Since the advent of Bring Your Own Device conferencing to AV spaces, docking stations have had an important role to play. Original spaces might have had an HDMI cable for the screen, and USB connection(s) to connect your laptop to the audio and camera system. The IT world already had a great solution to simplify this – docking stations.

Using a USB docking station allowed users to connect with a single USB-C cable, and the better ones could provide power to the laptop, connect to multiple screens, allow wired access to networks, and enable the room audio visual all in one. Initially, there could be some compatibility issues with video over the cable, but this could usually by sorted with drivers. At Pacific, we’ve successfully deployed many IT-based docking stations from partners like Lenovo, Dell, and Lindy to simplify these small AV spaces.

But the AV-specific manufacturers like Extron (UCS 601 – USB for Pro AV | Extron) and Lightware (UCX-1×1-C40 USB Type-C Docking Station) also have single cable solutions for these spaces. Both approaches can work for you – so when should you consider the AV-specific approach rather than your normal dock? Pacific see 3 reasons to use them in your AV spaces.

1. Compatibility

AV-specific manufacturers make their devices to be compatible with the maximum number of devices, so you are much less likely to come across the issue of visitors devices not working with your setup. For example, they have features like EDID minding, where the device can pretend to the laptop that it is attached to a simple display, and have support for HDCP, 8K, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1 and other formats that maximise the number of users and screens that will work at their best.

2. Reliability:

These devices are built to withstand constant and changing use in spaces where users come and go a lot – they are often built fanless, with high quality, long lasting power supplies – reflected in the fact their manufacturer warranties are longer than the IT equivalents. They also allow you to use your own cables, so they can be mounted wherever you need them, and if cables are damaged by the constant use, you only have to replace thee cable rather than the whole dock. Some, like the Lightware UCX-1×1-C40 can even be remotely monitored over your network so you have early warning of issues in your meeting rooms.

3. Room Control:

These AV-focused docks can also control the attached screens, based on users plugging in – so the user experience is improved in these typical UC spaces – they can plug in the one cable to their laptop and get all the connectivity, but also know that the screen will be on, and the right source selected, without any fuss with the remote. From a support point of view, you know that users won’t have to play with the screen settings and the next user in the room will have the same experience.

So, for these 3 reasons, it’s worth considering an AV manufacturer for a single cable solution in your AV spaces, especially if you are concerned about the compatibility, reliability, and ease of use in the room. The main thing though is the single cable to charge, present, and connect to the audiovisual peripherals, and any good dock is going to improve the user experience.