There is an old expression in videoconferencing: you can have a videoconference without video but you can’t have a videoconference without audio. Luckily, audio systems have progressed to the point where echos and feedback are not really a concern in designing and installing a system. However, mics continue to be a problem–where to run the wires, how to get the mics close enough to the speaker, noise from air handling systems, interference from cell phone and smart phone transmissions, etc, etc.
While video problems might be masked by various error concealment technologies, audio problems tend to be dramatic enough to cause the conference to come to an abrupt halt while people try to figure out what’s wrong. Revolabs is a company that decided to focus on the problems of conference microphones and has devised some great solutions based on wiresless digital technology. They have developed lapel, desktop and handheld wireless units that have a built in battery (with 8 hours of life *), are imperviouse to cell phone interference, and sound fantastic.
We have been installing these products in videoconferencing and audioconferencing rooms for over three years now and all of our customers have been very happy with the results. In addition, the ability to have a small wireless mic that you can place anywhere in the room opens up a lot of possibilities. For example, at the Russell D. and Mary B. Shelden Clinical Simulation Center, they recently used their 12 Revolabs microphones in a massive mock simulation to record the video and audio from various stations simultaniously.
These microphones are not cheap, but the upfront costs are offset by years of high-quality conferencing, lower number of support calls, and end-user satisfaction. And when videoconferencing systems are more reliable and conferences go more smoothly, users are inclined to use the system more and more, generating more return on your equipment investment.
Kaleidoscope now has a demonstration kit that we can bring or ship out to clients who might be interested in testing these microphones on their equipment and in their rooms. It features all the cables that you need and two microphones–a omni directional desktop microphone and a lapel microphone. Just give Scott at call at 573-424-4254 or fill out our Demo Request form and we’ll be happy to arrange to get this kit to you.
* Battery life is a concern on any rechargeable device. The batteries last 2 to 3 years of continuous use. Fortunately, Revolabs has a very reasonal advanced replacement program for all their microphone models (BTW, keeping the mics charged is the best way to preserve battery life)
