Samsung ChromeBox for Hangouts

Google Hangouts and Business Hangouts use a Chromebox, as processor in the Google video conferencing packages. Samsung has or is offering several different models of "Chromebox" units. The following table shows the models and differences:

Model	Processor	Memory	SSD (Hard Drive)	Graphics
XE300M22-A01US	Intel 1.9 GHz  Celeron B840	4 GB SDRAM DDR3	16 GB	Intel HD Graphics
XE300M22-A02US	Intel 2.5 GHz Core i5 2540M	4 GB SDRAM DDR3	16 GB	Intel HD Graphics
XE300M22-B01US	Intel 1.9 GHz  Celeron B840	4 GB SDRAM DDR3	16 GB	Intel HD Graphics
XE300M22-B02US	Intel 2.5 GHz Core i5 2540M	4 GB SDRAM DDR3	16 GB	Intel HD Graphics

Samsung Chromeboxes are in two different packages, but internally almost the same:

Only external differences are the front panel (2 USB ports, mic/headphone) is under the plastic door/cover on the newer XE300M22-B01US. The older unit A/C plug is oriented differently than on new the units. The XE300M22-A02US and B02US units use the enclosure, memory and SSD.

The standard memory size (Samsung Chromebox) is 4 GB, maximum usable memory size is 8 GB. The units with i5 cpu can support up to 16 GB, researching how much ChromeOS can use.

In particular to use the models XE300M22-A01US and B01US which only use a Celeron CPU Logitech has three video/web cameras that support H.264 within the webcam, quality microphones and wide view angles. I've had good results with the Logitech C920, used with a Samsung XE300M22-B01US.

Diagram of an inexpensive Google Hangouts,
HOA and Business Hangouts system

Some comments about the configuration. The Logitech C920 was selected since it offloads some video processing (compression) from the Samsung Chromebox. The camera is suitable for a small conference room and several participants can be in the field of view. The  includes stereo microphones and the Vizio TV/Monitor has built in stereo speakers. The Displayport adapter supports video and audio, allowing the use of the built in Vizio TV/Monitor speakers, eliminating the need for external speakers. The HDMI switch and cables support audio/video, from the three sources

The Google Chromecast  is powered from a USB port on the Vizio TV/Monitor and Logitech C920 is powered from the USB port on the Samsung Chromebox.

The Netgear Router (upper right corner) provides a 10/100/1000 Ethernet connection to my ISP (Internet Service Provider), as well as a wireless connection for the Google Chromecast.

Either cable or satellite can be supported by a set top box providing an HDMI output to the TV/Monitor (ASUS VE248H 24-Inch Full-HD LED Monitor with Integrated Speakers).

The wireless keyboard & mouse use the wireless dongle plugged into a USB port on the Samsung Chromebox. This provides an inexpensive option to control Samsung Chromebox. Many keyboards provide "programmable" hot keys, allowing frequently made Hangout calls to be pre-programmed.

Hangouts Audio Options for Samsung Chromebox

This post will review the audio options that can be used with Samsung Chrome boxes for video conferencing (Google Hangouts). A range of hardware will also be discussed from entry to professional options. Keep in mind the larger the conference room and greater number of participants, directly relate to cost.

The audio controls and source selections are different on ChromeOS on a Chromebox. The following provide a quick visual overview, please left click, select size for larger view of screenshots:

The first screenshot is the lower right corner, of the Vizio TV Monitor. Left click on the user pic/time will popup the general user dashboard. The audio part controls volume and provides access to USB connected audio devices. The third screenshot shows the audio sources connected using USB ports. The checkmark shows the selected device.

The audio output options are the Chromebox internal speaker or the stereo speakers in the Vizio TV/Monitor, in my configuration. The configuration uses a Displayport to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable, allowing use of the Vizio stereo speakers. 

Bluetooth can also be used to connect audio devices to the Chromebox. products are available for both USB and Bluetooth, as well as a lapel microphone that can be connected using a smartphone or using one of the available hands-free microphone/earhone used with cell phones. The high end devices are specifically designed for video conferencing or conference phone calls. Jabra has a family of devices one of which (Jabra 410 USB and 510 Bluetooth & USB) is typically used for typical small to medium sized conference up to roughly 10 x 14 feet. In a separate posting I'll take a look at the recommended TV/monitor size, distance from participants vs. guideline screen size, general ideas on the audio verse the number of participants and in general the need for a video camera with a field of view.

Smaller conference configurations can use USB microphones, the Blue Microphones Snowball shown below is a popular plug & play microphone with switched omnidirectional or cardioid. The cardioid option reduces feedback from speakers in back of the microphone. An example is speakers in the TV/monitor used for conferencing, generally in back of the microphone used by participants.

An entry level option is a Bluetooth mini-speaker and microphone, inexpensive, generally limited to one or two Hangout participants. Many are available, select one that is plug and play on PCs, these generally work on Chomeboxes. 

The Rokit Boost 6 Watt Rectangle Bluetooth Speaker with Built-In Microphone has both Noise reduction and echo cancellation getting to the low end of speaker/microphone combinations for Hangouts and other types of audio/video conferencing.