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Thursday, October 2, 2014

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.





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