Poly and Polycom Video Conferencing Solutions Buying Guide

Polycom became widely recognised for conference phones, room video systems and enterprise collaboration equipment. Buyers may still use the name Polycom when searching for newer Poly-branded collaboration products or support for existing installations.

Instead of selecting equipment only by model name or price, organisations should match the system to the room and meeting platform.

Identify the Existing System

Before purchasing new equipment, determine whether the requirement is for:

• A completely new room
• Expansion of an existing system
• Replacement of an older Polycom product
• Integration with existing microphones or speakers
• Support for a specific meeting platform
• A mobile video conference trolley

Older equipment may have different connection, software and support requirements from newer systems.

Main Equipment Categories

Conference phones

Conference phones are designed primarily for audio meetings.

They may support:

• Analogue or IP calling
• USB connection
• Bluetooth
• Expansion microphones
• Meeting-platform integration

USB video bars

A USB video bar can combine:

• Camera
• Microphones
• Speakers
• USB connection

It may be suitable for huddle rooms and medium meeting rooms.

Room video systems

A dedicated room system can include:

• Camera
• Audio
• Room computer or appliance
• Touch controller
• Calendar integration
• Central administration

PTZ cameras

Pan-tilt-zoom cameras may be used in larger rooms that require optical zoom, presets or more controlled framing.

Factors Affecting Price

The price depends on:

• Room size
• Camera capability
• Microphone coverage
• Number of displays
• USB or appliance-based operation
• Touch controller
• Platform licence
• Expansion accessories
• Installation
• Warranty and support

A product price should not be evaluated without checking what else is required to create a working room.

Avoid Selecting by Model Popularity Alone

A popular model may still be unsuitable if:

• The field of view is too narrow
• Microphone coverage is insufficient
• The meeting platform is unsupported
• The room requires two displays
• The device does not suit the existing network
• The system cannot integrate with existing equipment

Buying for a Small Room

A compact system may be suitable where participants sit close to the camera.

Priorities include:

• Wide camera view
• Clear microphone pickup
• Simple connection
• Easy content sharing
• Minimal user training

Buying for a Medium Room

A medium room may require:

• Greater microphone range
• Camera tracking or framing
• Expansion microphone support
• Dedicated touch controller
• Larger display

Buying for a Large Room

Large rooms may need a designed solution involving:

• PTZ camera
• Multiple microphones
• Separate speakers
• AV processing
• Room automation
• Professional installation

RIFE Room Video Conferencing Range

The RIFE VCT01, RIFE VCT09 and RIFE TMC01 can house conferencing equipment for small, medium and secure-storage room configurations.

Where to Buy

Before purchasing from a supplier, confirm:

• Product authenticity
• Warranty terms
• Installation capability
• Technical support
• Firmware assistance
• Replacement procedure
• Compatibility advice
• Availability of accessories

Avoid purchasing room equipment only because it appears at a low online price.

Information to Provide for a Recommendation

Share:

• Existing equipment
• Room dimensions
• Seating capacity
• Meeting platform
• Camera distance
• Display requirement
• Audio requirement
• Fixed or mobile installation
• Expected budget
• Support location

RIFE can help evaluate the complete conferencing and display-support requirement, including carts and mounting systems.

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