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David Phillips's avatar
David Phillips
Steel Contributor
Jan 18, 2017
Solved

Skype Room System app on Windows Store

Has anyone gotten this to work without being connected to actual Skype Room System hardware? https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/skype-room-system/9nblggh5799l?tduid=(722b996239de52420f43443c6fe23...
client
  • Jeff Schertz's avatar
    Jeff Schertz
    Mar 14, 2019

    The platform has changed significantly since this thread was started.  Old workarounds possible on early versions of the software do not apply now.  The software is only distributed and supported with a certified solution hardware from the various Microsoft partners.  It's not possible to advance the setup wizard otherwise, as the application specifically looks for the hardware IDs of the supported products.

JonasBack's avatar
JonasBack
Steel Contributor
Jan 23, 2017

I think that is what all of us has been trying the last 10 years, trying to do the DIY Skype Room Systems with various hardware (me myself with Intel NUC's) for wireless keyboards, webcams, mic, speakers etc. Problem is, they never worked very well, there was always something not working properly or not user-friendly.

 

If you ask Microsoft, that is probably what they are trying to address with Skype Room Systems, making sure it just works and for that I think you need to standardise the hardware. That is probably why the app makes sure you have the proper hardware installed att startup. I also think they're trying to take it a step further with monitoring built into OMS so you can get alerts if for example the SRS loose connectivity with the camera etc. That is probably hard without a common hardware platform.

 

Sure, it comes with a price tag...

David Phillips's avatar
David Phillips
Steel Contributor
Jan 23, 2017
100% agree with you on room standardization. I've preached it until I'm blue in the face. And with unlimited cash resources it would be possible. Unfortunately that's never the case.
  • David Tse (SKYPE)'s avatar
    David Tse (SKYPE)
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    Jan 26, 2017

    You're right. Standardizing SRS v2 on a handful of hardware reduces variation, allowing us to deliver a more reliable experience, hence the hardware check.

     

    With that said, one of the goals with SRS v2 is to significantly lower the price point for conferencing systems. A SRS v2 system (Surface Pro 4 + Dock) is available here at $1999. If you already have a Surface Pro 4, I am told you can call and order the SmartDock separately.

     

     

    Hopefully you will find that the cost of SRS v2 offerings comparable to the cost of a DIY systems (compute + touch screen + commercial mount for touch screen + OS license etc.)

     

     

    • David Phillips's avatar
      David Phillips
      Steel Contributor
      Mar 20, 2017

      Hi David, That link doesn't work, and even if it did, I'll never ever buy from Dell again ever.  Ever.  Never.  Long story. :)

       

      Do you have another source for just the dock?

      • Forrest_H's avatar
        Forrest_H
        Steel Contributor
        Mar 20, 2017

        CDW (Computer Discount Warehouse) lists it, (search for CDW Part: 4413882) and I actually discussed with the local Logitech Sales Engineer.  You will have to load special firmware onto your SP4 to utilize the Room System and SmartDock.  Evidently this is meant to be a dedicated Room System. Not meant to use on a day to day kit deployed for users.

    • JonasBack's avatar
      JonasBack
      Steel Contributor
      Jan 27, 2017
      David Tse (SKYPE) wrote:

      If you already have a Surface Pro 4, I am told you can call and order the SmartDock separately  

      That is correct, that is actually what we did since we couldn't get hold of the SmartDock+SP4 bundle yet but had a Surface Pro 4 (i5 model is a requirement) so we just ordered the Smartdock. Took a few minutes to put the hardware together.

      • Xavier Mesquida i Perpinya's avatar
        Xavier Mesquida i Perpinya
        Copper Contributor
        Mar 17, 2017

        Can I use Logitech Smartdock to connect with users who do not have a Skype for business account?

        That is create a meeting and remote clients can connect to the meeting as guests with the SFB Webb App, without an SFB account. Can I do that with Smartdock? Or is it limited to SFB-to-SFB communication?

        thanks