Tech Tuesday: Crestron AirMedia
Wireless screen sharing plays a large role in many of our boardroom AV installations. It provides an easy, convenient way to connect computers or tablets to a presentation system or display and use the full power of the microphones, cameras, and displays installed in a boardroom. However, these systems often have a few shortcomings. Presernters from outside of the organization may be unable to install the necessary drivers to use the wireless presentation system, or for organizations with locked-down networks, outside presenters may not have access to the network that the screen sharing device is on. Luckily, our partners at Crestron have developed a solution for both of these problems with the 3rd Generation AirMedia system.
This week on Tech Tuesday, we’re taking a look at the newest Crestron AirMedia Wireless Presentation System. This system features multiple ways to do wireless screen sharing and bring-your-own-device meetings beyond just using a dongle—supporting AirPlay, Chromecast, Miracast, and driver-free screen sharing.
About AirMedia
Crestron’s AirMedia systems have long been a staple of installations for adding wireless presentation to conference rooms, theatres and event spaces. The AirMedia receiver can be used to share content from a computer or mobile device on the same network using the AirMedia application, Miracast, or AirPlay. Using the AirPlay connect adapter, up to 8 screens can be shared to one reciever at the same time! There is also an AirMedia adapter, which provides a direct WiFi connection to the receiver. Now, none of this is new—the previous generation AirMedia already did all this. The big problem that you’d run into is when people from outside of your organization would come in and try to use the presentation system. Whether it’s IT policies preventing the AirMedia application from running, or outside presenters not having access to the main network, these systems can become more of a hassle than a help. However, the new generation of AirMedia has a few tricks up its sleeve to solve these problems.
Solving the IT Policy Problems
First, the screen sharing utility installation. Most screen sharing dongles require a program to install before you’re able to share your screen. This happens in the background and usually isn’t noticeable, unless your IT department has policies that don’t allow “untrusted” programs to run. This new generation of AirMedia Connect Adapters can transmit video signal sent out of a USB-C port. This means that the wireless display will show up on your computer the same way a second monitor would at a desk. You can use your device’s controls to wither extend your display or mirror it, without needing any software or drivers to run.
Secondly, the guest network problem. Most screen-sharing boxes that don’t use a dongle support one WiFi network, which shows up to share the same way an Apple TV might. However, for organizations that use a separate guest and employee network, this poses challenges for presenters that aren’t employees. To fix this, the AM-3200 supports Dual LAN connectivity, which lets you use the AirMedia on both the secure and guest network without crosstalk between networks, eliminating security concerns.
Which Version of AirMedia is right for me?
You can choose between 3 versions of the AirMedia, depending on your use case. The AM-3000 works as a basic screen sharing receiver, and can display up to 4 sources simultaneously. If you step up to the AM-3100, you’ll get additional features like wireless conferencing. The AM-3200 brings in everything and the kitchen sink—dual LAN, a hardwire HDMI input, and several different control options make this the most flexible of the line.
Additional Features
Along with its screensharing and video conferencing capabilities, the AirMedia receiver can provide additional functionality to most meeting rooms. When not being used for meetings, the AirMedia functions as a room scheduling solution and digital signage player. For organizations that primarily run meetings off their own laptops, this allows the AirMedia to function as an all-in-one meeting hub—giving you everything you need for a modern meeting room. The room scheduling can also be set up using a Crestron touch screen control panel, providing an additional scheduling display outside of the room or power, volume, microphone and camera controls inside of the room.
In Conclusion
From small to large rooms, AirMedia provides some of the highest quality and most equitable video conferencing experiences around. Crestron’s AirMedia systems can elevate the experience for both remote and in-person participants for more productive meetings. We’ve already integrated many AirMedia systems into our installations with great success, and we’re super excited about the possibilities that this new generation of receivers enables.
Interested in exploring wireless presentation and conferencing for your space? Get in touch—we’ve been designing and installing AV systems across Canada for over 40 years.