Creating The Perfect Video Call Setting
By: Tidal Digital Marketing
Tags: Video Call, Google Meet, Zoom Meetings, Chromecast

The world over has been getting used to new means of contact. Whether its business or banter, quizzes or Q&A’s, you’ll no doubt have been using some form of video communication in 2021. With applications like Zoom& Google Meet you can connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Although access through mobile devices such as phones and laptops tends to take preference, sometimes the experience can be enhanced by using other smart devices as well. You may have used Zoom Rooms as part of your working week already. Zoom Rooms connects the service to existing conference rooms and halls, taking advantage of the features already in place that create a comfortable conference.

There are ways to create a more wholesome experience in your living room, office or work environment as well.

With just a few digital extras you can cast your conference to your TV screen, projector or computer screen. Most households make use of casting films and TV series from phones and laptops to TV sets already. You can cast your meeting or call in similar fashion allowing you to view the action on a larger screen. There are also options to connect the feed through cables if you don’t have wireless capability yet.

Apple

If you’re an iOS user with iPhone, Mac or iPad, you can use AirPlay and apple TV to stream to your TV. Using the screen mirror function of an iPad or iPhone and the local WiFi network, you can mirror the screen of your device and view the feed in all its glory.

With a Mac, you’ll need the AirPlay option on the screen you’re casting to. You’ll find the AirPlay icon in the bar at the top of the screen. Not all TV’s are compatible, but there’s a list here — https://www.apple.com/uk/ios/home/accessories/#section-tv

Chromecast/Firestick

Other popular pieces of tech found in most homes these days are Googles Chromecast or Amazons Firestick. These devices both make use of the TV’s HDMI port. They will then act as a bridge between your device and your larger screen. There are no TV’s on the market today without a HDMI port and with or without smart functionality. These two devices will give you the added options your TV lacks.

With a screen mirroring app installed, you can cast your meeting from Android, Chrome browser or iOS. Again, all devices will need to be operating on the same WiFi network and there are plenty of tutorials to be found on YouTube, like this — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKnooboiiDc

It may be that your smart TV already has mirroring or casting functionality. In that case you can simply connect via that, without any extras needed.

Wired Connection

If you’re using a laptop for your meetings you can always connect up using just a HDMI cable. Run this from your HDMI out to the HDMI in on your TV. You may need to adjust the settings on your laptop to account for the additional screen. With this you can mirror, replace or use the TV as an extra screen. This function is especially handy if you need to control anything else at the same time, like a Power Point presentation or taking notes from the meeting.

Sound

Once you’ve set up your visuals through the screen, you may find with certain methods that the sound is still projected from your device. This can take away from the overall experience, especially if you had to position your device closer to the screen whilst you sit comfortably at the other side of the room.

With a laptop you can use a 3.5mm jack lead to take the sound to a soundbar or system. If your laptop has Bluetooth enabled, a Bluetooth speaker will also enhance the experience. Most Bluetooth speakers have microphones built in so work great for talking as well as listening. The wireless feature of the speaker means you can position it anywhere in the room giving you the advantage of both a bigger screen and better sound.

When using a mobile device, the Bluetooth speaker again provides more options for meetings. If you’re part of the video feed, positioning your phone somewhere convenient for video, does not always provide the best sound quality. A Bluetooth speaker eliminates the need to have the phone in your vicinity and gives you more options for camera angles.

Comfort in Chaos

Whatever your set up, it needn’t be tinny sound and small screens. The majority of household and offices will have all the kit you need to make your video calls and meetings a more pleasant experience. With the world set to be embracing video conferencing platforms for the foreseeable future, finding a comfortable and convenient set up is well worth a consideration.

Tidal Digital are a global Performance Marketing Agency. Connect to us at https://tidal.digital