Likelihood to Recommend It works really well in a one on one settings when teachers are coordinating with individual trainers or workshops. It can be helpful as well during a team setting Q&A for follow up training. However, it is a struggle to use in large group settings when one presenter is speaking to a large group of people for trainings.
Read full review If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one
Read full review Pros Video conferencing is clear and precise Scheduling is emailed and easy to access. The ease of getting used to the program is quick for all of our teachers. Read full review The audio and video quality can not be matched. For the most part, they are rather simplistic in their use and just work. People don't usually have a hard time operating them They are rather versatile in that we have been able to integrate them with other applications Read full review Cons Learning how to work through multiple documents or presentations in a call can be tricky. Our rural setting does not allow for consistent internet connection, video is not always clear. Audio can be limited to a large room setting in workshops. Read full review The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens. Read full review Likelihood to Renew We love the product and is totally integrated in our company.
Read full review Usability The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).
Read full review Support Rating Haven’t had a chance to need to connect with the service staff as we haven’t had to deal with any large issues beyond internet bandwidth restrictions. However, we feel like support would be very quick and efficient if we were to need it. The observations of setting up our doc cams and getting connected with workshop presenters has been smooth so far.
Read full review I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.
Read full review Alternatives Considered GoToRoom does a great job of video conferencing with multiple users, similar to Zoom, but has easier access to documents similar to
Google Classroom or
Google Hangouts . It’s a nice blend of these three pieces of software.
Read full review Polycom RealPresence Group Series stands head and shoulders above
Microsoft Teams and
Cisco Webex Meetings both for dependability and robust delivery of function. One established the meetings were very hard to break apart but easy to end when so desired. The installation of the devices, the training of technicians, and end-users were both intuitive and easy to manage, where the same interactions with
Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex In my opinion, and experience, were challenging to work through.
Read full review Return on Investment It has been helpful for us to connect with professional development consultants that are out of our region. It has provided opportunities for teachers to get training that otherwise would not have had an opportunity without driving long distances. Read full review Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly. Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win. Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints. Read full review ScreenShots