What is a Wireless Presentation System?

Wireless Presentation System Definition

A Wireless Presentation System is a media streaming device that enables one or more users to wirelessly present content from a PC, tablet or smartphone on a bigger screen, using screen mirroring technology. This technology is suitable in various collaborative environments such as meeting rooms, conference rooms, huddle spaces and classrooms.

What is a Wireless Presentation System used for and when do you need one?

Wireless Presentation Systems play an important role in terms of information sharing in collaborative working environments. These systems enable users to send different types of content (desktop, docs, images, videos, and apps) together with audio from any device to a projector, large monitor or TV. Thus, multiple users can seamlessly present, share, and exchange ideas on the displayed content —without restrictions. Wireless Presentation Systems are used for a range of applications, such as:

• Connecting a laptop, desktop PC, smartphone or tablet to any TV wirelessly
• Streaming or mirroring video and audio from any device onto a bigger screen or projector
• Enabling interaction between users through sharing content on a common screen

Where to use Wireless Presentation Systems?

Wireless Presentation Systems allow audio/video collaboration suitable in facilities, such as:

• Small to large meeting rooms
• Conference rooms
• Huddle rooms and huddle spaces
• Classrooms and lecture halls

Benefits of using a Wireless Presentation System

Multi-Platform Devices
Plug-and-play-friendly, these systems can be easily used with almost any display or projector for quick presentation sharing from any device including desktop PCs, Macs, laptops, iOS/Android phones and tablets.

Multi-User Collaboration
Multiple users can access the system simultaneously for a simple and smooth presentation experience. The system provides great interactivity, perfectly suitable for open-forum discussions in meeting rooms of any size.

Long-Range Wireless Connectivity
A Wireless Presentation System covers a large signal range, that is suitable even for large rooms, where users can show their presentations over distances up to 90 metres.

Streaming over LAN, WiFi or dual network mode with guest segmentation
A Wireless Presentation System can support LAN (cabled) and WiFi (wireless) deployments, as well as a dual network mode. For instance, employees can connect through the corporate network, while guests connect wirelessly, all without compromising corporate network security. This is useful when a Wireless Presentation System is connected via Ethernet to a corporate network and guests join a meeting to collaborate alongside corporate users.

Compact and Mobile with "No Strings Attached"
Wireless Presentation Systems are usually slim compact devices, ideal for room-to-room usage or discreet mounting behind a screen or projector. While the system requires cable connections to the display, network and power socket, the users are connected wirelessly and as such spared from unnecessary clutter.

HDMI and VGA Compatible While legacy interfaces such as VGA are still found in enterprise environments, it's advisable to choose a Wireless Presentation System that offers both analogue (VGA) and digital (HDMI or DVI) interfaces. Although VGA can technically carry a 1080p signal, fewer and fewer displays or projectors with VGA interfaces are available. HDMI displays are the most effective and future-proof way to match the source's definition.

Centralised Presentation Management Many Wireless Presentation Systems are also able to provide mediator functions to manage the presentations. The systems come with bespoke web-based interface software which makes it easy to moderate presentations from several users. Attendee contributions can be managed through touch control on a display or via a mouse, allowing users a straightforward path to rearrange a presenter's screens.

Hotspot Capability With built-in wired and wireless connectivity, these devices can also be deployed as a stand-alone access point. Through a built-in wireless access point, wireless presentation systems allow users to create hotspots in which multiple users can access a display simultaneously or connect to a wireless guest LAN – or do both at the same time. Depending on hardware limitations, this means that as many as 254 users could have simultaneous access, allowing for a smooth transition between presenters.

Secure Wireless Presenting

A Wireless Presentation System gives the administrator a granular level of control. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) tools allow the administrator to act as the gatekeeper, not only authorising user access to the main display but also controlling internet access. The devices come with an on-screen key access or line-of-sight and password protection, and allow multiple collaboration modes:

• Open: users freely share content to the display
• Screen key: requires line-of-sight to share
• Moderated (with password): moderator approves/rejects items before they are displayed, which is especially important in education settings
• Option for AES-128 encryption of transmitted content

Which is the best Wireless Presentation System to choose?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your company have the ability to effectively manage presentations from multiple presenters in real-time?
• Do you dedicate a significant amount of time to ensure meetings, where multiple participants should present and share content simultaneously, run smoothly?
• Do you notice an inevitable delay between presentations when different devices are used?
• Does your present system allow multiple users to effortlessly switch between source displays?