What are the Best Wireless Presentation Devices for Linux Devices?

A recent IDC report identified Linux as one of the fastest-growing worldwide operating systems as the open-source OS is now used in desktop computers, thin clients, development boards, and other innovative applications. Yet when it comes time to connect these devices to a meeting room display, most of the time you are stuck stringing an HDMI cable over the floor or through a wall. No longer.

With wireless presentation systems now growing at 40% in 2018, it only makes sense that companies will eventually enable Linux devices to connect to a projector or TV in a meeting room wirelessly without a cable. But which systems work with Linux – and how hard are they set up and use? In this article, we will evaluate different solutions for wireless screen mirroring on flexibility to use with other devices except for Linux, data protection and cost. 

The three popular systems for wireless screen mirroring that support Linux devices to some degree are: BenQ InstaShow WDC20 and WDC30 and AirTame2. While Barco ClickShare CS-200 has discontinued support for their Linux client but does support Google cast.

The BenQ InstaShow can support any Linux device that outputs an HDMI 1.4 signal, which includes nearly every development board such as Raspberry Pi, Ubuntu, and other Linux devices. Just connect the HDMI button to your device – and tap to present onto a projector or larger flat panel display. BenQ designed InstaShow for a wide variety of devices and technical instruments beyond traditional notebooks, phones, and tablets.

Another alternative is the Airtame2 system that uses a proprietary application that supports Ubuntu but is not officially supported on Fedora or other Linux based OS.

Professionals such as engineers, scientists, photographers, and realtors often utilize Linux based devices, and also have other equipment such as cameras, media players, and technical instruments that may need to connect to a wireless collaboration system.

With an InstaShow, you can connect nearly any device (such as a Raspberry Pi or digital camera) that outputs HDMI to a projector or flat panel display simply by plugging in a button.

For commercial systems that wireless enable screen mirroring, many IT managers utilize the Gartner TCO model for wireless presentation systems to calculate the cost of setup, network configuration, app deployment, and network device management.

While both the BenQ and the Barco ClickShare CS-200 have a higher initial cost, they don’t need complicated network setup or testing and don’t impact the available bandwidth of the network typically needed with the AirTame2.

While there are many choices for wireless screen mirroring systems with HDMI, here is a summary of how the top-selling commercial wireless presentation systems that are popular for corporate and education collaboration stack up when using Linux devices.

InstaShow delivers a simple and reliable way to wirelessly present from nearly any Linux device with an HDMI port. The InstaShow button takes the HDMI 1.4 output and wirelessly encrypts and transmits the stream to the receiver for a stress-free presentation. And with the InstaShow WDC20, you can add up to four presenters at the same time – perfect for scrums and detailed collaboration sessions.