Wireless displays

[caffrey]

What's the current best way for wireless displays ?

 

Got a project at the moment where running AV cables could be an issue so I'm looking at other ways. I want to be able to connect anything to a projector (Windows \ chromebooks), I've thought about chromecasts with a lan adapter but I don't believe they are secure e.g. anyone can cast to one without a code?

[gumbygaz]

We bought a couple of these https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/microsoft-wireless-display-adapter/8vwdj9bd9xlz?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab for our meeting rooms. Work great, and dead simple to use. Can add passcodes to stop students using and don't need anything installing on the Windows laptop. Haven't tried a Chromebook though.

No way of managing them all if your planning on having loads, firmware updates etc.

[SamanthaD]

Microsoft Wireless Display adapters are ok if you only want to use Miracast. You say anything - if that includes Apple products you'll need a different solution.

 

There are quite a few wireless casting devices out there, some of the better ones out there include Kramer Via, Extron Sharelink or AirServer Connect. However they'll still need LAN access.

 

My honest thought? Run the cable. However much pain you might feel now will probably be felt tenfold trying to support an unstable wireless connection.

[jmak]

Re Chromecasts, any devices connected to the same wireless network can connect, so if you put staff devices on a separate WLAN then students wouldn't be able to connect.

[caffrey]

Microsoft Wireless Display adapters are ok if you only want to use Miracast. You say anything - if that includes Apple products you'll need a different solution.

 

There are quite a few wireless casting devices out there, some of the better ones out there include Kramer Via, Extron Sharelink or AirServer Connect. However they'll still need LAN access.

 

My honest thought? Run the cable. However much pain you might feel now will probably be felt tenfold trying to support an unstable wireless connection.

 

Running cable is my preference too and it's what I would normally go for but this installation is a little tricky

[SamanthaD]

Running cable is my preference too and it's what I would normally go for but this installation is a little tricky

You must be getting power up there to right? And potentially data? Or it's there already? If it really is awkward then ask your electrical / data company to do it, but there's always a way to route a cable.

 

Also - if it's because of tight holes, consider converting to CatX cable so you don't have to worry about large HDMI connectors.

[caffrey]

It's a project that I feel like I'm being held at arms length from and my info is limited at the moment, but sounds like I need to get cables from a wall mount projector (I've tried to protest and get led displays instead to no avail) and the desks will be away from the wall. So the only way to get cables is either down and up through the floor or via a service pole which won't happen.

 

I also have a setup in another room with hidden pj screen and pj lift but no provision for a PC anywhere, so a chromecast may have to be used - don't even get me started on the audio situation!

[chazzy2501]

I've been using the Microsoft Wireless display adapter v2 for a while and the v3 (4k version) is a little better and not that much from insight. £45.99 https://www.uk.insight.com/en-gb/productinfo/mice/0011131296-00000001

 

the v3 can connect to your wifi directly so it can announce to the regular user when it is available, this also is supposed it improve performance. (I haven't had issues so can't tell).

 

The V3 has HDMI CEC so can change the input to its self if the TV is on the wrong input. (one less headache) I haven't got a 4k display so it uses 1080p

 

The adapters can require pin numbers (on the screen) and can password the settings.

 

The v2's party trick is that it only requires 500ma from the usb so can run off any displays usb output. The 4k requires 1000ma (still modest) and my older display still powered it just fine.

 

The v2 and v3 can now have a custom wallpaper whilst waiting for connection, so upgrade the firmware!

[caffrey]

Tried a Chromecast out today, used a lan adapter on it and it works fine - reflects well between vlans. BUT it's rubbish and slow and videos just don't play nicely and they are also very insecure.

[chazzy2501]

just another plus for the display adapter, they can clone BUT also do extend as a full second monitor. This make powerpoint look nice with the presenter mode. With all devices sound defaults to the screen when connecting, just like using a HDMI cable.

 

I will admit that sometimes you have to try the connection twice. (on the v2 and v1 but not yet with a v3 but its new)

[SamanthaD]

Apologies I've only just revisited this. Any scope for over floor containment? I face similar issues to this all the time and have yet to resort to a wireless connection. This is the stuff we use - a little pricey but we like it as it's low profile and hasn't broken on us yet, unlike the cheap rubber strip that always flips over, rubs through and needs taping to the floor after 2 months of use.

[caffrey]

I like it, but like you say pricey. There may be scope to go down and up through the floor but that of course depends what's under...