Logitech GROUP is an HD video conferencing solution designed for meetings of up to 14 people, with optional expansion mics to extend to meetings of up to 20 people. Components include the camera, speakerphone, hub, remote, wall/table mount, and expansion microphones. The system plugs into the user's computer via USB to provide the audio and video components for meetings run on the user's web conferencing software.
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Score 6.0 out of 10
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The Polycom RealPresence Group Series is a video conferencing codec that connects to a standards-based video conferencing infrastructure to allow users to make video conference calls. There are three products in the series – RealPresence Group 300, RealPresence Group 500, and RealPresence Group 700. It is certified to use with Office 365 and Skype for Business.
When you don´t have enough budget to have a robust conference system, this solution can help you to have good quality video conferences with excellent audio quality and video quality, and the prices of these products are not so high comparing with other brands, I think is a perfect solution for mid enterprises
If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one
The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens.
The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).
I think the technical support of Logitech GROUP is well when you have an issue you can call them. They answer you quickly, we only use this support a couple of times, because we don´t have many problems with these devices, the performance of these devices is outstanding.
I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.
We selected Logitech GROUP because the balance cost-benefit was excellent comparing with other vendors. We tried some devices before the purchase, and we discovered that the quality of these devices is excellent, the solutions are easy to handle for end users that don´t have technical skills in general terms is a good cheap solution.
Polycom RealPresence Group Series stands head and shoulders above Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex Meetings both for dependability and robust delivery of function. One established the meetings were very hard to break apart but easy to end when so desired. The installation of the devices, the training of technicians, and end-users were both intuitive and easy to manage, where the same interactions with Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex In my opinion, and experience, were challenging to work through.
Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly.
Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win.
Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints.