How Meeting Spaces Are Evolving for Simplicity and Reliability
Over the last decade, meeting spaces have undergone a dramatic transformation. From traditional video conferencing setups with dedicated codecs and cameras to today’s flexible, hybrid environments, the way we design and deploy collaboration technology has changed – and so have the expectations of users and integrators.
In a recent NatChat podcast episode, Do You Really Need All Those Cables?, we sat down with Russell Harpham, European Director at SCT, to explore how signal extension and integration technology is helping enterprises simplify deployments, reduce risk, and future-proof their meeting spaces.
The Evolution of Meeting Spaces
Enterprise meeting spaces used to be defined by complexity. To bring order to that chaos, global standards emerged – giving every room the same experience, no matter where it was in the world. And that consistency doesn’t just help users; it reduces risk and increases predictability for integrators too.
As Russell explained, “It doesn’t matter where the room is, you want the same experience. But that also has to be true for the installation itself. Integrators need to know what they’re walking into, anywhere in the world, and trust that the signal deployment will be reliable.”
This shift toward predictability has driven a major change: technology must now be consistent not only for the end user but also for the teams deploying and supporting it.
Reducing Complexity: Why It Matters
Every additional component in a meeting space introduces potential points of failure. SCT’s approach focuses on making cabling more efficient, reducing those failure points, and delivering a more predictable, reliable deployment.
The benefits are clear:
• Less remedial work: Fewer call-outs for fixes and adjustments.
• Improved uptime: Meeting spaces stay operational when they’re needed most.
• Faster deployments: Simplified engineering means less time on site.
As Russell put it, “If there’s less to go wrong, your deployment is more predictable and reliable.”
The USB-C Challenge
One of the biggest challenges in recent years is USB-C. During the pandemic, users became highly confident with video conferencing and familiar with USB-C as a universal connector. But in enterprise environments, that confidence often leads to misconceptions.
“People see USB-C as the panacea,” Russell noted. “But just because it’s a USB-C connector doesn’t mean it delivers the experience they expect. BYOD, content sharing, charging – they all behave differently.”
Add to that the complexity of mixed laptop estates – Macs, PCs, and legacy devices – and the challenge grows. Some devices support DP Alt Mode, others don’t. Some rely on HDMI and USB separately. Enterprises need solutions that accommodate both cutting-edge and legacy technology without forcing a complete rip-and-replace strategy.
Why SCT’s Approach Stands Out
SCT’s technology is designed with these realities in mind.
Here’s what makes it different:
• Plug-and-Play Hardware
No drivers, no IP addresses, no operating system dependencies. That means fewer points of failure and no ongoing maintenance headaches.
• Works with Existing Investments
Enterprises can extend the life of their current meeting spaces while enabling future upgrades – without starting from scratch.
• Flexibility for Creative Room Design
SCT’s signal extension technology removes constraints around power points and cable lengths, giving designers freedom to place cameras, microphones, and seating where they deliver the best experience.
• Security Benefits
By keeping AV devices off the network and leaving only the codec connected, SCT solutions reduce security risks associated with AV-over-IP deployments.
The Cost of Downtime
The cost of downtime in a meeting space is significant – not just for integrators but for the business itself. Every day a room is out of action means lost productivity and wasted resources. SCT helps eliminate those costs by making installations more reliable and upgrades easier.
For example, when Cisco introduced its RoomVision PTZ camera, many organisations faced the challenge of adding power and HDMI connectivity. With SCT extenders, those upgrades were seamless. Running Cat6 cables in advance meant future migrations could happen without involving facilities teams or electricians – saving time and money.
And when it comes to USB-C, SCT’s modular approach adds even more value. Instead of replacing expensive active optical cables when a user damages a connector, SCT enables integrators to swap out just the last meter – quickly, easily, and cost-effectively.
Future-Proofing Meeting Spaces
The industry is moving toward AV-over-IP, but real-world deployments still rely heavily on USB for BYOD and content delivery. SCT’s modular solutions bridge that gap, integrating with IP infrastructure while supporting existing workflows.
As Russell summed up, “SCT want to deliver solutions that are future-proof and considerate of existing infrastructure. Not every customer has a greenfield site. We need to make technology simple without forcing them to rip everything out.”
Ready to Simplify Your Meeting Spaces?
Together with SCT, Natilik ensures your meeting spaces are designed not just for today’s needs but with a future-proof, scalable foundation that supports wherever your collaboration strategy goes next.
If you’d like to hear more about SCT and how Natilik can utilise their technology to help transform your meeting spaces, book a discovery workshop with us today. We’ll not only discuss your requirements but also give you the chance to see the solution in action at our Natilik offices in London.
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