Insta360 Launches Dual-4K Video Bar With AI

Now that more of us are returning to the office, the market for video conferencing equipment is showing signs of more activity. The latest tool to be announced is the Insta360 Connect. Described as a “Game-Changing Dual-4K Camera AI Video Bar,” the was originally unveiled for pre-order at Infocomm 2024, where it received the prestigious "Best of Show 2024" award in the AV Technology category.

The Insta360 Connect is an all-in-one video bar with two 4K cameras, an array of 14 microphones plus what is described as “the most advanced tracking functionality of any product on the market.” Designed for small to medium-sized meeting rooms, Connect brings together innovative hardware and AI algorithms to provide an immersive meeting experience for those in the meeting room as well as the remote participants.

The simple plug-and-play design of the new device works with laptops and all major meeting platforms for smooth and efficient Bring Your Own Device meetings. The makes say the Connect is the ideal solution for businesses and professionals, promising to make poor audio and video a thing of the past.

Insta360 claims the Connect video bar has first-class imaging hardware with a dual 4K camera. The setup consists of a wide-angle camera using a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor and a telephoto gimbal camera. The two work together to capture 4K group views as well as individual close-ups. With a wider angle, 48MP telephoto lens and integrated gimbal, participants across the room are seen as clearly as those sitting at the front of the room.

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Imaging is processed using AI Resolution+, an advanced machine-learning algorithm that delivers what’s described as “true-to-life clarity.” AI Resolution+ transforms image quality and detail, showing whoever is speaking in double resolution for enhanced communication.

With its industry-leading 14-microphone array and 3A audio algorithm, the Connect video bar offers premium audio capture. Typically, in large spaces and meeting rooms, participants in the room can experience issues with voice pickup, unclear audio and inconsistent volumes. Meanwhile, online participants will experience significant echoing and heavy reverb, making it difficult to follow the discussion.

Connect’s 14 omnidirectional microphones are designed to pick up voices from every corner of the room. At the same time, the 3A algorithm eliminates unwanted noise and echoes, picking up voices from up to 33ft away with balanced volume and a natural, sound.

For interruption-free meetings, Connect has an adaptive audio system that eliminates unwanted sounds. Intelligent noise reduction technology analyzes the real-time acoustic environment so it can remove background noise and reverb. The system also recognizes the real-time acoustic environment in the room and configures noise reduction and de-reverberation parameters accordingly. This dynamic adjustment delivers smoother audio throughout a meeting even if the situation changes inside or outside the room.

In multi-person meetings, people sitting further away can often be out of sight and may feel excluded from the conversation. Connect uses an intelligent solution for more equitable meetings using customized AI framing. Group Framing automatically adjusts the view to accommodate all participants in the room, keeping everyone in the frame.

Powered by proprietary AI algorithms, the 8K Gallery Mode ensures every participant has an individual window with a maximum of eight windows at a time. Even if a person accidentally moves out of frame in Gallery Mode, Connect will locate them within three seconds and display them on screen.

Another key advantage of Connect is its tracking capabilities. Regular cameras use traditional sound localization technology that only identifies the general direction of the speaker, making it harder for remote participants to identify exactly who is speaking. Insta360 Connect addresses this issue with Speaker Tracking, a multimodal speaker tracking algorithm that locates and zooms in on the speaker as they are talking.

By using sound location detection, intelligent voiceprint as well as face, body, and lip recognition technology, Connect tracks the speaker and keeps them center stage with great accuracy. Multi-person tracking monitors all participants simultaneously, enabling quick and accurate transitions between speakers.

Connect also offers a series of modes for presentations and easier operation. Whiteboard Mode can automatically recognize, square off and enhance a whiteboard, giving participants a clearer view and keeping it visible even if someone blocks the camera. Speakerphone Mode offers classic conference calls with pro-level audio connecting via Bluetooth. Finally, Privacy Mode conceals the lens, mutes the microphone and tilts the gimbal camera down for instant privacy whenever it’s needed.

Insta360 Connect has three versatile mounting options. There is Desk Mount which is compact and easy to install. Desk Mount provides good stability right out of the box and can be placed anywhere according to the user’s needs. Wall Mount is a more space-efficient mount with customizable placement to ensure it’s always at the best possible distance. The smooth, built-in swivel allows a full range of movement.

TV Mount is a clean setup that presents an entire team together with full room coverage. The TV Mount is compatible with most TV sizes and features an additional hook for flexible placement above or below the screen. The multifunctional arm and VESA support are compatible with wall and stand-mounted displays up to 100 inches, regardless of aspect ratio. The mount also allows for front-to-back adjustments to ensure correctly framed meetings.

Pricing & Availability: The Insta360 Connect is available to order today from the Insta360 Official Store and retailers like Amazon. The Standard Bundle costs $1,999 / £1,999 / €2,399 including an Insta360 Connect, a Desk Stand, two 1.8 Meter HDMI Cables, a 1.8 Meter USB-C Cable, a Power Adapter and a Remote Control. Additional accessories such as the Wall Mount, TV Mount, Touch Panel, and extra-long cables are also available to purchase separately.

Tech Specs:

• Wide-angle cam
• Max. resolution: 4K @ 30fps.
• Field of view: 110º HFOV.
• Digital zoom: 3x.
• CMOS: 48MP.
• Sensor size: 1/1.3".
• Telephoto gimbal cam:
• Max resolution: 4K @ 30fps
• Field of view: 40º HFOV.
• Digital zoom: 3x.
• CMOS: 48MP.
• Sensor size: 1/2.8".
• Max. pan-tilt range: Pan: +/- 35° / Tilt: +/- 20°.
• Video coding: H.265, H.264 SVC, H.264 High profile, H.264 AVC.
• Microphone: 14-microphone array.
• Pickup range: 33ft.
• Speakers: 1.
• Max. speaker output: 25W.
• Rated speaker power: 20W.
• Network & Connection: LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, 5GHz.
• Network protocol: IPv4, IPv6.
• Bluetooth: 5.1.
• Ports: HDMI 1, HDMI 2, USB-A, USB-A 2.0, USB-A 3.0, USB-C, USB-C 3.0.
• Power: 12V/7A DC.
• Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet.
• Security slot: 1.
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 685 x 77 x 86.mm.
• Weight : 2.27kg.