Tag: boom

Boom Launch Videobar Audio Expansion Combo Kit

Fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration, has launched a new version of its innovative HALO videobar that features expandable audio.

The Boom HALO Business Edition includes a high performance videobar plus an additional microphone/speaker to dramatically increase the audio range in larger rooms.

Launched earlier this year, the standard HALO delivers crystal-clear audio and 4K video with enhanced AI facial framing and speaker tracking. Multiple additional microphones/speakers can be daisy-chained too.

Now to accelerate further demand the company has created a dedicated dual combo package, for added value and convenience.

Co-Founder Fredrik Hörnkvist says the Business Edition overcomes traditional acoustic limitations of standard videobars. It is ideally suited to a wide range of use cases where extra audio reach is required, such as flexible rooms, dedicated tasks and growing teams.

Game-Changer

“Our flagship Boom HALO videobar already features a 4K UHD camera, six beamforming mics and high fidelity speakers for a seamless collaboration experience,” he emphasised. “But as videobars are generally installed at the front of room there’s often limited flexibility for additional audio pick-up especially on a large scale. 

“With the additional speaker/microphone, audio can easily be extended by a further three metres for each device. This is useful in many ways such as for legal depositions which are already proving very popular, or a quietly-spoken CEO who often sits at the far end of a boardroom and struggles to be heard. It’s a bit of a game-changer in terms of total audio capacity.”

Available in white and black colours from UK distributor Westcoast, the HALO boasts many advanced features such as intelligent noise reduction. 

Fellow founder Holli Hulett explained: “There’s little doubt the popularity of videobars will continue to grow this year and the Boom HALO Business Edition will add more fuel to the fire.

“With 120° wide angle field of view, 10x zoom and smart mic array, the HALO detects both participants and speakers in real time locking in on attendees. Six array MEMS microphones and a superior 4K lens with an eight megapixel CMOS sensor combine to create a superior solution for a variety of spaces. The additional speaker enables much greater audio pick-up for a truly exceptional and optimised meeting experience across a wider range of meeting spaces.”

Lossless Audio

She highlighted the videobar’s in-built audio quality. “High-fidelity audio with a 48kHz sampling rate and dual 10W speakers provide lossless audio and full spectrum sound for meeting participants. Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control further enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure full duplex quality at a distance of six metres.”

Bluetooth 5.0 allows for easy pairing with mobile phones and other devices. A user-friendly remote control is included too whilst an automatic privacy shutter is combined with the ability to disengage wireless connectivity for added security.

Hörnkvist concluded: “Our whole ethos is to create better meetings. Simply. The Boom HALO Business Edition is another example of this continual vision.” 

No Sleeping On The Job As Boom Bangs The Collaboration Drum!

Manufacturer Boom Collaboration has hosted a special interactive workshop, showcasing two top products and looking at wider conferencing trends – including if people actually wear their pyjamas on video calls!

Its ‘Unlocking The Power of Collaboration’ online event, officially introduced the Boom HALO video bar and MAGNA Pro PTZ camera – and attracted a global audience from the UK, US, Europe, Middle East, Asia and South America.

Participants discovered how the two groundbreaking products are designed to revolutionise collaboration in the modern workspace, based on a theme of ‘smart people need intelligent gear’.

Co-Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett demonstrated the intelligent features of the expandable HALO, which delivers crystal-clear audio and 4K video with enhanced AI facial framing and speaker tracking. Up to eight additional microphones/speakers can be added too.

Pants

They also explored the versatility and precision of the Boom MAGNA Pro 4K highly-responsive tracking PTZ camera, designed for meetings, lectures and live streams – thanks to a massive 27x zoom, AI capabilities and a built-in gravity sensor. All products are available from UK distributor Westcoast.

Insights on optimising collaboration strategies and spaces through cutting-edge technologies were also part of the 45-minute session, hosted from the manufacturer’s Texas HQ.

“We ended the event with some audience participation around some of the biggest problems around video meetings today,” explained Hörnkvist. “Insufficient audio, bandwidth limitations and making sure everyone is seen and heard were some of the top concerns.”

Hulett added: “We also looked at the best things about video meetings where working from anywhere, cost savings and also being able to wear pyjama bottoms on calls scored highly, as well as being able to hang out with your pets! It’s clear the appeal of remote meetings continues to evolve and Boom Collaboration is determined to remain at the industry forefront, spearheaded by our flagship HALO and MAGNA Pro innovations.”

