This document covers budget-friendly, high-quality options for running hybrid meetings and events — from small boardroom calls to large offsite workshops. It includes both ready-to-use commercial solutions and DIY open-source-friendly kits.
- Clear, reliable audio for all participants.
- Good visuals — no more single blurry laptop camera.
- Minimal on-site technical needs during events.
- Scalable from small meetings to large gatherings.
- Portable for offsite use.
- Logitech MeetUp (~$650)
Ultra-wide lens, beamforming mics, and integrated speaker. Works with Zoom, Google Meet, Teams. - Jabra Panacast 50 (~$700)
180° video coverage, intelligent zoom and framing, built-in soundbar. - Poly Studio USB (~$900)
Strong speaker tracking, integrated mic/speaker.
- Logitech Rally Bar (~$3,000)
AI-driven framing, good for medium/large spaces. - Poly Studio X50 (~$3,000)
All-in-one with advanced framing, no PC required. - Yealink MeetingBar A30 (~$2,500)
Dual cameras, Teams/Zoom certified.
Pros: Plug-and-play, minimal setup, AI framing.
Cons: Expensive, less flexible, not as portable for multi-venue use.
Recommended Core
- All-in-One USB Video Bar (Logitech MeetUp, Jabra Panacast 50, Poly Studio)
- Portable Tripod Stand for camera placement.
- Long USB Cable (active extension) for flexible room positioning.
- Rolling Case for storage and transport.
Pros: Quick to set up anywhere, good for offsite.
Cons: May struggle in very large spaces.
- Jabra Speak 510/710 – USB/Bluetooth omnidirectional speakerphones ($100–$200)
- Anker PowerConf S500 – Good coverage for up to
12 people ($220) - Logitech P710e – Budget choice (~$90)
- Logitech C920/C922 – Affordable HD webcam (~$70–$90)
- OBSBOT Tiny 2 – AI tracking PTZ (~$330)
- eMeet Meeting Capsule – 360° view with active speaker tracking (~$600)
This is our custom, volunteer-built solution for maximum flexibility, low cost, and high quality.
- PTZ camera for presenter tracking.
- Wide static camera for audience view.
- Boundary mics for capturing audience.
- Wireless lav mic for presenter.
- Mini-PC preloaded with OBS Studio for automatic switching.
- One-button operation during event.
- PTZ Camera: Logitech PTZ Pro, Aver, Minrray, PTZOptics.
- Wide Camera: Logitech C920/C922.
- Boundary Mics: Shure MX series, Audio-Technica, or Jabra Speak 810.
- Wireless Lavalier Mic: Rode Wireless GO II or Shure kit.
- Audio Interface: Behringer Flow 8, Zoom U-44.
- Mini-PC: $300–$400 NUC, preloaded with OBS Studio.
- Accessories: Tripods, stands, cables, rolling case.
Color Key:
- Green = Cameras
- Orange = Boundary Mics
- Red = Wireless Lavalier
- Gray = Mini-PC & Audio Interface
- Blue = Laptop
(Insert diagram image here when final)
- Arrange seating.
- Position PTZ camera at presenter.
- Place wide camera for whole-room shot.
- Position boundary mics centrally.
- Connect all to mini-PC, then to laptop.
- OBS switches cameras automatically.
- Audio auto-leveled and noise-reduced.
- Minimal human intervention.
- Power down, coil cables, pack in case.
- Small Room: $650–$900
- Large Room: $2,500–$3,000+
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Mini-PC / NUC | $350 |
| Audio Interface | $150 |
| Wireless Lav Kit | $250 |
| Wide Webcam | $75 |
| Tripods, Cables, Case | $150 |
| Total | $975 |
With donated PTZ + mics: Under $500.
- Face + voice detection PTZ control via OpenCV + OBS Websocket.
- Preset room modes with one-click switching.
- Remote diagnostics for quick troubleshooting.
- For everyday board meetings: Logitech MeetUp or Jabra Panacast 50 (easy for non-technical users).
- For large events/offsite: DIY Kit for flexibility and cost savings.
- For quick drop-in use: Consider 360° camera like Meeting Owl Pro.
- Decide which tier fits each use case.
- Source donations of PTZ camera & boundary mics.
- Purchase missing gear within budget.
- Preconfigure and test kits.
- Create laminated quick-start guides.
- Train at least two people on setup.