In today’s hybrid work environment, selecting the right AV solution for your conference rooms and meeting spaces is no longer optional — it is essential. IT managers and facility planners play a critical role in choosing AV brands that not only meet current collaboration needs but also future-proof the workplace. With so many options on the market, ranging from simple plug-and-play devices to enterprise-grade integrated systems, the selection process can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you navigate the choices and identify the best AV brands for conference room setups that align with your organization’s goals.
Why AV Brand Selection Matters for Modern Workplaces
Conference rooms are now the hub of communication and collaboration, supporting everything from daily stand-ups to client presentations and global town halls. The AV brands you select will determine:
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The reliability and quality of audio and video.
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The ease of use for employees with varying levels of tech comfort.
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The flexibility to adapt to new collaboration tools.
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The level of support and security for IT teams to manage systems efficiently.
Choosing the right AV brands for conference room setups can help organizations avoid costly downtime, ensure consistency across locations, and create meeting experiences that boost productivity.
XTEN-AV: The Smarter Way to Design and Manage AV Systems
XTEN-AV is not a hardware manufacturer but a platform that empowers IT managers and facility planners to design, document, and manage AV systems with precision.
Why consider XTEN-AV:
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AI-powered design: XTEN-AV uses AI to help you generate rack diagrams, signal flow schematics, and bill of materials, saving valuable time and reducing errors.
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Vendor-neutral flexibility: The platform integrates with hardware from all major AV brands, allowing you to create solutions that suit your specific requirements without being locked into one brand.
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Project management tools: XTEN-AV supports end-to-end AV project workflows, from design to deployment and maintenance.
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Scalability: Whether you are designing one room or standardizing hundreds of rooms across global offices, XTEN-AV helps ensure consistency and efficiency.
XTEN-AV is ideal for IT managers and planners who want greater control over design accuracy and system standardization before selecting AV hardware.
Crestron: The Enterprise-Grade Control and Integration Leader
Crestron is one of the most trusted names in AV, especially for larger organizations looking for fully integrated solutions.
Why consider Crestron:
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Complete ecosystems: Crestron offers everything from touch panels and lighting controls to video switchers and audio processors.
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Advanced automation: Ideal for organizations that want centralized control of AV, lighting, shades, and HVAC.
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Certified solutions: Native integration with Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, and other major platforms.
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Security: Crestron provides enterprise-grade security features critical for highly regulated industries.
Crestron is a strong choice for businesses seeking sophisticated conference room setups where technology and room control are fully integrated.
Logitech: The Champion of Simplicity and Affordability
Logitech has carved out a space as a go-to brand for small and medium businesses that want reliable AV solutions without complexity.
Why consider Logitech:
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All-in-one devices: Products like the Rally Bar and MeetUp combine camera, microphone, and speaker into one unit, making installation easy.
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Certified for all major platforms: Works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
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Cost-effective: Delivers excellent quality at a price point that suits smaller budgets or large deployments.
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Ease of use: Simple controls and minimal setup make it accessible to all users.
Logitech is ideal for organizations that want to deploy AV technology quickly across multiple small or medium rooms.
Poly: Audio and Video Excellence for Hybrid Work
Poly, formerly known as Polycom, is well-known for its superior audio and video conferencing solutions.
Why consider Poly:
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Exceptional audio quality: Poly’s noise-blocking and voice-tracking technology is among the best in the industry.
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Flexible hardware options: From video bars like Studio X to conference phones and advanced camera systems.
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Certified integrations: Works natively with Teams, Zoom, and other major platforms.
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Hybrid-ready: Designed with features that support equitable experiences for both in-room and remote participants.
Poly is a great fit for organizations where meeting quality is critical, especially in executive or client-facing spaces.
Cisco Webex Devices: Secure and Intelligent Collaboration
Cisco offers a robust portfolio of Webex Room devices that blend advanced AI with security and enterprise reliability.
Why consider Cisco:
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AI-powered features: Auto-framing, voice recognition, and intelligent noise removal enhance the user experience.
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Security: Cisco’s reputation for secure communications makes it a preferred choice for industries with strict data protection requirements.
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Integrated ecosystem: Works naturally within Cisco’s broader collaboration and networking stack.
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Hybrid flexibility: Devices support interoperability with other platforms beyond Webex, including Teams and Zoom.
Cisco solutions are best for organizations where security and intelligent features are top priorities.
Neat: Modern Design and Simplicity
Neat is a newer player that has quickly gained a reputation for stylish, user-friendly AV products designed specifically for modern meeting spaces.
Why consider Neat:
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Design-forward: Minimalist aesthetics that suit modern office environments.
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All-in-one functionality: Neat Bar and Neat Board combine video, audio, and collaboration tools in a single unit.
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Certified for Teams and Zoom: Easy setup and integration with leading platforms.
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Focus on user experience: Simple controls and thoughtful features like gesture recognition.
Neat is a solid choice for businesses seeking AV technology that looks as good as it performs.
Key Factors to Consider in Brand Selection
When selecting AV brands for conference room setups, IT managers and facility planners should evaluate:
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Room size and type: Small huddle rooms, standard conference rooms, and large boardrooms have very different needs.
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Platform compatibility: Choose brands that are certified for your preferred video conferencing platforms.
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Ease of use: Solutions should be intuitive so meetings start on time without IT intervention.
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Scalability: Look for brands that can support consistent setups across locations.
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Support and maintenance: Evaluate the level of vendor support and the ease of system management.
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Budget: Balance the upfront cost with long-term value, reliability, and support.
Conclusion
Selecting the right AV brands for conference room setups is a critical decision that impacts collaboration, productivity, and the employee experience. XTEN-AV provides a smart foundation by helping IT managers and facility planners design and manage systems with precision before locking into hardware decisions. From there, brands like Crestron, Logitech, Poly, Cisco, and Neat offer a wide range of solutions to match different needs, from high-end integrated systems to simple all-in-one devices.
By carefully considering your room types, collaboration platforms, budget, and future growth plans, you can build conference rooms that empower your teams and support your business goals — today and into the future.