Without a doubt, videoconferencing solutions have emerged as one of the most sought-after products in the AV market, with customers and integrators looking for better and more flexible collaboration experiences in meeting spaces. One such solution is the TeamConnect Bar Solutions by Sennheiser. According to Ronja Harste, product manager, business communications, the product is designed to meet all room participants’ audiovisual needs while ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
Delivering High-Quality Audio and Integration
Harste reveals that when developing the videobar, a key factor was ensuring that the audio quality matched the video quality. “While good video is important, it is impossible to have a conversation without quality audio,” she says. “We [decided to] bring our trusted audio quality into this product and also leverage our knowledge from our experience with speakers, ceiling mics, speech intelligibility and beamforming technology.”
The other key factor for the TeamConnect Bar solution was providing the ability to integrate with existing AV networks via Dante AV. As an example, Harste points to how different collaboration spaces have different configurations which require more scalability options. “Some integrators and customers faced the scenario where they wanted the ability to present and have an additional handheld mic,” she explains. “In this case, we can directly connect the handheld mic to the [videobar] via Dante.” According to Harste, this seamless integration also helps extend the pickup to the entire room. “This is especially useful for remote participants,” she acknowledges.
Alongside this, the other advantage of the TeamConnect Bar solution is that it allows for quick setup and installation through the plug-and-play feature via USB. As Harste explains, the videobar has different network modes so that it eliminates the need for additional cables. “We wanted to improve the setup mechanism [for integrators] by reducing the number of connections and cables in the room,” she emphasizes.
Advantages of the Control Cockpit
The Control Cockpit feature is available on other Sennheiser products. However, it comes as a free option with enhanced integrations and capabilities for the TeamConnect Bar. “One aspect that we’ve integrated is the possibility for auto mix priorities when adding an extension mic,” states Harste. “We also have a built-in DSP functionality included in the TeamConnect bars. With this feature and the Cockpit, users have the option to set priorities for audio pickup.”
Here, users can also employ the zones — exclusion zone and priority zone — available to ensure flexible configuration as per the meeting requirements. “For example, users can eliminate unwanted noises with the exclusion zone or use the priority zone when they wish to emphasize a particular participant, or even use a combination of both [zones] as needed,” says Harste.
In addition to the zones, the TeamConnect Bar also can finetune audio/camera settings as per the environment. For instance, integrators can enable low-light compensation in dark rooms or sound profiles depending on the mounting and videobar placement. “We know that our AV integrators love to [personalize] settings, so we have included an EQ for finetuning them,” affirms Harste.
How Sennheiser Prioritizes Security
According to Harste, Sennheiser is also focused on enhancing security features for all its solutions, including the TeamConnect Bar. “In the first set of security features, for example, we have now a password-protected configuration and encrypted communication when it comes to the Control Cockpit,” she reveals. Previously, it was still possible to have different cockpit instances where one could access the devices directly. “Now,” Harste continues, “You have to claim them before really using them in a network, and make sure that you can set your own password, and that no other people can access it.” She remarks that the security features also extend to video privacy. “In fact, for the TeamConnect Bar, there is a lens cap incorporated which can really give peace of mind for users in the room as it ensures additional privacy when the room is not in use,” says Harste.
To sum it up, Sennheiser has truly simplified management and integration for collaboration spaces.
Enhancing Brand-Agnostic Integration
“One of our main goals is to provide brand-agnostic integration, allowing our integrators and customers the freedom to choose their preferred [manufacturer] partners,” says Harste. “We’ve also examined market feedback to design our solutions accordingly.” For instance, the TeamConnect Bar is certified for both Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
“Moreover, we offer robust support for media control systems, collaborating with key partners like Q-SYS, Crestron, Extron and Lightware, to name a few,” she adds. “We make it a priority to anticipate customer needs by pre-testing and simplifying integration with the most requested partners.”
According to Harste, wireless sharing is another highly requested feature. “We’ve already partnered with Barco, Airtame and Crestron AirMedia to deliver flexible, cable-free solutions in the room,” she remarks.
Looking to the Future
Even as the TeamConnect Bar has been shipping for three-to-four months now, Sennheiser is dedicated to continuously improving the breadth of the solutions. As Harste attests, “We are also monitoring how AI can help solve existing problems in meeting spaces such as how to distinguish noise from the voices.” She underscores the company’s mission to further develop the software solutions. “It is in our DNA to drive innovation in audio technology and see how we can improve them based on specific use cases,” says Harste.
Indeed, Sennheiser has demonstrated its commitment to providing the best possible user experiences for integrators and end users alike, through its innovative software and hardware solutions. As Harste concludes, “Our goal is to ensure more flexibility and capability for our customers and we shall continue to do so.”
Learn more about the Sennheiser TeamConnect Bars at Sennheiser.com/en-us/product-families/tcb.
