Conference System 2025 Guide: Wired or Wireless and Auto Tracking System

Imagine this: you're at an important board meeting. The chair presses the button to speak, but the audio is unclear, or worse, the camera is pointed at an empty chair instead of the speaker. Unpleasant, isn't it?

In the age of hybrid work, using a reliable conference system has become a necessity, not a luxury. Whether you're equipping a government boardroom or a corporate meeting room, understanding how these systems work is crucial.

This guide provides all the essential information about conference systems, from basic definitions to cutting-edge video surveillance technologies.

1. What is a conference system?

System Overview

A conference system is specialized audiovisual equipment designed to manage communication in a meeting room. Unlike a standard microphone connected to a speaker, a professional conference system provides structured discussions.

Typical Features

The system typically includes the following features:

Discussion: managing speaking order (first-come, first-served, chairperson priority).

Voting: electronic voting for decision-making.

Video Surveillance: cameras automatically pan toward the speaker.

Registration Function: when the moderator initiates the registration process, participants can mark their attendance by pressing a button on the microphone unit, allowing for attendance statistics.

Simultaneous Interpretation: at large conferences, to accommodate participants from different regions, the conference system can be integrated with a simultaneous interpretation system, providing attendees with a convenient translation service.

2. Common Types of Conference Systems

Conference systems are typically divided into three categories based on their signal transmission method:

2.1 Daisy-Chain Digital Conference System

A classic wired configuration in which microphone units are connected daisy-chain ("hand-in-hand") using dedicated cables (usually 8-pin or Cat6).

Advantages: Very high stability, no interference from third-party equipment, suitable for large permanent installations.

Disadvantages: Requires cabling, low mobility.

2.2 Wi-Fi Wireless Conference System

Uses the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands to transmit audio and data via the Wi-Fi standard.

Advantages: Supports high throughput and encryption.

Disadvantages: Highly dependent on the reliability of the local wireless network. 2.3 Wireless UHF Conference System

Transmits a signal in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range.

Advantages: Easy installation (plug and play), convenient for temporary installations or in historic buildings where cables are unacceptable.

Disadvantages: Limited number of channels, possible frequency interference.

3. Key Components of a Conference System

Microphones alone are not enough to build a working system. The hardware architecture is shown below:

3.1 The Heart of the System: The Central Control Unit (CCU)

The CCU is the "brain" of the system. It powers the microphone units, processes audio signals, and manages data flows. Modern CCUs, particularly SPON central units, are typically equipped with a TCP/IP network management interface, as well as RS232/RS485 ports for connecting cameras.

3.2 Microphone Units

Chairman's Unit: Equipped with a priority button that allows you to mute all other delegate units to maintain order during the meeting.

Delegate Unit: A standard unit from which participants can speak and vote.

Design Options: Gooseneck microphones (with a long, flexible arm) provide better voice pickup; more streamlined tabletop or built-in designs are also available.

3.3 Video Equipment (Visual Layer)

Audio is only half the solution. A modern configuration requires video integration:

Conference cameras (PTZ): Pan-tilt-zoom cameras (e.g., LCS-2876-4K) provide high-resolution images.

Video matrix: A device that controls multiple video sources (cameras, laptops) and displays them on screens (projectors, video walls). It ensures smooth switching between the speaker's image and their presentation materials.

3.4 Necessary Accessories

Cable infrastructure is key to system reliability:

Video cables: High-quality HDMI cables for connecting cameras and matrixes.

Control cables: RS232 and RS485 cables are required to transmit control signals (e.g., for camera panning).

Network cables: Cat6 cables are currently used to connect digital microphone units and access points due to their high data transfer rates.

4. Advanced Features: What is Automatic Video Tracking?

Automatic video tracking is one of the most sought-after features of 2025. But how does it work?

In SPON systems, the "magic" is achieved through the combined operation of the microphone, central control unit, and PTZ camera.

Trigger: One participant presses the microphone activation button.

Signal: The microphone ID is transmitted to the central control unit.

Command: The central control unit sends a command via the RS232/RS485 interface to move to a preset position.

Action: The camera automatically pans, tilts, and zooms to show the specific speaker.

This eliminates the need for a dedicated camera operator and ensures that remote participants always see the person currently speaking.

5. How to Choose the Right System?

When choosing a conference system, you need to answer three questions:

Installation conditions: Is it possible to run cables (choose a wired system) or is the space limited by glass partitions (choose a wireless system)?

Functionality: Do you only need basic communication or additional features like voting and camera control?

Scalability: Is it expected that additional units will be added in the future?

When choosing a system, also consider hybridity and the possibility of expanded integration. Modern IP platforms support both wired and wireless units, adapting to various room layouts while maintaining stable, lossless audio transmission. For multilingual and international meetings, built-in simultaneous interpretation and AI-based noise reduction enhance communication quality. If you plan to expand your system, consider support for hot-swappable main units and the ability to connect dozens of microphone units using a daisy-chain or wireless connection. Finally, intelligent web management provides real-time monitoring, personalized seating plans, and one-click control, ensuring seamless operation even in complex configurations.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it possible to use wired and wireless conference units together? A1: Yes. The SPON conference system supports the simultaneous use of wired and wireless units, allowing for flexible arrangement of the meeting room space.

Q2: Does automatic tracking work with third-party cameras? A2: Yes. When using standard ports and protocols, a third-party camera will work, provided it meets the technical requirements.

Q3: How can I eliminate interference when using a wireless conference system based on Wi-Fi? A3: Some conference systems support Wi-Fi channel selection. Using specialized tools, you can identify channels occupied by other devices and select a free channel for the wireless conference units.

7. Conclusion

A well-designed conference system is an investment in performance. By installing a professional audio system and intelligent video equipment, you'll create a future-proof, efficient, and professional meeting room.

Planning to upgrade your meeting room? SPON offers a wide range of IP and analog conferencing solutions to meet any requirement. From a high-quality 4K security camera to a reliable digital microphone, we know how to create the perfect system just for you.