Why A New Working From Home ‘Boom’ Is On The Horizon

Video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration is predicting a surge in demand for home working equipment, fuelled by major UK employment law changes.

From April 6th new flexible working legislation mean millions of employees will have more choice over where and when they work, from day one of a new role.

Under the new regulations, people will be entitled to request flexible working arrangements from the very first day of their employment rather than after 26 weeks as is currently. This includes requests for part-time, term-time, flexitime, compressed hours, and varied working locations.

Employers need to be aware that, under the new rules, before they reject any request for flexible working arrangements, they have to explain the reasons behind their decision. Previously, employers could deny any request for flexible working without explanation.

Spike

Employers are also obliged to respond to flexible working requests within two months, compared to three months previously. In addition, employees can also make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12-month period, as opposed to one request previously.

The new Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 will trigger a further spike in demand for video conferencing equipment according to Boom co-founder Holli Hulett, who explained that the changes are about to come into full force. 

“In many ways the Covid lockdowns were a game-changer which triggered huge demand for video conferencing and a dramatic shift in working patterns. These trends continue to evolve on a global scale.

“This latest UK legislation represents a compelling opportunity for all those working in the industry to engage with their customers and re-evaluate their flexible working needs,” she emphasised.

Array

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Boom Collaboration develops conferencing and collaboration hardware solutions for the complete array of meeting environments, from personal devices to full room systems. Boom was created by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist as well as Hulett, and operates via distributor Westcoast in the UK.

Hörnkvist highlighted how ‘jumping on a conference call’ has now become part of daily life for many employees and their organisations.

“There’s no doubt video conferencing is a proven alternative to face-to-face meetings and the quality of equipment continues to rise with ever more sophisticated and intelligent AI-based capabilities. Lots of workers enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working from different locations and in different ways. Remote meetings are also kinder to the planet too, saving not just time but lots of business travel.”

Boom Collaboration Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett.

He added: “Dedicated working from home kits continue to accelerate in popularity, whilst video bars and powerful PTZ cameras provide the optimum meeting room experience. But there’s no one-size-fits-all as every business has bespoke needs and requirements.”

Hulett concluded: “We expect to see demand grow for personal conferencing as well as wider meeting room investments, where high quality audio as well as pristine picture performance make conferencing engaging, intuitive and easy to use. In many cases people can work in more flexible ways from almost anywhere without any detrimental impact to business performance. The new UK legislation further reflects this.”

This article is based on various independent research including speaking to employment law solicitors plus information from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development as outlined here:

https://www.cipd.org/uk/views-and-insights/thought-leadership/cipd-voice/new-employment-legislation/ 

Sound Advice: Why The Allure Of Audio Conferencing Is Gaining A Louder Voice

Manufacturer Boom Collaboration is on a mission to amplify the allure and importance of audio conferencing, fuelled by a rapid rise in demand. In an age of 4K picture performance and AI face and zone tracking, the fast-growing hardware specialist says the power of sound shouldn’t be under estimated – or become the poor relation of meeting room collaboration.

Without being heard clearly effective communication becomes virtually impossible, it argues. Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett are stressing that in a world of intelligent video equipment, high quality audio matters more than ever.

“Camera technology has advanced dramatically in recent years and it’s important audio performance is of a similar quality to deliver an optimum user experience. Don’t neglect audio is our message,” Hulett emphasised.

Sexy

She added: “It’s true audio conferencing has been seen as ‘less sexy’ in recent years compared to hi-tech cameras, but its value shouldn’t be overlooked. Some of our latest innovations are definitely accelerating audio allure and raising its game. There needs to be a perfect marriage between the two mediums.” 

Beamforming microphones that deliver a more defined and direct sound, intelligent noise reduction and high fidelity speakers are just some of the ways audio technology is developing, she stated.

To help further elevate audio conferencing attraction, Boom has developed a new HALO videobar with expansion for up to eight individual speaker units.  It is also witnessing strong demand for wireless communication where a dual speaker GEMINI system smashed its sales targets by 37% last year. All products are available in the UK from distributor Westcoast.

Eighties

Boom says it has broken down the barriers of traditional videobar deployments to dramatically increase the sound stage and audio pick-up especially in larger rooms.

Hörnkvist highlighted: “Traditional videobars were initially only really suited for smaller or medium rooms where everyone faced the same wall. But with some rooms now being used in more flexible ways and especially for larger spaces, expandable audio is the answer to overcome the traditional challenges of limited fidelity range.”

