Any modern company that has more than one office can hardly do without constant video conferencing. But the simplest solutions, assembled on the knee by a system administrator, often do not allow you to get high-quality images and sound, and periodic communication problems sooner or later make management think about purchasing professional solutions. One of the most affordable options offered by the company , well-known to any home user not only for its high-quality input devices, but also for a wide range of webcams.
We were able to talk to Logitech representatives in its Moscow office, where, using the example of two test meeting rooms, we could see and test the proposed video conferencing solutions Logitech Rally and Logitech MeetUp with the Logitech Tap touch tablet controller. What these solutions are, how they differ and what tasks they are suitable for, we will now find out.
Specifications and connection options
The proposed solutions are based on Rally and MeetUp conference cameras. The first is a premium solution for rooms with 8 seats or more. It all depends on the configuration with additional microphone modules and external speakers, which this device can have two or one. The junior model MeetUp is positioned as an ideal solution for very small meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people. It has a built-in speaker system with microphones, but if necessary, you can also connect an external microphone.
| Characterization / Camera model | Logitech MeetUp | Logitech Rally | |||
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| Viewing angle, ° | diagonal: 120; horizontal: 113; vertical: 80,7 |
diagonal: 90; horizontal: 82,1; vertical: 52,2 |
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| Motorized angle control system, ° | Pan: ±25; slope: ±15 |
Pan: ±90; slope: +50/-90 |
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| Increase, krat | 5 | 15 | |||
| Image format | Ultra HD 4K (3840×2160) 1080p (1920×1080) HD 720p (1280×720) 30 frames per second |
Ultra HD 4K (3840×2160) 1080p (1920×1080) HD 720p (1280×720) 30 frames per second 1080p, 720p/60fps |
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| Features | Autofocus 3 preset camera modes |
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| Acoustic system | Built-in Loudness: up to 95 dB SPL Sensitivity: 86,5±3dB SPL (at a distance of up to 0,5 m) Distortion: 200-300Hz < 3%, 3-10KHz < 1% Chassis Vibration Elimination Technology |
External plug-in (1 or 2 speakers) + amplifier in display hub |
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| Microphone | Integrated, 3 elements Action range: 4 m Sensitivity: -27dB Frequency response: 90 Hz -16 kHz Omnidirectional pattern AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation) VAD (Voice Activity Detector) Background noise suppression + External pluggable |
External Pluggable Rally Mic Pod Up to 7 modules, serial connection Operating range: 4,5 m 4 omnidirectional microphones generating 8 acoustic beams AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation) VAD (Voice Activity Detector) Background noise suppression Mute button with status LED 2,95 cable m Frequency response: 90 Hz to 16 kHz Sensitivity: more than -27±1 dB at 1 Pa Microphone data rate: 48 kHz |
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| Technologies | rightlight: Low light compensation Video noise reduction Saturation optimization RightSight: Detecting people in the frame Auto crop right sound: Distinguishing speech from other sounds Voice equalization |
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| Additionally | Remote control Logitech Tap Touch Controller Mini PC with software Additional desktop/wall mount kits, video panel mount Kensington Security Slot Lock |
Remote control Logitech Tap Touch Controller Mini PC with software Display and desktop hubs Hub for microphone modules Additional desktop/wall mount kits, video panel mount Kensington Security Slot Lock |
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| Compatibility | USB PnP connection Certified for: Skype for Business and Teams, Zoom, Fuze, Google Hangouts Meet Support for Microsoft Cortana, Cisco Jabber Compatible with BlueJeans, BroadSoft, GoToMeeting, Vidyo and other video conferencing apps |
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| Dimensions, mm | 104×400×85 (camera) | 183×152×152 (camera) 103 × 449 × 80 (column) 21 × 102 × 102 (microphone module) 40 × 206 × 179 (display hub) 40 × 176 × 138 (desktop hub) |
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| Weight, kg | 1,04 (camera) | n / a | |||
| Warranty, month | 24 | 24 | |||
Meetup camera connection diagram:
- 1 - HDMI;
- 2 - Logitech Strong USB cable;
- 3 – power cable;
- 4 - network cable;
- 5 - PC.
The diagrams above show one of the options for connecting Logitech MeetUp and Logitech Rally cameras. For the older model, there can be much more of them - depending on the size of the room, the geometry of the table and the requirements of the customer. The biggest difference between these cameras is that the Logitech MeetUp is an all-in-one product. For the full operation of this device, neither external speakers and microphones, nor additional hubs are needed. Well, in the older model - Logitech Rally - the camera, microphones and speakers are linked together using hubs, one of which is mounted under the table, and the other next to the camera or video panel (there may be two of them in such a solution). The solution based on Logitech Rally has a modular structure with the ability to add hardware as needed.
Meetup Camera Wiring Diagram for Focus Rooms:
- 1 - HDMI;
- 2 - Logitech Strong USB cable;
- 3 – power cable;
- 4 - network cable;
- 5 - PC.
As for the MeetUp camera, it is also perfect for organizing individual focus rooms, where not a group, but only one person participates in negotiations on the one hand. The wiring diagram for this option is shown above.
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To all this, you can add the Logitech Tap touch controller. In principle, both solutions can function successfully without it, but managing video conferences will no longer be so convenient. The fact is that all of Logitech's ready-made video conferencing solutions are already pre-configured to work with one of the three popular software products - Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams Rooms or Google Cloud. The interface of one of these applications will be available through the Logitech Tap controller, which can be mounted on a table or on a wall.
Camera design features
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As we said above, the Logitech MeetUp and Logitech Rally cameras have significant differences in design. The form factor of the MeetUp model with a built-in speaker system and microphones allows you to place the camera on a table or attach it to a video panel - both from above and below. To do this, the manufacturer offers various mounting elements, but the camera itself has a movable stand.
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The Logitech MeetUp lens has a motorized mechanism for tilt and pan control. Well, on the back of the case there is a USB port for connecting the device to a PC and a jack for connecting an external microphone, if one is required.
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The Logitech Rally camera can also be mounted on a shelf, mounted on a wall, or even upside down on the ceiling, but it is not designed to be mounted on a video panel. It's all about its form factor. The camera lens is mounted on a movable support, allowing it to rotate quickly enough in two planes. Throughout the video conference, a motorized mechanism automatically adjusts the camera so that all participants in the process are in the field of view. If necessary, this function can be forcibly turned off by adjusting the lens once at the beginning of the conversation. Logitech Rally is connected, like Logitech MeetUp, using a USB Type-C cable - not directly to a PC, but through a display hub.
The Logitech Rally camera has a much larger lens than the Logitech MeetUp, which in itself allows you to hope for better image quality. At the same time, the declared image resolutions for these cameras are the same: from HD 720p to Ultra HD 4K (3840 × 2160). But the younger model only shoots at 30 frames per second, while the older model at 720p and 1080p can shoot at 60 frames per second.
Well, another advantage of the Rally camera is the additional privacy with visual confirmation. The fact is that in the sleeping position, the camera turns with the lens down - this is a kind of guarantee for the user that no one is spying on him. The lens takes a preset position when the meeting starts and closes automatically when it ends. Well, when you turn off the sound during a meeting, the status indicator is red.
Optional equipment Logitech Rally
If the Logitech MeetUp camera requires only a PC with specialized software to fully function, then Logitech Rally requires speakers, microphones and hubs, which we have already mentioned above, to function. The manufacturer paid no less attention to the design of these additional devices, as well as to the elements of their fastening, than to the cameras themselves. Upon close acquaintance with the components of the kits, it feels like you are dealing with a premium product. This is clearly seen both in the thoughtful design and in the quality of plastic and other materials from which the cameras and their accessories are made.
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The external speakers of the Logitech Rally camera are made in an elongated rather large plastic case. Outside, they are covered with a dark gray fabric, which makes them look expensive and easily fit into any office interior. The wire for connecting to the display hub at the speaker is fixed. Speakers can be simply installed on a shelf or pedestal, as well as fixed to the wall with the help of additional fasteners.
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Wired microphones are shaped like a flat washer with a central mute button and an LED light in the center. Outside, the microphones are covered in the same gray fabric as the speakers. In the simplest solution, a wired microphone can simply be placed on the table, but for a neat, inconspicuous laying of wires (especially if there are a lot of microphones), it is better to use desktop mushroom brackets that are built into holes pre-drilled in the table. The mount itself provides the ability to quickly install the microphone without tools, and channels for cable routing.
Microphones are connected to each other in series, but an additional hub allows you to break this rule. Depending on the placement of microphones on the table and their number, up to three microphone modules can be connected to the hub in a star configuration. Also, another hub can be connected to it - instead of a microphone. The shape and size of the concentrator resembles the microphone itself. This device also connects to a shared desktop hub.
Hubs to work with Logitech Rally
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The desktop and display hubs are made in very similar plastic cases. They differ in size and set of interfaces: the display hub is slightly larger than the desktop one, it has a USB port for connecting to a PC, another USB port for connecting a camera, connectors for connecting two speakers, two additional HDMI outputs to which you can connect monitors, and a network port for communication with a desktop hub.
The desktop hub has fewer connectors: a USB port for connecting a microphone, a network port, two HDMI inputs, and an additional USB port. Hubs look like mini PCs. They can be installed on any shelf under the table or hung directly on the bottom of the tabletop.
Controller Logitech Tap and remote control
The Logitech Tap touch controller connects directly to your computer via USB. In doing so, it becomes an additional display that displays the software interface of the user's chosen video conferencing software. In this case, it's software from Zoom, Microsoft, or Google. The controller is shaped like a wedge with a 14° angle, which means that the display will always be slightly tilted towards the user, whether the controller is hung on a wall or just lying on a table.
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The device is made in a durable plastic case, the upper part of which is completely covered with a protective glass with an oleophobic coating. Underneath is a 10,1-inch display. There's a motion sensor on the front of the case that activates the controller, and there's a 3,5mm headphone jack on the side. But the most interesting is hidden from below, under an easily removable metal cover. All connectors for connecting the controller are hidden here, and the wires are laid in such a way that you definitely won’t be able to accidentally pull them out during operation.
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Separately, we note that the controller has a standard VESA threaded mount, thanks to which the device can be fixed literally anywhere. Well, for complete convenience in work, the manufacturer offers to use additional brackets that change the angle of the tablet. These brackets also allow the controller to rotate through ±180°.
Well, one more control, which is included in the standard package when purchasing solutions based on Logitech MeetUp and Logitech Rally cameras, is a remote control that allows you to perform elementary actions: manually orient the camera, adjust the speaker volume, answer a call.
Impressions from work
On the basis of two test conference rooms created at the Logitech Moscow office, we were able to test the quality of video communication provided by both the simplest Logitech MeetUp solution and the advanced Logitech Rally complete with two speakers, as well as two sets of mini PCs and controllers Logitech Tap, which differ in the set of software: Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms.
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Both cameras turn on quickly and are ready to go in just a few seconds. Both, using RightSight technology, detect everyone in the room at the beginning of the conference and set the lens at the desired angle. The Rally camera additionally monitors changes in the position of those present in the process of work, changing the viewing angle and its position if necessary.
In terms of image quality, both cameras are similar, although the color reproduction seemed more natural to us in the Logitech Rally. As for the shooting speed, the value of 60 frames per second available in the older model is not needed by everyone in the case of video conferencing, so it is better to consider it as an additional option. In all other cases, 1080p / 30 or 4K / 30 will be enough - if the network bandwidth allows. Cameras additionally process images by softening shadows, recognizing and removing glare, and even out lighting if, for example, there is a window in the room that is not covered with curtains.
As for the sound, there are significant differences between Logitech MeetUp and Logitech Rally. The younger model has built-in speakers without an amplifier. The maximum volume in this case will be enough only for a very small room. Even in a room designed for 5-6 people, you need to keep quiet in order to hear the distant interlocutor well. External acoustics Logitech Rally with an amplifier in the display hub, on the contrary, creates a very powerful, loud and clear sound. Two speakers are more than enough for a large meeting room.
However, the sound in any case largely depends on the materials of the walls in the meeting room and how exactly all the components of the system are located in it. In this, specialists from Logitech provide all possible assistance, helping their client, when buying, not only make the right choice of all components, but also place them in a specific meeting room properly.
Despite the different sound, the voice in both meeting rooms was transmitted clearly, without distortion and, most importantly, without extraneous noise - sharp jumps, squeaks and other artifacts. Both the built-in microphone of the Logitech MeetUp camera and the external microphone connected to the Logitech Rally perform their functions perfectly.
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As for the software component, all the possibilities for organizing and conducting video conferencing with Logitech cameras and related equipment correspond to the software option you have chosen. As we said above, testing was carried out with the Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms packages. The work of these software products did not cause any complaints. It is especially worth emphasizing the comfort during conferences that the Logitech Tap controller provides. With it, it is convenient to switch between connected participants, set tasks, make new appointments and do everything that would require a separate monitor, mouse and keyboard.
In general, the impression of working with all the equipment remained only the most pleasant. No overlays were noticed in the work, and the connection of additional modules (for Logitech Rally) took place in a matter of minutes.
Conclusions
The two Logitech video conferencing systems we've seen are a completely different class of equipment than the webcams and home telecommunications systems that the company has been around for a very long time. The Logitech MeetUp camera-based kit is quite suitable for small companies or even freelancers who often have to communicate with a remote customer and at the same time need to ensure high quality of the transmitted image and sound.
The presented solutions have many common advantages:
- very high quality video (up to 4K) and sound;
- automatic adjustment of the camera position;
- selective voice recording;
- conference management with the Logitech Tap controller;
- ease of setup;
- work with recognized leaders among applications for video conferencing;
- impeccable workmanship;
- the design of all components thought over to trifles.
But the Logitech Rally kit is already a premium segment, and therefore solutions based on this camera have their own additional advantages:
- modular principle of system construction;
- switchable function of automatic adjustment of the panorama and camera position throughout the conference;
- powerful remote acoustics;
- remote microphones;
- the ability to connect two displays;
- the ability to connect an additional camera.
Of the minuses, we can only note the insufficient volume of the sound of the built-in speakers Logitech MeetUp. But the Logitech Rally did not manage to find any at all. In general, both solutions can be safely recommended for purchase for any business - from the smallest to large corporations. Of course, the cost of this equipment will be incomparably more than the cost of a simple webcam and a pair of speakers, but the quality of the transmitted information will be many times higher. And with the equipment setup, the company's employees will not have many questions.
Source: 3dnews.ru