Looking for a Mersive Solstice Pod Alternative?

The Mersive Solstice Pod connects to both the network and the display and is designed for use with an organization’s network. Since the Solstice Pod’s live video streaming frame rate is dependent on the host network, there are minimum performance and baseline security standards for smooth video at 30 frames per second. For a typical organizational installation, the network must be configured to open the firewall to half a dozen URLs, and over 30 different network ports. You will also need to consider how much bandwidth is available, as Mersive recommends 50Mbps per receiver to ensure consistent performance, which is one of the highest of all network-based systems. 

Mersive recommends you set up an account on their cloud server, followed by nine steps to configure the receiver, including setting up security profiles. Once the network is prepared, apps need to be deployed to the organization and set up on user notebooks. The Mersive app is only available for Windows, Mac, and Android, so if your company uses any Chromebooks, and those must access the system through a browser.

According to Projector Review, “BenQ InstaShow is a great wireless presentation system. Out of the box, it is as simple as you need it to be. You can have it hooked up in moments and be presenting seconds later.” Projector Central pointed out that InstaShow's combination of video quality with ease of setup and use is nothing short of amazing. All BenQ models come with two buttons and a tabletop button holder. The more advanced InstaShow WDC20 and WDC30 work with mobile devices and support up to 4K resolution.

The Barco Clickshare platform uses a button system similar to BenQ InstaShow, but typically requires the Clickshare App to be loaded on the presenter's computer, and requires admin rights to access.

Mersive Solstice Pod typically requires a proprietary application running on the computer to connect to the receiver. The system only supports Windows and Mac computers, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. There is no Chromebook support, and while only the more expensive models have wired HDMI input, they do not support HDCP, which is required for most media players, TVs, streaming boxes, and other HDMI devices that play copy-protected media. These sources would need a separate system to connect to the display to share any copy-protected content.

BenQ InstaShow uses standard HDMI or USB-C buttons that work with Windows, Mac, and even Chromebooks. But because it doesn’t require any software and supports HDCP, InstaShow can also connect to hundreds of types of HDMI devices-based such as document cameras, digital media players, and even gaming consoles. For laboratory and engineering work, InstaShow connects to development boards such as Raspberry Pi and industrial equipment that outputs standard HDMI signals, such as spectrum analyzers.

For mobile devices and tablets, InstaShow connects using an HDMI or USB-C button connection, while InstaShow WDC20 and WDC30 also support streaming from mobile devices via Airplay, Miracast, or the InstaShare app loaded on iOS or Android phones and tablets.

Typically, the Clickshare application must be running on the device to connect to the Clickshare receiver. The Clickshare platform offers applications for Windows and Mac OS computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. There is no support for Chromebook or other Linux development boards, such as a Beagle Board. There is also currently no support for devices such as Blu-ray players or document cameras.

For an employee or visitor to access a Solstice Pod, they must log onto the same network that is hosting the Solstice Pod and also have the Solstice app running on their system. For visitors to obtain the app, they will either need to download the app from the Mersive website or log in to the Solstice Pod via the organization’s network. Once connected to the unit, they need to enter their IP address, which then enables them to install the Solstice app on their notebook.

This can present a challenge to certain visitors since many organizations “lock down” their notebooks from running external third-party software to protect from malware and may require IT support and approval for any application to be installed. Also, the Mersive Solstice does not support Chromebooks, so companies and schools that use Chromebooks may need to look for other alternatives.

InstaShow does not require any software applications or network connections for employees and visitors. All is needed is to simply plug in a button and start presenting in seconds. InstaShow is ideal for collaboration rooms, saving both time and money, especially in time-sensitive operations such as law firms. For IT staff, there is no deployment to manage, and visitors with "locked down" computers can connect without having to run extra software or download apps. InstaShow’s industry-standard HDMI and USB-C connections plug into notebooks, mobile phones, and tablets such as iPad Pro and Chromebook.

The Clickshare receiver requires companies to open various network ports in order to work, which may create security flaws. A visitor with a "locked down" computer may not be able to download the ClickShare application onto their devices for security reasons. 

The subscription-free BenQ InstaShow has become one of the top-selling Mersive Solstice alternatives because it uses simple and intuitive button architecture like Barco Clickshare while eliminating the hassle of downloading applications and having to connect to a local network to present.

For huddle rooms and collaboration workspaces, the plug-and-play approach of InstaShow keeps your meeting focused on topic without having to learn how to use new apps or log in to a protected network. The ability to connect to Chromebooks and other types of devices also makes a significant difference in effective communication using cameras, media players, and even development boards.