He added: “Audio conferencing has been around since the late eighties and we both used to work for the original inventors. Covid lockdowns triggered an explosion in video calls and in many ways audio was rapidly overtaken. But it’s definitely on the rise again in terms of advanced features, flexibility and overall performance.

“Technologies such as Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure Full Duplex quality at distances of six metres.

“Active intelligent microphones with high sensitivity can automatically adapt to the size of meeting rooms and different numbers of participants. They work in tandem to focus on individual people and also eliminate background noise to help create a more natural experience. 

“It used to be the softly spoken CEO would sit at the end of the room and would struggle to be heard because they were too far away. The loudest voice was heard but that’s not the case anymore. There’s no one size that fits all.”

Hulett concluded: “Boom is based on delivering ‘better meetings simply’ and there’s definitely been a renewed focus on audio in recent times. Users are demanding more robust high quality audio options that are wire-free, platform agnostic, easy to connect and expandable. Ceiling mount kits are becoming more common too.

“People are beginning to realise that audio quality needs to match picture performance. One without the other is a false economy. If people can’t be heard clearly it will ruin any remote meeting. Audio is definitely gaining a louder market voice as sales continue to rise.”

Intelligent Video Bar Is An ISE Showstopper For Boom Collaboration

A new intelligent video bar with expandable audio was the star of the show for Boom Collaboration at the ISE 2024 trade show in Barcelona.

The Boom HALO features a 4K UHD camera, six microphone array and high fidelity speakers for a seamless all-in-one collaboration experience. In addition up to eight extra speakers can be connected to maximise audio and voice pick-up in larger or more flexible rooms.

Available in white and black colours, the HALO boasts many advanced features such as facial recognition, speaker tracking, intelligent noise reduction and AI auto-framing.

Visitors to the international AV and systems integration event witnessed all of Boom’s latest innovations, such as high performance cameras and audio devices as well as convenient all-in-one systems. Its new MAGNA Pro powerful camera, GOJO camera controller and forthcoming ZYGO user-friendly connectivity hub attracted lots of attention. All products are available from distributor Westcoast.

Boom Collaboration at ISE 2024

Boom also ‘teased’ a new PTZ camera with 25x optical zoom and NDI video over IP support. Another variant boasts highly responsive ‘intelligence’, including voice tracking. Furthermore a new wireless sharing dongle was also demonstrated alongside an innovative connectivity station – that allows instant switching between in-room PC or Bring Your Own Device deployments, across up to a 100 metre installation range.

Launchpad

The fast-growing video conferencing manufacturer, hailed the four-day show – which attracted over 73,000 attendees – a perfect launchpad to accelerate further forward this year.

Co-founder Holli Hulett emphasised: “Boom is based on delivering better meetings, simply. This was our third consecutive year at ISE and each time it gets bigger and better for us. The HALO video bar was one of many stand-out innovations.”

Fellow founder Fredrik Hörnkvist added: “We have exciting growth plans for 2024 and ISE provided a perfect platform to help us accelerate much further forward and really begin to boom. We are determined to remain the friendly face of video conferencing, based on a personal touch and a passion for long lasting partnerships through the distribution channel. ISE 2024 inspired lots of interest and future success from the tens of thousands of visitors.”

Boom Fuels The Video Bar Fire With Flagship 2024 Arrival

Conferencing manufacturer Boom Collaboration has expanded its video bar portfolio with the arrival of an intelligent all-one-one solution which is ideally suited for larger rooms. 

The flagship Boom HALO features a 4K UHD camera, six microphone array and high fidelity speakers to provide a seamless collaboration experience.

Available from distributor Westcoast, it boasts many advanced features such as facial recognition, speaker tracking, intelligent noise reduction and AI auto-framing. Additional ports allow for audio expansion for flexible rooms and growing teams.

Boom Collaboration was born in 2020 by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett. The Texas-based business has quickly developed an extensive conferencing portfolio and operates in over 30 countries after a successful expansion programme during 2023.

“There’s little doubt the popularity of video bars will continue to grow this year and the Boom HALO will add more fuel to the fire,” says Hulett.

“With 120° wide angle field of view, 10x zoom and smart mic array, the HALO detects both participants and speakers in real time locking in on attendees and allowing for hands-free operation. Six array MEMS microphones and a superior 4K lens with an eight megapixel CMOS sensor ensure an exceptional meeting experience for a variety of spaces.”

