The Hive is where Microsoft builds Teams Rooms of the future.
In Part 3 of our deeper dive into The Hive’s new releases, let’s look at the camera position and specification.
They seem to be using the PanaCast 50 bar in a number of spaces, but its positioning is actually the thing to focus on.
On a bespoke mount, this has been placed in free space meaning the camera is placed to give the best output for remote participants. Even more important, it liberates the entire display design. This means image height, width - and vertical positioning - can be optimised.
The significance of this cannot be understated for the future of hybrid workspace design.
Microsoft is showing that medium and larger MTRs will use projection. On the one hand projection means we can have pretty much any size and aspect ratio we want - but in the past this means that the camera gets pushed to uncomfortable positions. This simple solution means that Room Design 101 - get the display right for EVERYONE in the room - can be achieved simply, elegantly and at low cost.
In this example, the VC camera is tied to the soundbar. This works beautifully here where the Front Row style layout has a single wide row of seating.
For regular rooms where the ‘bowling alley’ style of three-side table has to serve larger room capacities, we’ll see leading manufacturers provide such micro form-factor cameras separated from the audio element. The camera can be placed in the optimum position and the Microsoft vision of spatial audio can be realised by the audio specialists.
I provide specialist consultancy and design services on MTR displays, lighting and space design.
The Visual Displays team makes these displays of the future, today. We use laboratory meters to audit and troubleshoot existing spaces and to certify installations.
Posted: 1st July 2022