Mersive Solstice vs. BenQ InstaShow for Wireless Screen Mirroring

The Mersive Solstice Pod Gen2i Standard is a network receiver that connects to a projector or display, but requires a software application to be run on the user’s notebook to work. The nine page Quick Start Guide outlines how to attach the Pod to the network, configure the user settings, and setup the system for secure collaboration. Since the Solstice Pod’s live video streaming frame rate is dependent on the host network, the there are specific minimum performance requirements to ensure that the system performs properly. For example, the Mersive Solstice Pod Gen2i has the following network bandwidth requirements to enable it to display smooth 1080p resolution video on the system.

• Maximum packet latency of 35ms
• Maximum network jitter of 1 standard deviation
• Maximum packet loss of 0.20%
• When Solstice is deployed on an existing network, the Solstice hosts and user devices require a wired or wireless network connection with a minimum bandwidth of 20 Mbps
  

The BenQ InstaShow is a wireless receiver and transmitter kit that uses HDMI technology. Each presenter plugs in a transmitter also known as "button" into the notebook to share the content to the screen.

Both the HDMI and USB-C versions of the InstaShow WDC-10 are designed to install right out of the box in less than 10 minutes without IT support. To setup, simply connect the receiver to a projector or display, and it is ready to use. Testing by the publication My Tech Decisions indicated it took only a few minutes to connect and use. This hardware-only approach enables InstaShow to handle both presentation and video content using the InstaShow buttons without any changes or performance impact to the local network.

For a visitor to access a Solstice Pod, they must log onto the same network that is hosting the Solstice Pod, and also have the Mersive app running on their system. For visitors to obtain the app, they will either need to download the app from the website, or login to the Solstice Pod on the network. Once connected to the unit, they will enter the IP address, which then enables them to install the app on their notebook. This process can present a challenge to certain visitors, since many organizations “lock down” their notebooks from running external third party software to protect from malware and may require IT support and approval for any application to be installed. Once the application is running on the notebook, the user then logs into the desired Pod and has the option to enter a four digit code to ensure the presentation is going to the correct screen. Once logged in, the visitor can begin presenting.

For a visitor to use an InstaShow in a huddle space or meeting room, they simply connect a HDMI or USB-C transmitter button to the notebook. No software is needed to be installed on the visitor’s notebook. The button light will turn green once an encrypted channel is setup (about 10-15 seconds) and the presenter simply taps the lighted button to present. To enable smooth video streaming, the visitor taps the “Mode” button on the side of the transmitter which will then automatically optimize the stream for video and audio playback.

The Solstice Pod Gen2i Standard is a secure system and can be configured to encrypt all transmissions from the notebook using the client software and the hub to create a secure channel that protects the content from unauthorized viewing or recording. The Solstice App is required to run on the presenter computer. Because the Solstice Pod is an active network device, its firmware and other security protections must be kept up to date over time to ensure proper protection to the network. This may involve purchasing a subscription service over the lifetime of the product.

The InstaShow is a receiver and transmitter kit that utilizes HDMI technology. This secure system that uses a closed network and advanced 128 bit encryption to ensure that each presentation transmission cannot be captured or recorded by unauthorized external or internal users. This approach does not require any application to be running on the laptop, or any direct connection to the enterprise network. The LAN port on the receiver is for configuration only and does not provide access to the corporate network for InstaShow users. Kenneth Buckler, a Washington D.C. cyber-security expert, did a thorough evaluation of the InstaShow that details how the product minimizes the risk to company networks that can be downloaded from the Caffeine Security link below.