Review: TelyHD Business Edition: Run meetings from any HDTV - deeringbefiscure

In the non-soh-distant past, in full-featured videoconferencing was merely a pipe dream for small businesses and startups. Services from the likes of Polycom and LifeSize can cost tens of thousands of dollars per month, which is wellspring beyond the budget of nigh SMBs. As luck would have it—as Bobsled Dylan thusly aptly put it—the multiplication they are a-changin'. Now, offerings such atomic number 3 Google Hangout deliver video chat completely for liberal. And for companies that need a more fleshed out—and yet still affordable—option, there's the Tely Labs TelyHD, a $499 hardware resolution that is a simple as IT is feature-compact. (A more basic consumer model is available for $249.)

Happening the surface, the TelyHD looks equivalent a hefty webcam with a sleek and simple design. The cylindrical unit measures about a foot unsound and a few inches in diameter; it fit suited in attached to the exceed of our 50-edge High-definition television. 2 grille-covered speakers on either end provide more than passable volume during calls. The plump for of the device features an SD identity card time slot, a USB port, an Ethernet port, a Mini HDMI porthole, and a power stimulant. The box also includes the necessary telyHD remote, a simple intimacy with a five-way control, a mute button, and an end call key.

The Android-based user interface has any quirks, but is relatively straightforward.

Eastern Samoa evidenced by the spatulate plan, setting up the telyHD could not be easier. All in all, it took us all but 10 minutes to get the unit up and running—no computer required. Only sequester the the power cord to an issue, connect the HDMI cable television service to any HD Television, follow the oncreen setup prompts and you're effective to go. Although information technology's non necessary referable the camera's built-in WI-Fi, we'd also recommend using a direct Ethernet connection if your Television receiver is close plenty to your router (details happening why below). In addition, the UI was confusing at times, with the main button not forever fetching us back to the independent menu, an inconsistency that was a child annoyance.

The TelyHD Business Edition includes a whole host of features. That is to say, six parties in variable locations can join in on a video scream, whereas most competitors only give up between two to four remote participants. That makes it a better solution than the close-up meetings that littler webcams and consumer conferencing apps enable. And of course of study—like its consumer-central brother—the system allows for desktop sharing and document collaboration. It besides creates an Internet-connected TV, sol you stern graze the Web and share information with participants. In addition, IT's Skype-credentialed, so not only will it automatically significance altogether of your contacts, but anyone using a Skype-enabled device lavatory connect with you via your TelyHD. In the end, the system of rules is built on the Android OS foundation, which leaves it undefended to potential updates and third-party development in the future.

We position the TelyHD to the test by conferencing in three contacts in total. The 720p HD video was apparent, with all participants screening up nappy and clear. One thing to be cognizant of, though, is your subjects' lighting and distance from the camera , although this is a pertain with some videoconferencing units we've used. The one notable issue we ran into was sol-so audio frequency with some dropouts when we depended connected victimization the Wi-Fi connection. Shift to Ethernet seemed to solve the problem, and that is suggested.

Bottom line

At the end of the day, the TelyHD Business Edition is a primary solid solution for SMBs on a limited budget. Of course, it's non going to cost just $500. For uncomparable, most offices will postulate more than united whole. As wel, there is a $199 annual subscription fee that goes into set up after the first year. Still, given the rest of use, we think this a reasonable price to pay to keep your business hurling.