The Future of USB-C in Traditional Meeting Rooms: Part Three This is part of a three-part series discussing USB-C technology to support the future of connectivity in traditional meeting rooms.
USB-C technology was designed to simplify signal transmission and provide users with unprecedented speeds, easy connectivity and valuable features. The rich benefits of USB-C have the potential to change traditional meeting room connectivity. However, not every USB-C cable is created equally and provides the same range of functionality. The same applies to USB-compatible devices, such as web cameras, audio systems and other peripherals. Although it is widely overlooked, selecting a USB-C cable and USB-C device can be the difference between seamless operation and unnecessary hassle.
Lightware has introduced a revolutionary unified communications (UC) connectivity solution that bridges the gap between BYOM applications and USB-C devices. Lightware’s Taurus UCX is a universal matrix switcher that enables users to easily share their content, switch hosts and control their meeting room easily and intuitively. Users connect their USB-C cable to Taurus UCX to share content and control the meeting room. Taurus UCX utilizes USB-C connectivity for simplified video, audio, ethernet, control signals, and power transmission. Taurus UCX is ready for future devices with USB 3.1 Gen1 standard compliance. Lightware’s revolutionary device is designed to be a centerpiece of any collaboration space that requires USB and HDMI for inputs.
In meeting rooms, there are many times that the USB camera/mic, speakers and displays are dedicated to the room. People are bringing their own laptop devices to host meetings and share content, but they want to use the dedicated USB camera/mic speaker and displays in the room. The USB-C ports on Taurus UCX devices are where the user plugs into the system. Users can transfer data, video and audio signals, and the Taurus UCX will charge the connected device. Taurus UCX also can automate room assets like lights and shades without the complexity of using another control platform. Taurus UCX can be controlled via button panels, web browsers or by connecting a source. Together with the auto-switching and room control capabilities, Taurus UCX creates a simplified collaboration solution.
To experience the full benefits of USB-C, users need a full-featured USB-C cable. Many users are unaware that the USB-C specification is only about the physical connector. Many cables on the market can connect, but they won’t connect the full data pairs. Just because the cable connects from device to device doesn’t mean the complete experience is possible. Many USB cables are just for power, which is why they are inexpensive and easily available. A full featured USB-C cable allows the transmission of video, audio, control and charging over a single cable.
Lightware offers a wide range of tried-and-tested USB-C cables, available in various lengths from 1m up to 5m, thus allowing greater flexibility for meeting room system designers and integrators.
Speaking of range, as USB-C technology becomes the primary standard for meeting room connectivity, USB-C extension is the next challenge on the horizon. Luckily, Lightware’s pioneering engineers are already working on a two-box, TX/RX (transmitter/receiver) variant of the widely popular Taurus UCX platform that is expected to debut in 2023. Beyond bridging longer distances, Lightware introduced LARA (Lightware Advanced Room Automation), a solution to further enhance the meeting experience where participants can fully focus on collaboration and integrators can install, configure and monitor meeting room systems with ease.
There’s Sonny and Cher, Simon and Garfunkel, and Ike and Tina. Now, Taurus UCX and USB-C. Like any iconic duo, Taurus UCX and Lightware’s USB-C cables provide a harmonic connectivity solution.
Should you have any further questions about Lightware's Taurus UCX, don’t hesitate to click here!
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:
