Crestron Develops Microsoft Lync-Based Conference Room Solution

Crestron has unveiled Crestron RL, its new Lync-based group collaboration solution for conferencing.

Microsoft Lync 2013 is a server-based application that supports video, voice, interactive content sharing, presence, and chat from personal devices, such as tablets and laptops. The Crestron RL, which debuted at the InfoComm 2013 conference taking place this week in Orlando, FL, "brings Lync from the desktop to the meeting room," according to the company. Crestron claimed to have the only Lync Room System (LRS) that links to all systems in the room and enables users to control lighting, shades, thermostats, digital media, audio-visual distribution, and other systems from the same touch screen.

According to the company, implementation involves mounting the display, connecting Crestron RL to the local area network, and authenticating. The system does not require a multipoint control unit (MCU) or gateway. Once it's installed, users just press the "RL" button to start a collaboration session, and remote participants can join through Lync on their desktops.

Crestron RL also works together with Crestron Fusion software to collect and report usage data about all systems and activities, so that information can be used to manage the room and provide remote help desk support from any Web-enabled device.

The Crestron RL is available in two complete packaged solutions. According to Crestron, the CCS-UC-100-2 dual-display system is designed for medium to large conference rooms, and the CCS-UC-100-1 single-display system is designed for executive offices, small to medium conference rooms, and huddle rooms. The solutions include:

  • Crestron UC Codec for Lync;
  • 65-inch touch display(s);
  • A 10-inch table-top touch screen;
  • High-definition camera;
  • Sound bar; and
  • Mounting hardware, cables, and accessories.

Further information about Crestron RL is available on Crestron's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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