A meeting falls apart fast when nobody can hear the remote caller or the laptop won't connect. Good boardroom AV solutions fix that. They give you clear sound, a sharp screen and controls anyone can use.
At Rea Sound, we have fitted audio visual systems across Northern Ireland for over 50 years. This checklist covers what a modern boardroom needs, with examples from our own installs.
What Do Boardroom AV Solutions Include?
Boardroom AV solutions include the microphones, speakers, screens, cameras and controls that run your meetings. The best setups let people join from the room or from home and hear each other clearly.
Every room is different. A small huddle space needs less kit than a council chamber. Still, most boardrooms need the same core items. Use the checklist below to see what your room has and what it lacks.
The Boardroom AV Checklist
1. Clear Microphones for Every Seat
People on a call need to hear every voice at the table. That means microphones placed so nobody has to lean in or repeat themselves.
Some rooms use desk microphones. Others use ceiling microphones, which keep the table clear. At Learning Pool in Derry, we fitted a Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 with 28 built-in microphones. We also set audio exclusion zones, so the system focuses on the people in the meeting.
2. Speakers That Fill the Room
Remote callers should sound natural from every seat. Ceiling speakers spread sound evenly and stay out of sight.
At Mid Ulster Council Chamber in Cookstown, we fitted Martin Audio ACS-55T two-way ceiling speakers. They give wide 180-degree coverage across the chamber.
3. A Screen Everyone Can See
Your screen should be big enough for the person at the far end of the table. Options include large displays, projectors, video walls and interactive touch screens.
Touch screens let your team write on slides and share ideas live. At JP & S Construction, we installed an Ayla 75 inch interactive panel. We supply displays from Ayla, Samsung, Panasonic and LG.
4. A Camera That Shows the Whole Room
Remote guests need to see who is talking. A good camera frames the table so nobody drops out of shot.
At JP & S Construction, we paired the Ayla panel with a Kramer K-Bar. It has a 12MP camera and a MEMS microphone in one slim bar. At Learning Pool, two Kramer 4K PTZ cameras let the team switch focus between the presenter and the room.
5. Video Conferencing That Works With Your Apps
Your boardroom AV should work with the meeting apps your team already uses. That includes Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet.
At CavanaghKelly, we added a MaxHub UC10 video conference unit. Staff log into their meeting app and start the call.
6. Easy Laptop Connections
Guests should be able to share a laptop screen in seconds. Look for simple cable points at the table and wireless sharing for tablets and phones.
7. One-Touch Control
If nobody can work the system, it won't get used. A single touch panel should start the meeting, switch sources and set the volume.
At Learning Pool, we set up Kramer QuickLaunch with custom Learning Pool branding. Staff can book and start hybrid meetings from one screen. Read the full story of our hybrid meeting room for Learning Pool.
8. Support for People With Hearing Loss
Many boardrooms need a hearing assistance system for staff and visitors with hearing loss. We fit hard of hearing solutions for meeting rooms and receptions.
In Northern Ireland, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland explains what applies to you.
9. Training and Ongoing Support
Your team needs to know how to use the kit on day one. We provide training and ongoing support after we install your system.
Conference Room AV vs Boardroom AV
Conference room AV usually serves larger or more flexible spaces, like training rooms and council chambers. Boardroom AV focuses on one table and a smaller group.
Conference rooms often need more microphones, wider speaker coverage and bigger screens. Some need a discussion system, where each delegate has their own microphone. Boardrooms usually need fewer inputs and simpler controls.
Case Study: Mid Ulster Council Chamber, Cookstown
We won the contract for the new AV installation in the Cookstown chamber of Mid Ulster Council.
We installed a Bosch discussion system with a sleek, modern design and low desk impact. Each unit has a high-directive microphone and an earphone socket option. Martin Audio ACS-55T ceiling speakers carry sound across the room.
See this project and more on our boardroom AV solutions page for corporate clients.
Why Businesses Choose Rea Sound
In 1983, Martin and Sean signed distribution deals with Martin Audio and Allen & Heath. Today, we are the oldest distributor of both brands anywhere. We added visual products in 2000 and work with Kramer, Panasonic, LG and Canon.
Our corporate clients include CavanaghKelly, JP & S Construction and the LS Browne Centre. Learn more about our AV installation in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. New to AV? Our guide, What is audio visual installation?, covers the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you upgrade our existing boardroom AV?
Yes. We can often keep parts of your current system and add new kit around it. At Learning Pool, we linked the new hybrid setup into their existing audio.
Will our boardroom work with Microsoft Teams and Zoom?
Yes. We design boardroom AV to work with Teams, Zoom and Google Meet. Units like the MaxHub UC10 let staff log straight into their meeting app.
Do you fit hearing assistance in meeting rooms?
Yes. We fit hard of hearing solutions for meeting rooms and receptions, as well as background music and paging systems.
What brands do you use in boardrooms?
We use brands such as Martin Audio, Bosch, Kramer, Sennheiser, MaxHub and Ayla. The right mix depends on your room size and how you run meetings.
Do you work outside Belfast?
Yes. Our head office is in Cookstown, and we work across the whole island of Ireland. We also have phone lines for Belfast and Dublin.
About Rea Sound
Based in Cookstown, Northern Ireland, Rea Sound has designed, supplied and installed audio visual systems for over 50 years. We fit boardroom AV, sound, screens, video conferencing and lighting for businesses, councils, churches and venues across Ireland.
Ready to Upgrade Your Boardroom?
Tell us how your team meets, and we will plan a system that suits your room. Book a free site survey today.