While both products enable you to mirror your screen from a notebook, the two products work quite differently to accomplish the same task.  Most IT managers will want to look at key areas before deciding on what will be right for them  So what should they look at – and do these two popular systems stack up in areas that matter most?

To compare these systems, let us look at the most asked questions from IT managers who are considering replacing a traditional cable in a classroom or conference room with a wireless presentation system.

•      What is the difference between WiFi Architecture vs. Button Architecture?

•      How much effort is needed to set up your network and computers to use each system?

•      How much bandwidth burden is placed on your network from each system?

•      How easy is it to use with different types of devices?

•      How secure are these systems to protect the network and user content?

•      What are the size and market share of each company and its products

Most wireless presentation systems are based on either the use of dedicated transmitter buttons, where the two market leaders are the Barco ClickShare and BenQ InstaShow, or rely on apps using the corporate WiFi network infrastructure to mirror data from their notebook. Button-based systems typically are easier to install and use, and are the most popular type of wireless presentations systems used in corporations above a $500 price point. 

The BenQ InstaShow is very easy to install.  You simply connect the receiver to the display – then put the buttons on the table in your collaboration space.  Testing by the publication My Tech Decisions indicated it took only a few minutes to install.  When connected to the network IT managers can remotely change the background signage and add/remove buttons.  The system automatically encrypts all transmissions and enables you to use Google Cast, AirPlay, and the InstaShare app for any type of mobile device right out of the box.

The Cynap Pure system has a more complicated installation process.  Like other WiFi-based systems, it comes with a Network Implementation guide that outlines all of the resources needed to work properly on the network.  This guide has over 65 different port addresses that will need to be configured and tested to ensure full functionality on your network.  There are several other detailed settings required for ensuring that content is properly encrypted and other password-protected areas that need to be managed by IT.

BenQ InstaShow
The InstaShow WDC20 and WDC20E are designed to operate without using corporate or school network resources.  The buttons communicate to the receiver on its closed network – enabling up to four different presenters or sources to mirror their screen at the same time – and deliver smooth video up to 60 frames per second.   There is no need to configure or modify ports on your network, adjust your quality of service, or add additional servers.    Testing by the publication My Tech Decisions indicated it took only a few minutes to install.  The system also comes with free central management software to enable IT managers to connect and control the devices using BenQ’s Device Management software.   

Cynap Pure

The Cynap Pure system uses the corporate or school WiFi network to transmit the video to the Cynap device connected to the display.  Like the BenQ InstaShow, the receiver can support up to four different simultaneous presenters on a single display but requires a significant amount of bandwidth.  According to the Cynap Network Integration guide, each 1080p window will require as much as 7 mps of bandwidth at 1080p resolution.  For multiple screens or higher resolution – this number could be substantially higher.    

Network Usage & Setup Comparison

Here is a summary of how these two systems stack up for ease of setup and installation

Both the BenQ InstaShow and WolfVision Cynap are promoted as BYOD screen mirroring systems.  So what devices can be used – and how well do they work? 

BenQ InstaShow works with any HDMI Device – even a Document Camera

The InstaShow WDC20E is designed for anyone to intuitively use any source device without training.  Simply plug in an InstaShow button into whatever device you want to mirror, then tap the green circle to present on any notebook or desktop computer.  This app-free design also enables you to use non-PC devices such as a Linux Raspberry Pi, Samsung Blu-Ray player, cable TV box, and even a Wolfvision VZ-3neo document camera using the HDMI port. Mobile users can also connect using Chromecast, InstaShare, or Apple Airplay – and the InstaShow has full HDCP support built-in – so you can present copy-protected content in your presentation.

WolfVision Cynap Pure – Only computers & mobile devices

The Cynap Pure utilizes a series of vSolution apps to enable a device to find and connect to the receiver on the display.  The software works with any standard computer or mobile device, but can’t work with other sources like document cameras, media players, or Linux devices.  The system also does not support the use of HDCP content, which may limit the use of certain types of content in a presentation. 

Security is a hot topic in wireless presentations.  With hackers developing sophisticated malware that can expose network vulnerabilities – IT managers are sensitive to what devices are on their networks.  Recently, eight different wireless presentation systems were found to have significant security flaws.  All of these systems were designed to use the corporate network to mirror their screens. How do the wireless presentation systems from WolfVision and BenQ compare?

BenQ InstaShow WDC20E – 128-bit encryption and certified secure

The InstaShow is designed from the ground up for security.  Every transmission from the buttons is encrypted and can operate independently from the corporate or campus network to minimize the threat from bridging malware.   Also, since there is no app – IT managers don’t need to worry about cloned apps or hidden backdoors being installed on their presenter notebooks.  InstaShow has also been tested and certified for common threats and checked out by some of the most influential security professionals.  BenQ also provides a detailed security white paper to allow IT managers, to check out how the system will protect their network.  BenQ also has an ISO 27001 security certification.

WolfVision Cynap Pure – Optional encryption with no security certifications

Like the BenQ InstaShow, the Cynap receiver uses a Linux-based system kernel.  However, the product does not have any third-party security testing certification on either the receiver or the applications used on the computer.  While the system can encrypt the data sent over the network, this feature can be turned off by an administrator– which opens the risk of unauthorized recording.  For an outside presenter sharing confidential information, it may be difficult for them to know if their presentation data is vulnerable.   Finally, the company does not have ISO 27001 certification.

Investments in collaboration infrastructure are viewed as long-term purchases for organizations.  Most IT managers research the relative size and strength of their vendors to ensure that the product will be updated and supported during its expected life.  So how do these two companies compare?

BenQ – Worldwide market leader in displays and wireless presentation systems

The BenQ InstaShow is a natural add-on to a projector, and BenQ is the world's largest projector brand using Texas Instruments DLP technology in the world, second only to Epson for the largest market share in the $8 Billion per year projector market.  BenQ is also a market leader in computer and gaming monitors, digital signage, interactive displays for corporate conference rooms and classrooms, and is the exclusive distributor for Google’s Jamboard display.  In the wireless presentation market, the InstaShow is the second best-selling button-based system in the world next to the Barco Clickshare.  The company is part of the BenQ Group, which is a publicly held company.

WolfVision – Wireless presentation systems and document cameras

Wolfvision is a privately held company that doesn’t release its financials.  Besides wireless presentation systems, the company also has a recognized market share in the $370 Million document camera market.  According to Futuresource, Wolfvision’s worldwide market share in wireless presentation systems was below BenQ’s, and behind other WiFi-based wireless presentation systems such as Mersive, Airtame, and Kramer.

The Cynap Pure and BenQ InstaShow WDC20 have similar price points, so many IT managers will be considering the differences in the overall architecture and amount of software support and network interaction they want with these devices. The button-based BenQ doesn’t require any applications running on the source device – and can work with a far wider variety of device types than the WolfVision.  The Cynap Pure doesn’t use any buttons but can require the user to load an app or access a URL to use the system on a network – which may create a security concern.  Of course, you will need to make your assessment on which one is right for your classroom or collaboration space so here is an overview of some of the major differences between the two products.