ADENA Hack: How to use KS-CC2 in video conferencing applications.

Our two-way speech-to-text translation and transcription station, the KS-CC2, can make communication easier in different scenarios, including hotels, hospitals, universities, and many others. Importantly, this device can also be used in online settings, and this time we will focus on conferencing rooms, showing you how you can use KS-CC2 in Teams, Zoom, and other similar and popular videoconferencing platforms.

To begin with, keep in mind that the KS-CC2 model was designed to accept audio via two USB Type A ports. These ports are colour-coded for simplicity, with one colour (green) standing for one language input, and the other (blue) standing for the other. Given that the inputs must be USB, you may need adapters to connect the KS-CC2 to computers running conferencing applications, hardware conferencing devices, or DSPs. 

This is how your configuration should look like after following the steps below

To give an example, we will use our KS-CC2 with Voicemeeter Banana, a free Windows software audio mixer with the necessary functions to route audio. Our computer running this application is connected to the KS-CC2 via a RADA HDMI-to-USB Bridge. The Bridge converts the HDMI output of the computer into USB, which allows us to connect it as an audio input to KS-CC2. With the cables connected, all that is left to do is to configure Voicemeeter. One of the audio outputs should be your speakers, headphones, or another device that you use to listen for conference calls. Make sure to enable this output for conferencing audio. Your other output should be the KS-CC2. It will most likely be recognised as CBOX – this is the default way in which AREC devices are recognised when connected as audio inputs/outputs. Simply allow conferencing audio to be outputted there. Don’t forget to output your own microphone to conferencing only, for the other side to hear you, and you are good to go.

At this stage, conferencing participants can already be transcribed and translated. If you want your audio input to be transcribed and translated too, simply connect it to the other audio input of the KS-CC2. In our example, we are using RADA Duo Wireless Microphones for this. When you are ready, simply press the microphone button on the KS-CC2 to begin.

The example above resolves the audio part of using KS-CC2 in meetings, but a few more steps are required to display the translated/transcribed dialogue in a meeting. One of the ways would be to connect KS-CC2 as another participant in a conferencing call – using another computer or conferencing hardware and setting the KS-CC2 as a webcam. Alternatively, it can be shared as ‘content’ in a meeting – for that, you will need to connect the HDMI output of the KS-CC2 to the conferencing, either directly or via HDMI-to-USB converters like the RADA Bridge. The advantage of this connection is that there are no ‘fake’ participants, and the dialogue could be easier to see this way. Another way to show KS-CC2 would be to use a camera and a big screen. However, our recommendation is to use an AREC Media Station – this is because with a Media Station, you will be able to dynamically switch between showing the KS-CC2, computer slides, cameras, and other video sources, add custom graphics and other effects to make your video stand out. Moreover, using a Media Station to show KS-CC2 also allows you to effectively display it for the local audience, thanks to loop-through outputs present on every Media Station.

And that’s all there is to it! If you would like to know more about the KS-CC2 or check how it works live, let us know at www.a-dena.com, and we can arrange a demonstration when it is convenient for you. Also, if you want to know more about Voicemeeter Banana, we have a video walkthrough describing its configuration and use with AREC devices here: https://youtu.be/4tY86NJO7h0.

ADENA Hack: How to bundle AREC Media Stations with third-party products for conference rooms.

In our previous post, we looked at several ideas of how you could bundle AREC products to achieve the best results. But what about products from other manufacturers? Let’s focus on that this time, using LS-410 in a conference room as an example from our side.

The LS-410 is the perfect example to describe these ideas, thanks to its many interfaces. Starting from the front panel, there are 2 USB ports that can be used for all kinds of devices. For instance, to export your videos or record directly on a flash drive, plug it into either of these ports. To easily control key features of the Media Station, you can connect a USB numeric keypad that is supplied with the station or use any other keypad. Connect a computer mouse with USB, or an interactive display with a USB and HDMI from the back panel, to use the station’s GUI. You could also use these ports to connect a camera or a microphone to capture audio and video.

Every standard conferencing AV hardware can be connected to the LS-410. For example, you could start by adding a hardware videoconferencing processor, like a Yealink MCore Pro Mini-PC, Poly G7500, or Avaya C190. This will let you record and stream conferences on the Media Station, mix them with other sources, and display them through any of the station’s outputs. 

And what better to mix these conferences with than a wireless content-sharing system, like Barco Clickshare or Mersive Solstice, letting every attendee beam their work without worrying about cabling? The station’s loop-through output will make sure that this content is visible to all, and you can output it in the highest quality on a big display, like the Clevertouch Impact Max 2. 

Add the remaining video sources by USB or network - LS-410 can work with 4 video sources simultaneously, allowing you to add multiple PTZ and ePTZ cameras from AREC or other manufacturers to capture every meeting participant.

The station’s support for Dante Audio makes it simple to connect professional audio inputs like Shure MXA920, while an array of balanced and unbalanced line/mic inputs ensures easy setup with analog microphones, like RADA Duo.

Finish the solution by personalising it for the user - add a controller, such as Q-Sys Core 510i, and show commands for all devices on its compact screen accessory, TSC-101-G3.

