Video call room set...
 

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[Closed] Video call room set-up

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Posts: 1440
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So it looks like we'll be fairly hooked on Zoom calls in our house for a while to come yet. I suspect that even when the vaccinations get us out of the Covid situation we'll be running a weekly call to elderly parents for a few more years yet.

We're in the lucky position of having a room that was set up as a gaming room/occasional bedroom for the kids - a sofa against one wall faces a 32" screen TV on the other about 9 ft away. We've connected a PC up and bought a USB camera to create a 'call room'. The trouble is the microphone on the camera is 9 ft away (mounted on top of the telly) and people on the call hear us as if we're at the end of a corridor. So I think I need to buy a separate microphone that I can hang above/mount on the wall behind/place on a table in front. I don't really want a lot of trailing wires.

TL:DR;
Looking for recommendations please - a wireless microphone (or microphone built into wireless keyboard maybe?) for video calls. Not too pricey please (<£75).

Ta.


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 6:37 pm
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Hang the mic from the sex swing, the wire won’t matter too much then.


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 6:45 pm
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Ha ha! you might have an idea there. Maybe I need to be asking for sex swing recommendations then.......


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 6:52 pm
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BlobOnAStick
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Presumably of other, more "niche" forums as well? 🙂


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 6:53 pm
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Ooh. Reminds me I have some zoom friendly stuff to photograph and put In classifieds.

Maybe I need to be asking for sex swing recommendations then…….

Get a WCA approved sexpond and a virtual beach backdrop for the win.


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 6:57 pm
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Presumably of other, more “niche” forums as well?

Although a member can’t be Full and Free at the same time... ☺️


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 7:19 pm
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We have Facebook Portals TVs spread throughout our family around the world.

I was very sceptical and cynical about them to begin with, but they work excellently. There are more technically capable and versatile devices out there, but we find that the simplicity of them is what makes them good.

Obviously not compatible with Zoom, if that is the only service that you are able to use, but we have them all linked to our WhatsApp accounts, so pretty much anyone is contactable on them via their mobile or their Portal. You are also able to link to Facebook messenger (we haven't done this), so you should still be able to call people via this if they use a laptop or tablet for receiving the calls.

With the family being so dispersed, it always felt like a chore to arrange times for phone calls, then gathering round a phone for a conversation. This improved with facetime, Skype, WhatsApp calls etc on the phone or laptop, but still felt like 'everyone gather round the device perched on the table, as it is that time of week again'. Now with the Portal we can have it on whilst playing with the baby, cooking or just doing chores in the kitchen, and it zooms in and follows people. It seems to make conversation much more natural, and normal.

You can also set it up with Alexa, Netflix, Prime , Spotify and a few other things. Has camera covers and mute things to stop Zuckerberg listening in to your secrets, or just unplug if a concern.

Often on offer for £100.


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 7:39 pm
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Portal TV is on my list too. Hate FB, but will create an account just for the purpose... Zoom support is just around the corner for it, all the other FB Portals already have it.


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 7:45 pm
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One of these or the Jabra equivalent

Anker PowerConf S3 Bluetooth Speakerphone with 6 Mics, Enhanced Voice Pickup, 24H Call Time, App Control, Bluetooth 5, USB C, Conference Speaker Compatible with Leading Platforms, Home Office https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0899S421T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_dlT2_B1m8Fb19D1C0K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 7:46 pm
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For the camera I use an old phone on the WiFi and a webcam app it's great being wirefree.

I imagine you can do something similar for a microphone.

Worth remembering though that you need to place the microphone sensibly if it's Infront of the speakers or you'll get Hella feedback.

Edit. The app for microphone appears to be WO mic


 
Posted : 02/01/2021 8:16 pm

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