Thanks to the popularity of hybrid work, cubicles are out, huddle rooms and Microsoft Teams rooms are in. They’re more dynamic, more efficient, and an easier way to keep hybrid teams on the same page.
If you’re thinking of building your own Teams room, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll review an essential checklist of everything you need for a productive Teams room. Before we dive in, here are three questions to ensure you’re properly prepared.
Have you picked your space?
Before building your Microsoft Teams room, you must know where it’s going. Will you put it in a small huddle room or a large conference room? Knowing that will help you build the right bundle. After all, having 18 cameras in a ten-foot by ten-foot room would be excessive. And far too expensive.
Are you sure all the technology you’re considering is Teams-certified?
Those with the certification are the “best in the business” when working with Microsoft Teams. While other options might be cheaper, they’ll be more prone to glitches. Thankfully, providers like NTS Direct offer Teams-certified device bundles that can help make your decision processes easier.
Is your Microsoft Teams Room equipped with reliable wi-fi or an ethernet connection?
Nothing’s worse than the internet spasming during a critical call. To avoid disruptions, be sure your chosen room is equipped with a reliable wi-fi or ethernet connection.
Now let’s get into what you need for a Microsoft Teams Room.
A powerful PC or laptop
This is the heart of any Teams room because it will run the Teams software! You can choose to use your own computer to connect to the system or have one that lives in the room 24/7. However, there’s also a third option. Providers like NTS Direct offer bundles that include miniature PCs that can be mounted on the ceiling, controlled remotely, and connected wirelessly. Talk about a one-click wonder.
A crystal-clear visual display
Any Microsoft Teams room needs a place where presenters can display content. Whether it’s a TV, monitor, or interactive whiteboard, the display should be big enough for everyone in the room to see participants and presentations clearly. For best results, look for displays with 10K resolution.
A powerful audio system
No one should be seen but not heard in a meeting room, so it's important to invest in a top-notch microphone and speaker system. Choose one that eliminates background noise and echoes so everyone can be heard loud and clear. For example, we offer a bundle that includes two wireless DECT microphones and a soundbar with built-in noise cancellation and HD capabilities.
Intelligent cameras.
Having a camera system is a must. But static ones are limiting. You must manually adjust them to keep everyone in the frame, and ensuring each speaker is in focus can be challenging. However, an intelligent system can adjust the frame and focus automatically, even as people move about the room. Many also have facial recognition and speaker tracking, so when a new presenter gets up to speak, they’re perfectly captured by the camera. This will keep your remote employees engaged and make them feel like they’re there.
FUN FACT: Sometimes you can get audio and visual support from one device like a MeetingBar that can easily be installed on a TV or monitor. Devices like this can easily support the A/V needs of a company with limited meeting space or a huddle room.
Secure mounting and cable management
You'll have a few cables to manage depending on how you set up your Microsoft Teams room. Wall mounts, cable trays, and clips keep your room organized and clutter-free. Plus, they make it easier for your IT team to find the right cable if one goes on the fritz.
Room control devices
If you’re leading a meeting, the last thing you want is to keep rushing back to your laptop to make adjustments. That’s where room controls come in. Depending on your needs and budget, you have two options: a remote or a touchscreen.
However, many companies appreciate the visual organization of a touchscreen display. It lets users easily join meetings, adjust settings, and share content with just a few taps – minimal programming is required.
Furniture that’s flexible
We know this has nothing to do with hardware, but creating a comfortable and functional Microsoft Teams room is still important. We’d recommend modular seating and adjustable tables that adapt to different group sizes and meeting formats.
Want a Solution that Fits You Right Away? Check Out the Teams Room Bundles from NTS Direct!
Whether you’re setting up a huddle room or conference room, NTS Direct has a Microsoft Teams bundle for you. The MVC400 is excellent for smaller spaces, while the MVC860 is well-suited for medium-to-large spaces.
For those with lots of space to spare, we’ve got the MVC S90, which has multiple cameras, microphones, and wireless presentation connections.
No matter your needs, NTS Direct can meet them! Contact us today to start building the Teams Room of your dreams.