Best ClickShare Alternatives for Huddle Rooms

Since its introduction, the Barco ClickShare platform has been one of the most popular wireless presentation systems on the market. But now that there are more than 40 alternative solutions on the market, which one is right for your business?

The ClickShare platform uses a transmitter button that loads the ClickShare app onto the computer to wirelessly connect to the receiver attached to the display, at 1080p resolution. Additionally, the system does not rely on corporate network connections to work and encrypts the wireless transmissions between the buttons and the receiver.

Based on the market data from Futuresource Consulting, we will look at the three most popular Barco ClickShare alternatives worldwide and answer the following questions: 

• 
  What Are the best ClickShare Alternatives?
• How easy are they to setup and install?
• How easy are they for employees and visitors to use?
• What types of devices do they support?
• Comparison table and Conclusions

AirTame started as a crowdfunded startup offering inexpensive wireless presentation systems that uses a proprietary application to transmit the contents of a notebook or other device over a WiFi network to a small hub device connected to the display. Typically, WiFi hub systems use the existing corporate network, and relies on the performance of the network to determine video frame rates and manage the delay between the notebook and shared display. AirTame does not encrypt their transmissions over the network.

The Mersive Solstice platform uses a similar approach to AirTame, where a proprietary app is loaded onto the notebook or other device and transmits the presentation over Wi-Fi to a receiver attached to the display. The Solstice Pod can display 4 presenters on the screen at the same time and can encrypt transmissions to keep content secure. Mersive also offers an annual subscription service for security and feature updates.

Because the InstaShow uses a button architecture similar to the ClickShare, it is easy to set up and use. The receiver can be powered by a display’s USB 3.0 port, and it does not require any corporate or other network access to operate. Simply connect an HDMI cable from the receiver to the display, then plug in a button to your notebook. Testing by the publication My Tech Decisions indicated it took only a few minutes to connect and use, and Projector Central said, ”InstaShow's combination of video quality with ease of set up and use is nothing short of amazing.”

The AirTame receiver is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on the display, and like the InstaShow, can be powered by a USB port on the display. While the AirTame can create its own WiFi network, AirTame recommends that customers set up a new VLAN network. AirTame2 also has other specific networking and performance requirements from the enterprise network including:

• Client Isolation” or “NAT Mode” must be disabled on the network
• Multicast must be allowed on the network
• An NTP server must be accessible for time synchronization
• RSSI Performance: less than 60dbm
• Stable Peak Hour Ping Time performance of less than 10ms.

Like the AirTame2, the Mersive Solstice Pod connects to both the network and display. The Solstice Pod does not offer a USB power option, but can be run using a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system as an alternative to the AC adapter. To integrate the system into the corporate network, a 14 page Quick Start Guide outlines how to attach the Pod to the network, configure the user settings, and set up the system for secure collaboration.

Since the Solstice Pod’s live video streaming frame rate is dependent on the host network, there are minimum performance and baseline security standards to enable smooth video at 30 frames per second: 

• 
  
  
  1.1MB of bandwidth times the number of simultaneous connected devices
• Maximum packet latency of 35ms
• Maximum network jitter of 1 standard deviation
• Maximum packet loss of 0.20%
  

When Solstice is deployed on an existing network, the Solstice hosts and user devices require a wired or wireless network connection with a minimum bandwidth of 20 mbps. These details and other network implementation topics such as port requirements can be found in the Mersive Network Deployment Guide.

The InstaShow does not require any software applications or network connections for employees and visitors, as an intuitive button allows users to start presenting in seconds. This simple approach is ideal for meeting rooms, saving both time and money, especially for time-sensitive operations in finance instituations and law firms. 

To make things simple for IT staff, there is no software deployment to manage, and visitors with “locked down” computers can connect without having to run extra software or download apps.

For an employee or visitor to access Airtame or Solstice Pod, they must log onto the same network that is hosting the Airtame or Solstice Pod system, and also have the respective app running on their source device. For visitors to obtain the app, they either need to download it from the official website or log in to the AirTame or Solstice Pod via their network. Once connected to the system, they can enter the relevant IP address, which then enables them to install the app on their notebook. That is a relatively cumbersome process.

BenQ InstaShow uses standard HDMI or USB-C buttons that can connect to Windows, Mac, and even Chromebooks. But because it doesn’t require any software and supports HDCP, it can also connect to hundreds of types of HDMI 1.4 devices such as document cameras, digital media players, and even gaming consoles. 

For mobile devices and tablets, InstaShow WDC-10 connects using a button connection either via HDMI (with an adapter), or using the USB-C port with devices such as iPad Pro. However, with the newer InstaShow WDC-20 or WDC-30, which are more advanced systems, users get support for streaming from mobile devices via the InstaShare app if installed on iOS or Android phones and tablets.

The BenQ Instashow can connect to hundreds of HDMI and USB-C devices, including a digital microscope, PS4, Raspberry Pi developement board, and even an iPad Pro. 

So which system is right for your huddle room? As with any technology decision, there are many factors to consider, but the guide below breaks down some of the key features many people are looking for in a wireless collaboration solution for their huddle rooms.

The BenQ InstaShow has become one of the top-selling ClickShare alternatives because it keeps the simple and intuitive button architecture that ClickShare uses while eliminating the hassles of downloading applications and having to connect to a network in order to present. For huddle rooms and shared workspaces, the plug and play approach of the InstaShow keeps your meeting focused on the topic – without having to learn new apps or log in to a different network.

Don't just take our word for it, get a free demo and try InstaShow for yourself!