And that is just one of the many ways you can deploy LS-410 in conference rooms. You could also use the station as a webcam for any conference system through NDI|HX, HDMI-to-USB converters such as our RADA Bridge, or through the same and other videoconferencing hardware from brands like Yealink, Poly, and Avaya.

The Media Stations improve conferencing results greatly through their ease of use. You can add video sources, arrange them into premade or custom layouts, and combine these layouts with your graphics: corporate logos, backgrounds, images, links, QR codes, and so on. All of that works plug-and-play style and does not rely on any particular conferencing platform.

There is a lot more you can combine with AREC stations and numerous other applications where they shine. Stay tuned for the next ADENA Hack to read about bundle ideas for the education sector, and contact us at www.a-dena.com to find out more about our solutions!

Case Study: The Human Lab records consumer feedback with AREC in the UK

Dear ADENA Partners, we are concluding the year with a case study featuring a unique facility called The Human Lab, based in the UK. Completed by our distributor, Tukans, and system integrator, Visually Connected Worldwide, the project demonstrates how companies can utilise AREC Media Stations to effectively create content and stream it with minimal user input and maximum security.

The Human Lab, managed by the Human Factors Centre consulting agency, is a specialised testing space for the medical and consumer industries. The lab comprises a viewing room and a respondent room, separated by a one-way mirror. The respondent room can be configured to replicate a wide range of environments: from a typical conference room with chairs and tables to an outdoor setting, complete with grass and landscape rocks. The room is also equipped with various technologies, such as eye-tracking systems, to help companies evaluate responses to products, their usability, and more.

Another invaluable technology required for such applications is AV recording. For a long time, the lab relied on a Hikvision NVR to provide recordings of testing sessions to companies. While the system consistently recorded events, it used an uncommon security format, making it difficult to share recordings with clients. This system also relied on Hikvision static security cameras, which lacked easy control of their pan and tilt positions — a feature that is essential for fully capturing the testing experience. Lastly, the system lacked streaming capabilities and was not designed for hybrid conferencing, thereby limiting The Human Lab’s ability to invite remote observers and promote its services.

The lab was looking to upgrade its system when the Visually Connected Worldwide team reached out. They assessed the requirements and contacted us shortly after. We arranged a meeting at short notice, discussed it thoroughly, and organised a proof-of-concept demonstration with the facility manager — all within the same week. After we addressed all questions and proposed ways to simplify the lab’s AV workflow, it was decided that AREC was indeed the right solution for the facility, and installation followed soon after. The system we proposed completely replaced the original hardware and improved it in every aspect.

To begin with, it was crucial for the lab to have backup recordings at all times and additional failsafes. One of the main reasons the facility relied on an NVR was its ability to record continuously every day. For this reason, we proposed replacing it with an LS-200 Media Station. The station recorded, streamed, mixed cameras, and created backups. It was the ideal choice, as it could record not only a mixed video feed from two cameras but also each camera's output individually, providing the user with all the necessary materials for post-editing, clip creation, and security purposes.

To provide a "plan B" in case the user accidentally stops or forgets to start a recording, we set up a continuous stream to a private channel on a streaming platform. This stream operates automatically as soon as the Media Station is powered on and maintains a 48-hour buffer. The streaming platform restarts the stream automatically and stores streams for up to a week, allowing users ample time to download videos if needed. Since the LS-200 can handle two RTMP streams simultaneously, we also assisted the user in setting up a private YouTube channel, not only for failsafe streaming but also for promotional events and webinars.

Another failsafe mechanism we proposed was the UB-01 Recording Light. This accessory, designed specifically for Media Stations, allows the user to monitor the recording status of a connected Media Station and start or stop recording as needed. An additional feature of the UB-01 is its ability to duplicate the functionality of a USB port to which it is connected. For example, when connected to the front USB port of the LS-200, it enables the user to plug in a USB drive and save recordings not only to the primary storage but also to the external drive.

To further enhance user confidence, we proposed that the customer use ARECloud — our free cloud control solution. This platform allows users to add all their Media Stations, check previews, switch recording and streaming themes, monitor recording and streaming status, and schedule events. ARECloud can be accessed from any location with an Internet connection, making it highly convenient for users to control their Media Stations even when they are away from the lab.

Since most of the lab's customers use videoconferencing software and may need to connect from their offices, we proposed adding a RADA Bridge, an HDMI-to-USB converter. This device transforms the LS-200 into a webcam for Teams, Zoom, and other conferencing applications while also transmitting its audio. With the Bridge in place, remote attendees could observe the testing work and simulations as if they were physically present.

Lastly, the Media Station utilised two AVer network cameras as video sources and a Sennheiser ceiling microphone with a Dante Avio converter for audio. The LS-200’s VISCA-over-IP support allowed the lab to control the PTZ movement of the AVer cameras directly through the station’s web interface, the free AREC software, and the GUI on the station’s video output.

The abundance of new features and security measures helped The Human Lab significantly enhance its content creation and outreach capabilities. Is your company looking for a reliable recording and streaming solution to improve media production? Contact us at www.a-dena.com to arrange a demonstration and discover why AREC is exactly what you need!