The conferencing equipment category covers video conferencing systems, conference phones, IP phones, webcams, headsets with microphones and connection accessories for meeting rooms, offices and home working. Our range has over 2,500 products, including equipment from Lenovo, Logitech, Yealink and Cisco.
How to choose conferencing equipment
Room size. A small huddle room is usually well served by a video bar with a built-in camera, microphones and speakers. A larger room needs extra microphones or several speakers so that people seated furthest away can still be heard.
Software compatibility. Start by checking which platform you use: Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet. Some devices are certified for a specific platform, while others act as a universal USB camera and audio device that works with any application.
Connection type. A USB device plugs into a computer and works straight away, which suits small rooms. Standalone devices run their own operating system and are controlled from a screen or remote. IP phones need a SIP service or a telephone system, and if you want a single cable, check for PoE power support.
Audio and video quality. Full HD is enough for most everyday video calls. 4K helps in large rooms where the camera has to zoom in. For sound, noise suppression, echo cancellation and microphone pickup range matter most, and automatic framing helps when many people attend a meeting.
Brands we carry
- Logitech: known for the MeetUp and Rally conferencing systems and the Brio webcams.
- Yealink: makes IP phones and video conferencing solutions, many of them certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
- Lenovo: offers the ThinkSmart family of devices designed for meeting rooms.
- Cisco: its main strength in this area is Webex conferencing hardware and IP phones for large organisations.
- HP Poly: Poly was formed from Plantronics and Polycom and now belongs to HP. It is known for the Trio conference phones and Studio video bars.
- Gigaset: a German manufacturer best known for DECT cordless phones for offices.
- Fanvil and Grandstream: both make SIP phones, and Grandstream also makes VoIP gateways.
- StarTech: cables, adapters, mounts and docking stations for connecting conferencing gear to computers and displays.
- 2N: a Czech manufacturer that specialises in IP door intercoms and access control.
Also in our range: Alcatel, Mitel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a video bar and a webcam?
A video bar combines a camera, microphones and speakers in one unit, so it is designed for a whole meeting room. A webcam captures only the picture, and you normally need a separate device for sound. For one person at a desk a webcam with a headset is enough, while a room is better served by a video bar.
Can a conference phone be used for video calls?
Only for audio calls, unless it has a built-in camera. A traditional conference phone has a microphone and speaker but does not transmit video. If you need video as well, choose a video bar or connect a separate camera.
What equipment suits a small meeting room?
A small room is best served by a single device with a camera, microphones and speakers, connected over USB. Room size matters more than the number of attendees, because the microphones must pick up the person sitting furthest away. Check that the device works with the software you use.
Does an IP phone need a separate telephone system?
An IP phone works only when connected to a SIP service, so you need either an on-site telephone exchange or a cloud telephony service. The phone itself is just the endpoint. Before buying, check that it is compatible with your provider's system.
