Video Bars: A Great Start, But Are They Enough?

Back in 1964, AT&T introduced the Picturephone Mod I at the New York World's Fair—a prototype machine with a 5-inch black-and-white screen, a grainy monochrome camera, and a regular telephone for audio. A few years later, in 1969, AT&T introduced the Picturephone Mod II, a more advanced version that featured a mirror system for sharing documents. It was meant to revolutionise communication, but it never took off. The costs were high, the quality was low, and ultimately, people just weren’t ready for video calls.?

Fast forward 60 years, and video conferencing is now a staple of modern business. Gone are the tiny screens and grainy images—today, we have sleek, all-in-one video bars that deliver high-quality video and crystal-clear audio. It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a modern smartphone—a complete game-changer.?

With Singapore’s TG-FWAR (Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests) taking effect on 1 December 2024, businesses need to take hybrid work seriously. The ability to collaborate effectively—whether in the office or remotely—isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. But are video bars the best tool for the job, or do some rooms need something more powerful??

When Video Bars Make Sense?

Think of a video bar like a Swiss Army knife. It’s compact, versatile, and does a lot of things well. For small to medium-sized rooms, it’s an ideal solution—especially for businesses just starting with video conferencing.?

All-in-one video bars combine a camera, microphone, and speakers into a single device. They’re easy to install, requiring minimal setup, and many are optimised for platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. They also include smart features like auto-framing and speaker tracking, making virtual meetings feel more natural.?

Manufacturers have continuously improved these devices, extending their capabilities beyond small rooms. Some have even conducted blind tests with ESCO’s Design Team, where the camera was turned off and participants had to judge how far away a speaker was based on audio quality alone. The results were surprising—some captured voices from up to 8 meters away.?

But here’s the catch: just because a video bar can work in a bigger space doesn’t mean it’s the best option.?

Can You Use Video Bars in Large Rooms??

Imagine trying to light up a stadium with a table lamp. It might cast some light, but it won’t illuminate the entire space. That’s exactly what happens when you use a video bar in a room that’s too large.?

A video bar might technically work in a bigger room, but there are caveats. The camera might capture everyone, but the further away someone is, the less detail is visible. Speech from the back of the room might still be picked up, but it won’t sound as crisp and clear as a dedicated microphone system. If the goal is just basic video connectivity, a video bar might be enough. But for high-stakes meetings—where every word and facial expression matters—it starts to fall short.?

A large meeting space brings its own set of challenges. Acoustics play a huge role, and if the room isn’t optimised, voices can become muddled. The microphone range on a video bar can only do so much before distant participants start sounding faint. And while the built-in speakers might be sufficient for a small group, they struggle in bigger spaces where sound needs to reach everyone evenly.?

So, can you technically use a video bar in a large conference room? Yes. But should you? That depends on whether you're willing to accept its limitations.?

When to Consider a Scalable AV Solution?

At some point, a video bar just isn’t enough—kind of like trying to run a marathon in a pair of slippers. You might reach the finish line, but it won’t be comfortable or efficient.?

For large boardrooms, executive meetings, or mission-critical discussions, businesses should consider a scalable AV solution instead. There are systems that go beyond a single device, allowing for multi-camera setups, dedicated microphones, and advanced audio processing.?

A properly designed AV system ensures that everyone in the room is clearly seen and heard. Multiple cameras can switch between speakers automatically, ensuring that remote participants stay engaged. High-quality microphones—whether ceiling-mounted or table-based—deliver consistent audio pickup, making conversations more natural. And with powerful audio processing and carefully planned speaker placement, sound is evenly distributed across the room, ensuring clarity for all participants.?

Of course, it’s not just about buying better equipment. The placement of cameras and microphones, the acoustics of the room, and the way the system is programmed all play a huge role in how effective the setup will be. Even the best hardware won’t perform well if it’s not installed correctly.?

What About Large-Room Video Bars??

That said, when a fully scalable solution is out of budget, some video bars are designed for larger rooms, offering better camera framing, microphone range, and speaker output than standard models. While these larger video bars improve coverage and performance, they still have limitations compared to a fully integrated AV system. They work best in moderately large spaces but may struggle in very large or acoustically challenging rooms. For organisations that need better performance but aren’t ready for a full-scale installation, they can be a practical middle ground.?

Final Thoughts?

We’ve come a long way from the 5-inch black-and-white screens of the past. Video bars have revolutionised small and medium-sized meeting spaces, providing businesses with a simple, effective, and cost-efficient way to enhance collaboration. But just like any tool, they have their limits.?

For smaller rooms and everyday meetings, video bars are a fantastic choice. But for larger spaces—where clarity, precision, and engagement are critical—a scalable AV system is the better investment.?

With TG-FWAR promoting hybrid work, businesses must ensure their meeting spaces are future-ready. The right AV setup doesn’t just make meetings more productive—it ensures that everyone, whether in the room or remote, has an equal seat at the table. And with technology evolving rapidly, who knows? In another 10 years, we might be conducting meetings with holograms—just like in Star Wars. Until then, choosing the right video solution is the best place to start.?

Written By:

Sofyan Sofwan, CTS-I is a Senior System Designer at ESCO, bringing extensive experience and certifications to his role, including Crestron Intelligent Video Certification and Audinate Dante Level 1, 2, and 3. With a background as a Project Engineer, Sofyan has been involved in AV projects from start to finish, overseeing everything from system design and shop drawings to on-site installation, control system programming, testing, commissioning, and end-user training. His commitment to AV excellence is underscored by his AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) designation, and he sees himself as a lifelong learner, continuously seeking to expand his knowledge of audio and visual technology. Passionate about the growing integration of AV with IT, Sofyan advocates for greater collaboration between design, engineering, and programming professionals. Outside of work, he enjoys playing the acoustic guitar, producing podcasts with friends, and cherishing his role as a father to his 6-year-old daughter, whom he considers his greatest accomplishment.