Sennheiser Transforms Collaboration in Small and Mid-Sized Spaces

The global unified communications market is expected to hit around $385.21 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 18% from 2022 to 2030, according to Precedence Research. Under the UC market umbrella is the UC A/V bar market which benefits small and mid-sized collaboration spaces.

For those unfamiliar, A/V bars, also known as video bars or huddle room solutions, are all-in-one devices that typically feature high-definition cameras, advanced microphone arrays and integrated speakers, providing a better audiovisual experience compared to traditional webcams and computer audio.

A/V bars are also designed to integrate with popular unified communications platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex and others. This integration ensures seamless compatibility and simplifies the setup and management of video conferencing systems.

Several companies offer A/V bar solutions, such as Logitech and Poly, and a new player has entered the field. Sennheiser, a German audio company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of a wide range of audio products, recently unveiled its TeamConnect Bar Solutions as part of the Sennheiser TeamConnect Family.

The TC Bar Solutions come in two variants: TC Bar S for small spaces and TC Bar M for mid-sized rooms. The TC Bar S boasts four microphones and two speakers, while the TC Bar M comes equipped with six microphones and four speakers. These solutions seamlessly integrate with any meeting platform and can be further enhanced by incorporating compatible products, including those from Sennheiser.

The TC Bar Solutions boast full-range stereo speakers with improved directivity patterns and optimized passive radiators, guaranteeing clear and natural speech reproduction. Integrated beamforming technology ensures smooth transitions between presenters, facilitating freedom of movement and configuration within the space.

To further optimize room acoustics, the TC Bars are equipped with built-in DSP capabilities. Users can adjust audio settings through the Sennheiser Control Cockpit, allowing for customized audio experiences. The TC Bars also come with an automatic conference and music mode switch, ensuring the best audio quality for different content types.

Security is a top priority for many. The TC Bar Solutions are no exception. Sennheiser adheres to industry best practices, implementing password protection for device configuration. Communication between the TC Bars, the Sennheiser Control Cockpit and third-party media control systems is encrypted using industry-standard Transport Layer Security 1.2, ensuring data safety. Additionally, the TC Bars support IEEE 802.1x network authentication, and for added privacy, a lens cap is included.

What sets the TC Bar Solutions apart is their freedom and flexibility, allowing customers to choose the most suitable video conferencing device based on their meeting room size. These bars can be easily integrated into various room designs, offering multiple mounting options such as wall mount, VESA mount, tabletop, or freestanding. Additionally, customers can leverage the scalability of the device by using Dante to add extension microphones and/or an additional external USB camera.

“At Sennheiser, we've specialized in superior audio quality for years, but found a strong video partner in the independent test laboratory ‘Image Engineering’ to ensure that the video quality stood up to the audio quality that is synonymous with our brand,” said Ronja Harste, product manager, UC solutions, Sennheiser. “That led to the development of our first all-in-one device, the TeamConnect Bar Solutions, which are the most feature-rich all-in-one conferencing devices in their class.”

The introduction of the TC Bar Solutions redefines the meeting experience by seamlessly integrating audio and video technologies while prioritizing ease of use, advanced features and utmost security.

Edited by Greg Tavarez