Today’s meeting room designers are facing a tough challenge. Bring your own device (BYOD) has set a new standard for connectivity. It fosters convenience for employees by eliminating the need for multiple devices to support connectivity and collaboration. It also allows users to choose the type of device they are most familiar with and comfortable using. Unfortunately, the introduction of BYOD has created a challenge for integrators, designers and IT professionals to streamline connectivity.
USB Type-C, commonly referred to as USB-C, is becoming the standard for supporting BYOD by transmitting data and power to and from various computing devices. The adoption of USB-C is catching momentum in the professional AV space. What does this mean for the future of connectivity in professional AV? Before we dive too far into USB-C, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
Nearly 20 years ago, the first HDMI specification was released. Since then, about 10 billion devices have been enabled with HDMI technology. The adoption of HDMI created challenges in delivering quality content in applications requiring long-distance cabling within a reasonable price point. Eight years after the introduction of HDMI, in 2010, a global standard was introduced. HDBaseT created a standard for transmitting ultra-high-definition video and audio, Ethernet, controls, USB and up to 100W of power over a single, long-distance cable. HDMI and HDBaseT started to invade the professional AV industry. The professional AV industry, in general, resisted HDMI and HDBaseT, because there were many mysteries and restrictions surrounding this new technology and standardization.
Today, we are at the same turning point with USB-C. Fortunately, there are not as many mysteries and restrictions surrounding USB-C. In 1996, Universal Serial Bus, or USB, was introduced to standardize the connection of peripherals to personal computers. The goal was to eliminate multiple connections, such as serial port, parallel port, game port and others, and streamline connectivity with a singular, universal port. As new generations of USB were introduced, bandwidth continued to increase. Introducing USB 2.0 and SuperSpeed Connectors created viable options, but included limitations and restrictions surrounding bandwidth and transmitting data.
The limitations of USB 2.0 and SuperSpeed Connectors do not support the growing needs of today’s BYOD users. Users expect to be able to use their own laptops and seamlessly run a video conference and connect to a meeting room’s display, web cameras, speakers and microphones.
In 2014, USB-C was introduced as a solution for cable charging applications and connecting peripherals. USB-C is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetrical connector. The solution can standardize and streamline connectivity. USB-C will change traditional meeting room connectivity.
Now, if you only remember one thing, it should be this: Not every USB-C device is created equal, and neither are USB-C cables. It’s impossible to determine the performance of a USB-C cable by simple observation. In this three-part series, Lightware will dive into the future of USB-C technology, the importance of quality USB-C solutions, and a unique device that bridges the gap between professional AV and USB.
If you are interested in the full series of the future of USB-C in traditional meeting rooms, check out the other 2 articles here:
