Last week, AVer introduced the EVC100, a new room video system priced at $999 list. While the current EVC100 does not support WebRTC, the potential this device shows for quality room video systems at very reasonable prices is significant and needs to be considered as we look forward to the future of video and WebRTC. In talking with the Eric Yu of AVer, he fully understands that WebRTC is coming and indicated that WebRTC is something they are looking at and will provide at some point in the future. Assuming that is sooner than later, this level of product shows new class of solution for rooms and offices.
With the EVC100 and a 50-60 inch monitor, a room system can now cost as little as $1,500, assuming Costco monitor pricing and some level of discounting from AVer. At this price point, room systems are now within the reach of both office users in larger corporations and SMBs. For office users, the capability to put a conferencing system in an office that includes a table is potentially of great value as compared to using a desktop system. For the SMB, the cost point is sufficiently low enough to make buying video reasonable if there are very low cost options for services.
With some of the new video services such as Zoom, Vidtel, and Blue Jeans, the cost for monthly video service is dropping to the point where SMBs and even individuals can justify it. With prices starting below $10 per month, using these types of system with a service and WebRTC for your customers could open new horizons for SMB. And the emerging WebRTC services like Bistri, FACEmeeting, and Tawk could be used with a WebRTC version of this class of device to have a very reasonable video system; or, it could be used to join a WebRTC conference you were invited to and wanted to attend to multiple people in a room. If you have a large office or a conference room, investing $1,500 for an actual conferencing system is not that big an investment. But why not just use an HD webcam and a HD TV with a PC? While at first blush this seems to save a lot, unless the PC is dedicated, the set-up confusion and wear and tear will rapidly reduce both effectiveness and operation. Also, the PC does not include the dedicated microphone and speaker with attendant noise cancelling that makes the EVC100 reasonable for smaller conference rooms. The EVC100 also includes inputs for other devices to share documents, including VGA and audio in and out ports. I am really looking forward to the version of the EVC100 that includes WebRTC. Perhaps it will also include Chromecast so we can beam output to it and share that as well. 
The EVC100 is a strong indicator of the direction in video conferencing end-points. While many of us may use our PCs and tablets, there is definitely a potential market for reasonably proceed room/office dedicated systems that enable the next generation of systems. Integration with WebRTC will only accelerate the opportunity.
Edited by
Rich Steeves
