Unpacking the Polycom Group Series

Today I received my brand new Group Series 500 (or GS 500) in our demonstration room in Amsterdam. This device has a super small form factor - easy to place behind the screen or under the camera, low price point - able to use it in every room, and supports all the latest technologies like Native Lync, Cisco TIP, H.264 AVC/SVC and resolutions like 1080p60 for both video and content.

 

I created a short video to give an overview what is delivered out-of-the-box.

 

After unpacking I connected the GS 500 via two HDMI cables in my current two 1080p screens. I have one screen for video and the other for content. I am getting the audio separate from GS 500 via audio jack into the amplifier of the soundbar under the screens.

 

Conclusion: The out-of-box configuration is very straight forward. I really like the auto resolution discovery which comes from HDMI, no research for the right resolution etc., using Bluetooth or USB keyboard/mouse for configuration input. Further running through configuration wizard was arround 10 minutes and you are ready to start your video conference.
Good to remember: The buttons on GS 500 and the new Table Mic are proximity based so no pressing of buttons just move your finger over it and wait to turn on the unit. Blue light will flash so you have an indication the unit has started...