What Are the Best wePresent Alternatives for Classroom Wireless Presentation?

With Barco’s decision to discontinue its popular WePresent wireless screen mirroring system, many education institutions are looking for a reliable alternative from a trusted brand that costs less than $1000. The WePresent system utilized the school’s network and WiFi infrastructure that enabled a lower initial purchasing price but could burden the school network with higher bandwidth usage as well as potential security threats to the network. This article will look at three leading alternatives to the Barco WePresent for education institutions based on market share data from Futuresource.

• Barco ClickShare CS-200
• BenQ InstaShow WDC20E
• Airtame2

The Barco WePresent system was one of the first wireless presentation systems designed around the concept of using an application installed on a notebook to wirelessly mirror their screen to a networked receiver connected to a display. The Airtame2 system uses a similar design. The Barco ClickShare and BenQ InstaShow systems use a different approach, where they have a plug-in button that encrypts and wirelessly transmits to the display over a closed network. Each system has its advantages so we will take a look at how each system stacks up compared to the WePresent on critical questions typically asked by IT managers.   

Setting up a classroom wireless screen mirroring correctly is a key part of the IT department’s mission to ensure that the system works. How easy is each of these systems and what resources are required to deploy a school-wide system on campus?

BenQ InstaShow WDC20E is the easiest WePresent alternative to set up and operate. The button connector means there are no apps or network changes needed to get it working.  You simply connect the receiver to the display and set the button on the teacher's desk.  You can check out how the Commercial Integrator magazine testing team was able to set up the system in minutes – without any IT support. 

Barco Clickshare CS-200 is Barco’s WePresent alternative and is relatively simple to install. Like the InstaShow, it uses a button connector to the teacher or student notebook, so there is no extensive network configuration needed to get it working.  The biggest installation difference is that Barco uses an application that is typically loaded on the user's notebook to use the buttons.  Like any app, this requires deployment time and maintenance to ensure users have the latest versions to minimize security threats.  

Airtame2 is the lowest cost alternative and but is the most complex to deploy on the school network. There are specific ports that IT managers will need to configure, which require NTP servers, specific ping times, and available bandwidth.  Airtame also recommends that IT managers prioritize Airtame traffic using QoS tools.  Like the WePresent and ClickShare, the Airtame typically uses an app loaded on the computer to connect to the display, which will require deployment, maintenance, and training on how to use specific features. 

After COVID-19, classroom bandwidth is a precious commodity.  Between video conferencing software and the large number of student Chromebooks, school networks are working harder than ever.   The WePresent and Airtame2 systems typically rely on the school’s network infrastructure to wirelessly mirror a teacher or student's device on the display.  Some features, such as split-screen, can require more network bandwidth to be used in a classroom.  This forces IT managers to choose between network bandwidth usage – and the quality of wireless streaming.

By contrast, the BenQ InstaShow WDC20E and Barco ClickShare CS-200 are designed to operate without using the school network - freeing bandwidth for more important learning activities. Here is an overview of how these WePresent alternatives stack up on network bandwidth.

BenQ InstaShow WDC20E and Barco Clickshare CS-200 are the easiest WePresent alternative for teachers and students to operate. The button connects to the notebook using the HDMI port (BenQ) or the USB port (ClickShare).  Once connected, you simply tap the button to mirror your screen. 

Airtame2 uses both an app and WiFi network connection to use the system.  The notebook needs to be logged onto the same network as the receiver, and then the display needs to be selected from the app.   There are several settings that teachers may need to adjust, such as resolution and audio settings to reduce bandwidth usage.  

Every wireless presentation system supports mainstream notebooks, mobile devices, and tablets.  But what about wirelessly streaming Chromebooks, document cameras, STEM devices, classroom television systems, STEM devices, and media players?  Here is how the WePresent alternatives handle different classroom devices.

The BenQ InstaShow WDC20E can be used with any device that outputs a standard HDMI signal – enabling it to wirelessly connect with an HDCP copy-protected classroom television receiver.  With split-screen technology, you can combine images on these devices with other documents for increased classroom productivity.

The wePresent system was a highly popular and affordable solution with a purchase price under $1000. The BenQ InstaShow WDC20C has a single unit price of $699 – and no recurring licensing fees or subscription, and special pricing options if you are buying a large quantity. Let’s take a look at some of these costs using the COSN Total Cost of Ownership model which calculates identified recurring costs, and estimated labor costs (IT managers don’t work for free) to support these devices.