Sight: Logitech's video conferencing system promises next-level hybrid conferencing
Video conferences are now very easy with the help of fast internet connections, inexpensive headsets, high-resolution webcams and powerful software solutions. It becomes a little more challenging when a video conference is conducted in a hybrid manner, such as when several people are seated at different locations at a table in a conference room take part in a (large) video call together. Ideally, all participants should be clearly captured in both video and audio without each individual having to use their own webcam and microphone.
Logitech has been offering such a system in the form of Sight for a while now, which is designed to provide a powerful solution in precisely such scenarios. The device, which measures 169 millimeters in diameter and 299 millimeters high with a table mount, comes with seven beamforming microphones and cameras. The two cameras offer 4K resolution and cover a horizontal field of view of 315 degrees, meaning a conference table is almost completely covered without having to resort to a frontal view alone.
As a result, all participants in a meeting can be displayed simultaneously. A front camera can be utilized to show personal interactions between people. Additionally a firmware update is also expected to enable the device to intelligently determine whether the camera should be used on the table or at the front of the room. In future, it will even be possible to integrate a second table camera into the system. Additional small microphones can also be connected.
Compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet is advertised, and power is supplied via a power supply or PoE and thus Ethernet. The asking price is $1,999 - Logitech is clearly targeting corporate customers with the product. With a touch control panel, a front camera and additional microphones, the price could easily more than double.
There are much cheaper alternatives, of course, but the expansion options should certainly make the Logitech system stand out. Systems with a movable camera are much less expensive, although some of them have to be operated manually.
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