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Below are the considerations that should be made when looking conference room equipment and the standards for each kind of equipment.
Table of Contents
Overview
When equipping conference rooms, there are more to consider than just putting in the largest display that your budget can handle.
Designing a conference room you will need to keep the following in mind:
- Determine the correct size for the display
- Determine if there will be video conferencing built into the room.
- Cable pathways from the display to the location of the presenter.
- Power for the equipment
- Network for the equipment
- Mount for the display
- Location and mounting of any built-in computer
- Height from floor the display and cameras
- What is the university standard?
Based on ANSI/INFOCOMM V202.01:2016 standard
Getting the largest TV possible may not be a great idea. Sitting too close to the display could cause fatigue and discomfort as the viewer in the room will need to move their head more to be able to see all parts of a large display, especially if they are sitting close to it.
Another thing to consider while determining the correct size of the display is what content is going to be on the display. Basic Viewing will include Powerpoint and films can be seen on a smaller display, while analytical content such as account ledgers, CAD files, and medical images will need a larger display for the content to be seen clearly.
All distances are in reference to the person who is the furthest from the display.
The standard viewing ratio is that the display is 1 inch wide for every 6 inches of distance the furthest viewer is away from the display.
Examples based on a display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
| Screen Size (inches) |
Screen Width (inches) |
Distance to Furthest Viewer (Feet) |
| 43 inches |
38 inches |
19 feet |
| 50 inches |
44 inches |
22 feet |
| 55 inches |
49 inches |
25 feet |
| 65 inches |
57 inches |
29 feet |
| 75 inches |
66 inches |
33 feet |
| 86 inches |
76 inches |
38 feet |
The analytical viewing ratio is that the display is 1 inch wide for every 4 inches of distance the furthest viewer is away from the display.
Examples based on a display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
| Screen Size (inches) |
Screen Width (inches) |
Distance to Furthest Viewer (Feet) |
| 43 inches |
38 inches |
13 feet |
| 50 inches |
44 inches |
15 feet |
| 55 inches |
49 inches |
16 feet |
| 65 inches |
57 inches |
19 feet |
| 75 inches |
66 inches |
22 feet |
| 86 inches |
76 inches |
25 feet |
We strongly suggest getting the LG UR340C series TV. It is a commercial grade TV that comes with a 3 year warranty. It is rated for 24 hour service, so it will work well for digital signage as well as a conference room display. If the TV should fail, LG contracts with a repair house in Rochester that can perform on site repairs either under warranty or of course is available perform service for a fee.
We suggest using the Chief LTM1U TV mount. It is a mount for easy installation. It is strongly suggested not to use the cheap mounts from other retailers. Those mounts will often pinch the cables against the walls which will cause future issues. Some of the low clearance mounts will also not allow enough ventilation behind the unit and may cause overheating.
It is suggested that if video conferencing is desired for a space, that the system is built into the room. Avoid using equipment that requires a monthly license to use (ie Zoom Rooms). For smaller rooms a camera that is mounted underneath the display that has a built-in microphone will work well.
If the conference room is larger, it may be desirable to have multiple cameras and table top microphones so the far side participants can see and hear better. Contact Classroom Support to walk through the room to determine what is desirable based on budget and need.
The current university standard single camera video conference system is the Vaddio Venture VideoBAR. The Venture VideoBAR works well in small to large conference rooms. It can automatically Zoom in onto the active speaker in the room. Have a built in pan-tilt Zoom motor so the conference table can be easily centered in frame. External microphones can be added if needed.
It is suggested that the camera is mounted at eye level of the participants in the room. For a person sitting that height will be between 48” and 50”. This will give the appearance that the people in the room are looking at the far end participant. The TV should be mounted directly above the camera.
If a resident computer is desired, thought needs to happen for where it should be placed. Many departments have decided to mount the computer behind the display. If a Crestron Airmedia is being used for wireless video connection, access needs to be considered how the Airmedia puck will be plugged into the DisplayPort Alt Mode connector. Some computer companies will place that connector on the rear of the machine.
Just because there is a USB-C on the front of the machine does not mean that the port is compatible with DisplayPort. Check with the specification of the machine before purchasing. If utilizing a port of the rear, it may be necessary to get a short USB-C extension cord. The USB-C extension needs to be rated for video. Any cable rated for power only will not work.
Part of the consideration of a conference room needs to be the consideration of power to any activity that is going on in the space. This includes displays, camera equipment, computers and other accessories.
A 120 volt duplex power outlet is required for the display and camera. If a computer that is mounted behind the TV a quadplex power outlet should be installed instead.
For a professional appearance it is suggested that power is located behind the display. The preferred location is for it to be located above the mount so the TV can be tilted forward if needed. The will be around 6
If budget is an issue an extension cord can be used to provide power to the display and cameras. However, under no circumstances a power cord should be run across any walkways.
When the conference table is located away from the TV wall, a wireless solution should be considered. Any cables that are ran across the floor from the TV will create a trip hazard that may cause injury or damage to equipment.
It is strongly to use the Crestron Airmedia product line. In particular the Crestron AM#-111 Kit that includes a receiver that goes behind the TV and a transmitter that can be plugged into a DisplayPort Alt mode connector to utilize the TV and conference camera without installing any software.
Network is required for any computer or wireless video device that runs the TV. Other accessories may require a hardwired network connection as well. To get a quote go to support.oakland.edu to place a work order requesting a quote, location, number of drops, and an account number. Networking will work on scheduling the contractor to come and view the location with you.
For information or getting help
If you wish to get a TV and/or a conference system installed in your department please place a ticket at support.oakland.edu and we can provide and quote and walk you through the process.
Additional Support
Classroom Support and Instructional Technical Services (CSITS)
Varner Hall Rm 141
371 Varner Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
248-370-2461
csits@oakland.edu
www.oakland.edu/csits/
M – Th: 7am – 8pm | Fr: 7am – 6pm | Sa: By appt. only