Parlé VBC 2800 Overview
The Parlé VBC 2800 is an all-in-one conferencing bar featuring Biamp Audio Intelligence to deliver premium audiovisual experiences for small and medium conference rooms. Onboard DSP powers the integrated AEC, AGC, and NRD, along with the 27-microphone array and Biamp Beamtracking™ technology to actively track and intelligently mix conversations from around the room. Room sound reinforcement is provided by a pair of Biamp audio intelligence optimized onboard speakers. The premium onboard optics feature new dual 50 MP + 8 MP ePTZ camera system that clearly sees everyone, even further down long conference tables. The ePTZ system also features up to 16x digital zoom, and AI auto framing technology automatically switches between telephoto and wide-angle cameras for the best shot.
This article will highlight and explain some of the technologies implemented in the VBC 2800 Parlé conferencing bar product and how the integrate into the environment.
Key Features:
- Beamtracking technology uses a 27-microphone array to actively track and intelligently mix conversations
- AI noise reduction algorithm for clear voice reproduction
- Low distortion, smart stereo speakers
- Biamp Launch for one touch automatic tuning that delivers the best sound in every room
- Automatic privacy shutter and LED indications for mute status and camera activity
- Fully digital pan / tilt / zoom (ePTZ) with 16x digital zoom
- 8 MP 120° HFoV ultrawide camera for people closer to the camera
- 50 MP 86° HFoV camera for people furthest away from the camera
- AI auto framing technology to keep participants in frame
- Network port for control integration
- Analog audio input for playing local in-room content
- Discrete output for Assistive Listening Systems (mirrors speaker output)
- Support for up to 16x zoom magnification.Max Zoom limit between 2x and 16x in one step increments.
Parle VBC 2800 Install Guide.pdf
Microphones and DSP processing
The VBC 2800 conferencing bar is designed around the same technology that is in the Parlé and Tesira products in one hardware device. Using 27 mics arranged in a vertical and horizontal array pattern, the VBC 2800 allows for pattern control on the Azimuth and Vertical fields of the room. In addition to the microphone array technology, the bar incorporates all the DSP elements that go into the Tesira products with an additional level of performance due to the nature of an all in one solution.
Mic array and DSP features of the Parlé VBC 2800
- 27 Element Mic Array (Horizontal and Vertical)
- Tuned for Voice
- Three Tracking Arrays
- Advanced BeamTracking, Gain Control, Noise Cancelation and AEC processing
The large number of spaced capsules allow for mics to be setup as "clusters" forming very tight coverage over more frequencies on both the Azimuth and Vertical zones in the room. This allows for accurate tracking of seated or standing participants without the pickup of HVAC, adjacent room, or fan noise.
Parlé capsule clusters are positioned and tuned to be focused in the speech range. This allows for an optimized approach of speech pickup even before DSP is introduced. This helps to get the best speech sound to the microphone before any additional processing is added.
Biamp AI Noise Reduction
The Parlé VBC 2800 feature Biamp's noise reduction algorithm that provides reduction of stationary room noise as well as non-stationary room sources. Previous noise reduction focused on sources in the room that were steady and made adjustments to reduce or remove. In our newest noise reduction intelligence, non stationary room sources that are short in duration or have a high variability can be reduced in the same manner.
This noise reduction is based on a deep learning algorithm that uses matching learning to identify and isolate human speech from other sources such as typing, coughing, or sounds from outside the room.
AGC and Echo cancellation
Parlé conferencing bars feature the same onboard DSP technology as featured in the Tesira and Devio families to ensure optimum performance. This includes acoustic echo cancellation, AGC, speech sense, and non linear processing.
Speakers and amplification
The VBC 2800 use the same speaker components as VBC/ABC 2500 Parlé conferencing bars to provide the best in room audio performance. Stereo speakers have been provided to prepare for UC stereo conferencing needs.
- 60mm low distortion drivers are provided for uniform wide coverage.
- The innovative enclosure design includes high volume, sealed enclosures that allow for complete isolation of the speaker assembly, passive radiator from the other bar components within the chassis.
- Dynamic Bass enhancement (DBE) is included to enhance low frequency content when at lower volumes, as well as ensure zero low-end distortions at high volumes.
- 20W x 2 onboard amplification with distortion compensation DSP to maximize enclosure efficiency.
Camera
The VBC 2800 features a new dual 50 MP + 8 MP ePTZ camera system that clearly sees everyone, even further down long conference tables. The ePTZ system also features up to 16x digital zoom, and AI auto framing technology automatically switches between telephoto and wide-angle cameras for the best shot. Below is a list of the features included in the VBC 2800 onboard camera.
- LED indications for camera activity
- Fully digital pan / tilt / zoom (ePTZ) with 16x digital zoom
- 8 MP 120° HFoV ultrawide camera for people closer to the camera
- 50 MP 86° HFoV camera for people furthest away from the camera
- AI auto framing technology to keep participants in frame
- Automatic privacy shutter
- Preset Recall
- Biamp Camera Control app for PC/MAC control and updates
- UVC camera control
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Ultrawide Lens
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Wide Angle Lens
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Biamp LaunchTM
Parle' VBC 2800 features Biamp LaunchTM, and a suite of functions designed to speed up and optimize the installation and tuning of a Biamp conference system.
Note: Launch Report Card is not yet available for VBC and ABC conferencing bars.
Auto-configuration may be initiated from the Launch button on the bar
The Launch-capable mics and amplifiers on the bar offer a known reference system to begin tuning the room. System adaptations are made based on measurements of the room’s acoustic response and the loudspeaker behavior. Provides a room performance grade – before & after Launch.
