Being able to hold a video conference breaks down a lot of barriers in the business world. You can communicate with colleagues who are offsite, broadcast your meetings at important events, and collaborate with people around the world. If you’re going to take full advantage of the joys of video conferencing, you need the right equipment. Here are some essentials you shouldn’t miss out on.

The right video conferencing platform

You know that you’re going to invest in video conferencing this year, but can you confidently say you’ve found the right platform? Around 59% of employees feel disengaged when it comes to meetings. With that in mind, you need to find a platform that’s smooth and easy to work with

When choosing your video conferencing platform, look for one that integrates well with your other apps. For example, if you’re going to collaborate on statistics software or presentations, your video conferencing platform should support your go-to applications. Similarly, find one that’s easy for you to use. You don’t want to incur delays because you’re still getting to grips with your software.

Before finalizing your choice, make sure the platform’s limits support the number of conferences you need to host. Finding out that you’ve reached your subscription limits can cause major disruption when you depend on video conferences.

High-quality voice and video equipment

Hosting a video conference is near pointless if the audience at the other end can’t hear or see you properly. When choosing your camera, make sure you find one that supports the size and shape of your conferencing room. You need to know what you want your audience to see, then find equipment that suits it.

When it comes to audio, decide between personal microphones and those that sit on a stand. Or, you could choose both. If you’re going to spend a lot of time moving around the room or you want several people to be able to speak without shifting positions, consider prioritizing headsets.

Speakers with excellent audio

In addition to focusing on how well your audience can see and hear you, you need equipment that makes it easy for you to hear them. Your audio needs to be clear and direct. You also need to find a speaker system that’s appropriate for your room size and easy to adjust.

If anybody at your workplace suffers from hearing loss, consider whether you need to offer a hearing loop. In addition to providing a hearing loop, you’ll need to focus on equipment that works well with it.

Screens everyone can view

Are you going to use a dedicated TV screen? Or is this a room where you’ll need to project your stream onto a whiteboard?

In many cases, it’s necessary to purchase an interactive display. Regardless of the type of display you choose, make sure it’s easy to use and set up. According to some statistics, poor video conferencing quality results in around $34 billion of losses each year. If you want to avoid contributing to that statistic, you’ll need to invest in high-quality equipment that you find easy to operate. Overall, getting more from your video conferencing experience depends on having the right type of technology. When making your investments, make sure you choose products that are appropriate for your room size. With a little research, finding the right gear will take you far.