Jabra PanaCast

Last week Jabra announced their worlds first smart panoramic 4K video solution!

We (my company Detron and I) are lucky to test the PanaCast since there are only 180 (of which 10 in the Netherlands) out in the wild right now.

What is the PanaCast?

Jabra PanaCast is the world’s first intelligent panoramic video collaboration device with three 13 megapixel cameras, working together as one via core technology embedded in the built-in Jabra PanaCast Vision Processor. The multi-camera array solution offers a full 180-degree panoramic field of view, delivering a naturally immersive experience. It even has real-time movement detection including the ability to count the number of people in a room (up to 12 meters away).

Intelligent Vision

The PanaCast Intelligent Vision suite provides builtin and advanced technologies that enhance the video collaboration experience.

Intelligent Zoom automatically zooms and pans to cover all visible people in the room, following our natural instincts to adjust our visual field of view as attendees join or leave the meeting.

Integration

PanaCast can be integrated with Jabra’s conference speakerphone series “Speak” which adds an omnidirectional microphone and HD Voice, providing 360-degree coverage.

Support

PanaCast works with all leading video and audio-conferencing solutions, and is compatible with Microsoft Teams.

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Why the V3 i hear you thinking?

The announcement follows the recent acquisition of Altia Systems. Jabra’s portfolio has always focused on solutions that enhance productivity through improved concentration, conversation and collaboration.

With the acquisition of Altia Systems Jabra expands her portfolio by adding Video, Version 2 was already on the market link so Version 3 is just logic.

API Availability

The upcoming API provides data for you to build value-added services that can help optimize workflows.

i.e. turning off unused equipment (green energy initiative) or create and automate a meeting when the room is filled with more than one person when the room is not booked.

Specs

• 180° (H) x 54° (V)
• Panoramic-4K: 3840 x 1080 @ 30 fps
• 1080p Full HD: 1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps
• 720p HD: 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps
• Up to 6x lossless digital zoom at 720p
• Built-in dual HD microphones
• Plug-and-Play USB-C connectivity (Powered by USB 3.0)

Key features

• Simple plug-and-play operation with no software required via a single USB to USB-C cable.
• 180-degree, panoramic view seamlessly integrates video from three cameras with real-time dynamic stitching embedded in the onboard Jabra PanaCast Vision Processor.
• 0% wasted space with industry-first, fanless multi-camera array system.
• Intelligent Vision products sense, anticipate and adjust automatically so workers can focus on their meeting and discussions.
  • Industry-first Intelligent Zoom autonomously and continuously optimizes the field of view to include everyone in the conversation
• Jabra PanaCast Vivid 2.0 automatically adjusts the video properties to optimize the video experience under varying light conditions.
• API support to bring your own value-added services.
• Mounts discreetly on the wall or display or you can take it with you anywhere, it is light and portable.

Note: Wall mount or a standalone table-stand are not included in the standard package.

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Test with Microsoft Teams

Since the PanaCast is easy to setup, the drivers are installed automatically. You can set the camera from your settings, devices menu.

This is how it will look like inside Teams, it’s pretty amazing how the full wide of the screen is being used. With this camera you can view the complete room and everyone in there.

You cannot use the blur function that is build in to Teams, hopefully this will become available later.

Availability and Pricing

The PanaCast will be available from the end of August 2019, USD 895 / EUR 895

Conclusion

I’m very impressed with the quality and the reach of the cameras. It is a small device that is easy to carry and can transform any room in to a meeting room. The disadvantage is that the device has no speakers, so it can’t be used as a standalone device for Video, Microphone and Speakers. Therefore you can use the Jabra Speak 410, 510 or 710 (Will come available in a bundle with USB Powered HUB). The device also has a kensington lock, so nobody can walk away with the device ;-)

What is missing from my point of view?

• Missing the privacy option to block the cameras, with some cover.
• The function Background blur in Teams does not work.
• Default table-stand for the camera, (will become available at launch).
• Availability in the Jabra Direct tool for firmware or settings (Will be integrated in to the Direct Tool later).