The Owl Bar Video Conferencing Device offers a 4K camera, AI-powered speaker focus, and the ability to pair with other Owl Labs products. Let’s take a closer look at its features.
Designed to improve your video conferencing experience, the Owl Bar aims to bring clear video and audio to your meetings, while automatically focusing on the active speaker.
I recently tried out the Owl Bar, hoping it would enhance our team meetings. The setup was straightforward, but I noticed a few limitations.
The camera quality wasn’t as sharp as expected, and the device needs to be used with the Meeting Owl for the best experience. Additionally, the HDMI ports weren’t functional, which was a letdown.
Front and Center Coverage
The Owl Bar Video Conferencing Device ensures you get the best view of your meeting room by pairing with the Meeting Owl. This combination covers every angle, capturing both the front of the room and the center of the table. With automatic camera-switching, it always captures the best perspective, making your meetings more engaging and interactive.
Auto-Focus on the Speaker
The device uses AI-powered software to automatically focus on whoever is speaking. This feature ensures that the active speaker is always in clear view, making it easier for everyone to follow the conversation and stay engaged. It’s like having a dedicated cameraman who never misses a beat.
Clear Video and Audio
With a 4K 30MP camera, four omnidirectional microphones, and an integrated speaker, the Owl Bar provides clear video and audio for all participants. Whether you’re in a large conference room or a small meeting space, everyone can see and hear each other perfectly, ensuring smooth communication.
Part of the Owl Labs Ecosystem
The Owl Bar works seamlessly with other Owl Labs solutions like the Meeting Owl, the Whiteboard Owl, and the Expansion Mic. This compatibility allows you to scale and support different room types, making it a versatile addition to any office setup.
Pairing with the Meeting Owl 3
The Meeting Owl 3, which is not included, captures 360-degree video and audio up to 18 feet. It automatically focuses on whoever is speaking, encouraging active collaboration and participation. This feature ensures that everyone in the room is seen and heard, fostering a more inclusive meeting environment.
User Feedback on Camera Quality
Some users have reported that the camera quality is not up to par for the price, describing it as blurry. It is recommended to use the standalone Meeting Owl 3 for better results. The Owl Bar is not wireless for video conferences and lacks some app functionalities like tilting the camera up or down.
Distance Limitations
Users have noted that the Owl Bar and the Meeting Owl must be within 8 feet of each other to function properly. This limitation can be a drawback for larger conference rooms. However, if used within the specified range, the devices work as intended.
HDMI Ports Not Operational
The Owl Bar features two HDMI outputs and one input. However, these ports are currently not operational and are intended for future functionality. This has been a point of confusion for some users who expected these ports to work right out of the box.
Customer Support
Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with Owl Labs’ customer support, mentioning long response times. It’s advisable to consider this aspect when deciding on your purchase, especially if you might need technical assistance.
Overall Value
While the Owl Bar offers many advanced features, some users feel that the price is not justified given the current limitations. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons, such as the need for additional devices and the non-operational HDMI ports, before making a purchase.
Pros:
- Automatically focuses on the person speaking for a better view.
- Pairs with the Meeting Owl for complete room coverage.
- Clear 4K video and sound quality.
Cons:
- Expensive for the quality provided.
- HDMI ports are not currently functional.
- Limited to an 8-foot range for pairing with other Owl devices.
Conclusion
Overall, the Owl Bar has potential but falls short in some areas. Pairing it with the Meeting Owl could provide better results.
If you’re considering this device, be aware of its limitations and decide if it fits your specific needs. It might be worth waiting for updates that fully unlock its features.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Can the Owl Bar be used on its own?
Answer: It’s designed to work best with the Meeting Owl. Using it alone might not provide the best experience.
Question: Does the Owl Bar support wireless video conferencing?
Answer: No, it must be connected with cables for video conferencing.
Question: Are the HDMI ports on the Owl Bar operational?
Answer: No, the HDMI ports are not currently functional and are intended for future use.