Excellent audio

Hörnkvist highlighted the HALO’s excellent audio quality. “High-fidelity audio with a 48kHz sampling rate and dual 10W speakers provide lossless audio and full spectrum sound for meeting participants. Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Automatic Gain Control further enhance the meeting experience and work to ensure full duplex quality at a distance of six metres.”

He pointed out how Bluetooth 5.0 allows for easy pairing with mobile phones and other

devices while expansion ports for additional microphones and speakers ensure optimal coverage for any space.

He added: “Plug & Play simplicity is created from USB 3.0. Users can simply connect and enjoy their favourite video conferencing platform. Furthermore an automatic privacy shutter is combined with the ability to disengage wireless connectivity for added security.”

Boom’s video bar portfolio also includes the high performance AURA and compact UNO for smaller and personal use. All are backed by a three-year warranty. The HALO is available in black or white colour options.

Boom Celebrates A Record Year To Remember

Boom Collaboration, a new name that officially entered the UK video conferencing market in 2023, has enjoyed a year of record growth and expansion – as it plots a multi-million-pound pathway to become a bigger industry name.

Formed in 2020, Boom has developed a growing global footprint, spanning hardware solutions for all types of meeting rooms. The Texas-based company is headed by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett and now operates in over 30 countries where revenues rose by almost 40% during the last 12 months.

A device leaves one of its four worldwide logistics hubs on average every 60 seconds of each working day.

Fire

Boom’s platform agnostic portfolio encompasses video bars, all-in-one solutions, high performance cameras plus a multi-camera mixing desk controller – available from UK distributor Westcoast. A forthcoming HALO video bar, new MAGNA Pro high performance camera, GOJO multi-camera controller and ZYGO user-friendly connectivity hub are being tipped to fire further sales success throughout 2024, alongside complete meeting room ‘in a box’ kits.

The new Boom MAGNA Pro high performance 4K camera

Recent distribution partnerships span the UK, France, Germany and the Baltics, as Boom continues to extend its reach across Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

“It’s a fast moving industry that never stands still and we keep moving forward too,” explained Hörnkvist as he celebrated a record revenue rise of 38% compared to 2022.

Cornerstone

Hulett highlighted: “A lot of what we’ve been focusing on over the last couple of years is introducing ourselves to the market, highlighting how we are not only a viable but an innovative and interesting partner that stands out from the crowd across all meeting spaces. 

“We’ve built the business by listening to our customers and identifying what they need and what they were lacking. Being attentive and creating quick solutions. This is one of the cornerstones of who we are what we will continue to be.”

Starting the company in the middle of a global pandemic wasn’t quite planned that way, she added. “It’s not always been easy but in general we’ve been very well received and are very excited about what the future holds.”

Boom Collaboration Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett.

Hörnkvist concluded: “Relationships are growing and will become even stronger across the UK and beyond. We’re now seen as a serious international player with a strong platform to reach new heights of success. 2024 is a massive year for us as we enter an exciting new phase of development.

“Controlled sustainable growth across all four corners of the globe is set to continue.

An expanding and dynamic team together with new product innovations underpin our aggressive growth ambitions.

“We have exciting plans and are determined to remain the friendly face of video conferencing, based on a personal touch and a passion for long lasting partnerships through the distribution channel. Boom is set to become bigger and even better in the UK throughout 2024.”

Boom Launch Flagship Conferencing Camera With Intelligent Tracking Features – Boom MAGNA

Boom Collaboration has created its most powerful ever conferencing camera – designed to deliver the ultimate visual performance, backed by the latest intelligent AI features.

The Boom MAGNA Pro features both people and room zone tracking, Ultra HD 4K clarity, a massive 27x zoom plus an array of connectivity options.

Available in the UK from distributor Westcoast, the high spec PTZ camera includes a 70 degree field of view and has been built for professional video meetings, conference rooms, training facilities, boardrooms, live events and broadcast operations.
Boom Co-founder Fredrik Hörnkvist says the MAGNA Pro is the flagship camera in the Texas-based company’s ever-evolving portfolio – combining power with intelligence.

Flagship

“Our mission is to make meetings better in a simple way. This latest innovation is designed to upgrade the video conferencing experience and level up meetings and live events, with Ultra HD 4K at 60fps, intelligent people and zone tracking, plus a huge 12x optical zoom.

