Best ClickShare Alternatives for Huddle Rooms

Based on 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? 

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 InstaShow uses a button architecture similar to ClickShare, it is easy to set up and use. The receiver can be powered from a display’s USB 3.0 port and 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 adapter to your notebook. Testing by the publication My Tech Decisions indicates it took only a few minutes to connect and use, and Projector Central said, ”InstaShow's combination of video quality with ease of setting up and use is nothing short of amazing.”

The AirTame receiver is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on a display, and like InstaShow, can be powered by a USB port on the host display. While AirTame can create its own Wi-Fi network, AirTame recommends that customers set up a new VLAN network. AirTame2 also has other specific networking and performance requirements for enterprise networks which mean more costs need to be considered. These include:

• 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.

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. 

The AirTame application must be running on presenters’ devices in order to connect to the AirTame2 receiver. AirTame offers applications for Windows, Mac OS, Chromebook, and Linux computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. Because the application requires resources from the device, certain features may be limited on different devices, such as a Chromebook that doesn’t have a hardware encoding chip or is running on an ARM processor.

Because Mersive Solstice Pod requires a proprietary application running on the source device 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 only the more expensive models have wired HDMI input ports, but do not support HDCP, which is required for most media players, TV boxes, and other HDMI devices that play copy-protected media.

Which system is right for your huddle room? As with any technology purchase decision, theree 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 and larger meeting spaces.

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 hassle 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 InstaShow keeps your meetings focused on the topic at hand without having to learn how to use 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!