen to our users. Each new product addresses feedback received directly from our end users. 

What’s the best sales tip/tactic you’ve come across?

Bring this technology to your customers, don’t wait for them to come to you. Also, companies like Microsoft are pushing this technology in their Skype for Business product to their users. Find your local Microsoft rep. They need a good USB PTZ camera solution.

What one technical tip can you offer about installations?

Mount the camera, under or over the monitor, wherever it is closest to eye level.  Make sure the lighting is decent, sometimes just changing the bulbs in the light makes a big difference in video quality.

Where do dealers typically get tripped up on installs?

Accessories! USB 2.0 limit is 16 ft. In many installations, the PC is further away. Most Cat 5 USB extenders do not work for USB video. We sell one that is affordable and extends 150 ft over Cat 5. Check the USB distance before the installation.

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