“Zone tracking is a new and highly sought-after feature where the camera will only detect someone in a defined space, such as when presenting.”

He continued: “A Sony CMOS sensor and advanced focus technology guarantee superior image quality while multiple video outputs, allow for seamless integration with A/V control systems and live streaming events, delivering enterprise-level video for any space.”

Fellow founder Holli Hulett added: “The MAGNA Pro offers next level collaboration with control protocols for VISCA, IP VISCA, RTSP, RTMP, RTP multi-broadcast and Pelco-P/D. MAGNA Pro easily integrates with A/V control systems or corporate networks to deliver enterprise level video performance. This is undoubtedly our most advanced and powerful camera to date.

Boom MAGNA Pro room location

“Intelligence is key. With AI real-time tracking, zone-tracking, or full manual control, the MAGNA Pro offers a fully hands-on or hands-off experience for any live event or meeting. Packed with connectivity the MAGNA Pro is full of connectivity options. LAN, RS232, RS422/RS485, USB 3.0, SDI and HDMI ensure all bases are covered.”

She concluded: “This premium quality video camera boasts leading auto focus technology and advanced ISP processing for picture perfect output, backed by a three-year warranty.”

Tech Review – Boom MEZZO 4K Ultra HD video conference kit

The Boom MEZZO is a compact and well-built video conference kit that comes with a USB 3 cable and a separate remote control. It’s designed for video conference calls with 4K Ultra HD @ 30fps, electronic PTZ, and dual omnidirectional microphones for audio. This model utilizes AI for Auto framing for small meeting spaces with a 10 digital zoom.

Contents:

  •         Boom MEZZO camera
  •         USB 3.0 cable
  •         IR remote control
  •         Quick guide

 

Features:

  •         Ultra HD 4K video
  •         AI Auto-framing
  •         Wide angle 110° field
  •         of view
  •         4K glass lens
  •         10x ePTZ   
  •         Multi codec: H.264,
  •         H.265, MJPEG, YUY2
  •         Two built-in omnidirectional mics
  •         Advanced focus
  •         technology
  •         Low light
  •         optimization
  •         Smooth video
  •         Plug & Play

 

Compatibility:

The Boom MEZZO is Zoom Certified and compatible with Teams, Webex, Meet, Bluejeans, GoToMeetings, Skype, and more. It works with Windows® 7, 8.1 or 10, Mac OS X® 10.10 or higher, Linux, and Android.

IR remote control:

The remote control that comes with the Boom MEZZO has a variety of options available to control the meeting. The toggle AI Auto Framing turned on would be the first suggested option (and leaving it on as a great feature). The remote is a comfortable size and feels good, while to mute the call requires the use of the Laptop rather than the remote control which can be the most used button on many calls.

Setup:

The setup is minimal and requires only one cable plugged from the Mezzo to your USB-A port on the laptop. Plug and play takes over then. The audio and video were connected directly to the team’s call with no issues observed. The supplied remote required no pairing and worked straight from the box. Setting up the remote with the 10 user-defined presets took a little longer to understand but worked as required which can be great for focusing on a product whiteboard, lecture room, etc.

Warranty:

It’s great to see the confidence of the brand in giving a 3-year warranty as standard but optional 5 years.

  •         3-year Limited hardware warranty
  •         Optional 5-year Boom Care plan

 Conclusion

The Boom MEZZO comes with great specs, including a 4K CMOS Camera Image sensor 1/2.8 inch Lens: 4K glass Pixels: 8.28MP, 16:9 View angle: 110° diagonal, 100° height, 53° vertical Zoom: 10 digital x ePTZ Focal length: 2.26mm. The electronic PTZ is limited to the 110° Wide angle field, which can narrow down the complete view of the room. This is interesting as it worked with a broad spectrum to include “Operating system: Android” and Zoom Certified, while not tested on an Android system, meaning the flexibility in its use. The camera is good and has excellent specifications but lacks a manual privacy cover, and a USB-C connector.

The omnidirectional microphones were tested to great effect by having them placed 4 meters from the virtual assistant technology to have this recorded audio and transcribed within an MS team call to great effect. The audio was picked up clearly and translated from speech to text perfectly, indicating the distinguishing quality of the 2 microphones within the MEZZO video conference kit.

Overall, the Boom MEZZO is a stress-free device to connect to a multitude of video platforms with exceptional AI auto-framing options, video images, audio, and supplied remote control for video conferencing.

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