Note: Front panel LED's will flash until the Launch is initiated. A running Launch configuration may be cleared via factory reset procedure.
Connectivity
Rear panel features system connectivity and locking power connector for the included 12VDC power supply.
- USB-C locking connection with provided USB cables. USB-C to USB C, 1M length, 20GBit/Sec Rated
- Locking 12VDC ~5A Power adapter is included and recommended for most applications.
- 3.5mm TRRS port for ALS/Audio Input
- Ethernet/Network port (future support)
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Note: Locking supply connection must be fully tightened and seated for proper power to be supplied to bar. If issue with enumeration is present, check for proper power supply seating.
- The VBC 2800 has a rated max output of 50W.
Note: USB-C PD allows for up to 20V. The onboard electronics will support both USB or DC power, but it is recommended to use the included PS-12-60 power supply in any cases where the host device or hub is not rated to supply the required USB-C power to the conferencing bar.
Integrated cable cover snaps in place for clean install. Includes rear panel mounting points for table, wall, or VESA mounts.
Rotating cable retention clips have been added to assist with cable management.
Factory reset
Is available via the launch button on the Parlé conferencing bars.
If reset is required, push and hold the launch button for 10-15 seconds to reset the VBC 2800 back to its factory settings including Launch configuration.
Note: Once the bar has been factory reset, the Microphone LEDs will slowly pulse green until Launch optimization has been initiated.
LED indicators
Camera privacy LED is provided on the front with white status indication tied to camera active state. The onboard physical privacy shutter will open and close while call is active.
Audio privacy LED on the front with Red/Green mute status indication tied to UC mute status. Human Interface Device (HID) communication can synchronize privacy mute state if the UC application supports this communication. HID mute synchronization and AEC offloading are supported by various UC platforms.
Audio - Microphone LEDs: center front (behind the glass) 
- Active with mic UNMUTED - Green
- Active with mic MUTED - Red
- Inactive - OFF
- Flashing slow Red/Green - Factory reset, ready for Launch.
Video - Camera LED: VBC only - above camera (behind the glass)
- Active with camera ON - LED ON - White, shutter open
- Active with camera OFF - LED OFF, shutter open
- Inactive - LED OFF, shutter closed
ALS/ audio input
VBC 2800 adds support for a mono unbalanced analog input, accessible through an additional pole on the 3.5mm (1/8th inch) connector using TRRS format.
Biamp Camera Control software user controls:
- USB audio input is the default source with a toggle available to select analog auxiliary port. This audio signal is provided using the 3.5mm TRRS audio jack on the bar.
- Selecting auxiliary as audio source will route analog audio input signal directly to VBC 2800 speakers.
- Note: Microphones will remain active via USB connection while Auxiliary input is selected.
The included "Y" split cable provides the break-out to support both audio input and audio output (ALS) connections. Also, in the event analog input is not required, the ALS port can be used like the VBC 2500a without the Y split cable.
Note: Stereo Audio source connection using premade 3.5mm cables will only pass Left side audio to bar through adapter. This left channel audio will play through speakers in mono.
The ALS output mirrors the speakers output with a fixed output independent of the conference bar volume control. Parlé microphone audio is not fed through to the ALS output.
Ethernet
The VBC2800 has an Ethernet connection via rear panel RJ45 connector for monitoring and external control.
Note: This feature will be supported in a future firmware release.
Mounting and accessories
The VBC 2800 ships with included table and wall mounts in the box for easy installation. Both included mounts attach via 4 mounting screws to the rear of the bar. The included wall mount allows for direct install to wall surface with cable pass-thru for ease of installation.
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The Parle PMA 2000-DM accessory is a VESA mount adapter to allow for the VBC 2800 to be attached to a display with top or bottom orientation.
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The Parle PS-12-60 12VDC power supply is included with VBC 2800 hardware but may also be purchased separately if a replacement is needed.
Biamp Camera Controller software
Biamp provides a camera management application that installs on PC or Mac for control and updates for the Vidi 250, ABC 2500 and VBC 2500/2800 conferencing bars. The control software is available to download from the link below or the Biamp website. This software allows for additional camera features and management available to the room.
Software Features
- Preset saving and recall
- Camera Image Quality Settings
- Video adjustments
- Manual zoom and panning (ePTZ)
- Participant autoframing
- Image mirroring
- Image flip for under display mounting
- Backlight compensation
- 50hz/60Hz setting
- Max Zoom limit between 2x and 16x in one step increments.
- UC profile selection
- Automatic Firmware Updates
- Audio Source Selection(Analog/USB)
- Ethernet Settings
- Microphone on/off (compatible with Vidi250/280 only)
In addition to the camera control features, the Biamp Camera Controller software is used for firmware updates to the hardware. These firmware updates will be made available for download, then updates can be initiated via the camera software application Settings page. Any changes to video settings will result in "Custom" being shown in the UC profiles window. A custom setting is persistent until the UC profile is changed.
With UC profile set to Teams, the options for upgrade firmware and Automatic firmware updates will be grayed out. These are done within the Teams platform when this profile is selected.
Note: Biamp camera preview only available while VBC 2800 is not being used by the UC client. Setting changes may be made in camera application while in an active call via the camera control application without preview. If camera preview is desired, it is recommended to make changes in camera controller before starting UC application.
USB Extension
USB extension devices will be tested and added to this list once the VBC 2800 begins shipping.