Businesses prefer to use wireless HDMI buttons instead of apps for presentations

If you are considering purchasing a wireless presentation system for your meeting rooms, you quickly learn that you can either connect with a button that plugs into your device – or a wireless app over the corporate network. On the surface, it would seem that the less hardware hanging around the table – the better. But when it comes to making meetings run on time – businesses usually choose to use button-based wireless presentation systems.

How much do they love buttons? According to Futuresource, during 2017, and 2018 nearly 2 out of 3 wireless presentation systems sold to corporations in North America and Europe over $500 used buttons to make the system work. So why are buttons so popular - and what do you need to look for when you are choosing the right system for you.

According to Commercial Integrator, 97% of customers looking for collaboration systems rate ease of use as the most important request. Using a button-based system is as simple as plugging in a cable. Just plug in the button to your notebook, mobile phone, or tablet – press a button and start presenting. Besides taking out the hassle and stress of logging into networks and downloading apps, the time saved over hundreds of presenters can add up to a significant amount of money – not to mention smoother and more productive meetings.

In the same survey, over 60% of customers said that flexibility was a critical factor in the choice of a collaboration system. Button-based systems, like the BenQ InstaShow, enable you to connect to traditional notebooks with either HDMI or USB-C (Thunderbolt) ports, but also to Chromebooks and Linux devices – without loading any software. This is especially important for meetings where visitors are presenting, as many companies restrict the ability to load an app. The InstaShow S also gives users wireless presentation options using the InstaShare mobile app or using industry-standard streaming protocols of AirPlay and Miracast.

Most IT managers, especially those in smaller to mid-sized organizations, are always under pressure to get things done quickly – and make sure it works the first time. Button based wireless presentation systems are designed to operate either with – or without a network connection – making them incredibly easy to install and setup. Wainhouse Research recently compared three top wireless presentation systems and gave the InstaShow a 5 out of 5 stars for setup and ease of use. The reviewer from Mac Sources indicated that it took less than five minutes for him to get the system running. For the InstaShow, the network connection is only used to manage the device – not to burden the network with the content of the presentation.

The InstaShow and InstaShow S are also unique in that they do not require any software to be loaded onto the computer for use. You are thus eliminating the cost and hassle of deploying and updating the apps on company computers and makes it very simple for visitors to use. Additionally, the InstaShow receiver can be mounted on the ceiling above the projector – which is not permitted with the current Barco ClickShare receivers. With advanced features such as the ability to simultaneously display four presenters on a single screen hassle-free and 4K resolution, the InstaShow offers advanced features – without giving up what customers want most – a hassle-free system that anyone can use without training.