ClickShare simplifies wireless presentation and video conferencing in meeting rooms by enabling users to share content and connect to room peripherals instantly. Designed to work straight out of the box, it removes the need for cables and complicated setups, fostering a smoother, more efficient collaborative environment.
At its core, a ClickShare system comprises a central Base Unit connected to the meeting room's display and a ClickShare Button or the ClickShare App used by participants to share content.
The Core Mechanism
ClickShare operates by creating a secure, dedicated wireless connection between a user's device and the meeting room display. Instead of plugging in cables, users connect wirelessly to the ClickShare system, which then manages the output to the main screen.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. The ClickShare Base Unit
The Base Unit is the central "brain" of the ClickShare system. It is physically connected to the meeting room's main display (e.g., TV, projector) via HDMI and potentially to the network. For ClickShare Conference models, it also connects to the room's USB peripherals like cameras, microphones, and speakers.
2. Connecting to Share Content
Users can connect to the ClickShare system in two primary ways:
- ClickShare Button: This is a physical USB device that plugs into a laptop. Once plugged in, a simple press of the button instantly mirrors the laptop's screen onto the meeting room display. It's a true plug-and-play experience, requiring no software installation on the user's device. The Button establishes a secure, peer-to-peer connection with the Base Unit.
- ClickShare App: Alternatively, users can download and install the free ClickShare App on their laptop (Windows/macOS) or mobile device (iOS/Android). The app allows users to connect wirelessly to the Base Unit via Wi-Fi and share their screen, select specific windows, or view content being presented by others.
Once connected, content from the user's device is wirelessly transmitted to the ClickShare Base Unit, which then displays it on the central meeting room screen.
ClickShare for Presentation vs. Conferencing
ClickShare offers different product lines tailored to specific meeting room needs:
- ClickShare Present (e.g., C-Series): These systems are primarily designed for wireless content sharing. They facilitate easy screen mirroring from multiple devices to the main display, perfect for brainstorming sessions and presentations where the focus is on sharing visual information.
- ClickShare Conference (e.g., CX-Series): Going beyond just presentation, ClickShare Conference systems are built for seamless hybrid meetings and video conferencing. In addition to wireless content sharing, ClickShare Conference wirelessly connects you to USB camera, mic and speakers in the meeting room. This means users can simply connect their laptop (via Button or App) and instantly leverage the professional AV equipment in the room for their preferred video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex), providing a "Bring Your Own Meeting" (BYOM) experience.
Summary of Functionality
| Feature | ClickShare Present (e.g., C-10) | ClickShare Conference (e.g., CX-30) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Wireless presentation | Wireless video conferencing & presentation |
| Content Sharing | Yes (via Button/App) | Yes (via Button/App) |
| Connects to Room AV | No (only display) | Yes (USB camera, mic, speakers) |
| BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) | No | Yes |
| Setup Complexity | Very Low (plug & play) | Low (plug & play with AV integration) |
Benefits in Practice
The simplicity of ClickShare translates into several practical benefits:
- Reduced Setup Time: No more searching for the right cable or struggling with adapter compatibility.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Multiple users can quickly share their screens, fostering dynamic discussions.
- Clean Meeting Spaces: Eliminates cable clutter from the meeting table.
- Platform Agnostic: ClickShare Conference works with any video conferencing platform, giving users flexibility.
In essence, ClickShare streamlines the meeting experience by providing a reliable and intuitive wireless bridge between personal devices and meeting room technology.
