iProbe Knowledge Base

The Insider's Guide to the Bosch DICENTIS Wireless Conference System

By

First Published June 19, 2016, Updated February 28, 2019

introduction

this guide is intended to help prospective buyers of conference systems in the evaluation of the Bosch DICENTIS Wireless Conference System during the buying decision process.

the guide assumes an intermediate understanding of meeting planning and conference setups.

picture of one DICENTIS Wireless Device on table

benefits

three immediate benefits for all

users who opt for a DICENTIS Wireless Conference System may expect three immediate benefits from their purchase.

time is saved as there's no need to wire mics across a room. Facilities & venues benefit from an elegant visual in promoting their spaces and participants get to enjoy the clean look of a wirefree environment. Last but not least the sound quality of DICENTIS Wireless is extraordinary.

The audio quality of DICENTIS Wireless is an improvement on the Bosch DCN Wireless, aka “NG Wireless”, with stem microphones. Even compared with NG Wireless devices paired with the premium Consensus mics, DICENTIS Wireless is up to par and arguably even surpasses the experienced sound quality.

For installation, the Bosch DICENTIS Wireless Conference System is currently the premier wireless system on the market, unsurpassed by any wireless system available at this time.

benefits for Event Production & AV Rental Companies

With DICENTIS Wireless, event production and AV rental companies that travel from venue to venue will experience a relief from the limitations of the traditional 2.4 Ghz system in third party environments not under their control.

The 2.4 Ghz band has 14 channels available yet typically the choice is limited to only three carrier channels: carrier 2, 6 or 11. For traditional 2.4 Ghz wireless system, typically, the sound engineer uses a Wi-Fi scanner to determine the least interference prone carrier to select. Because of how the carrier spreads across the channels, use of the other channels opens the possibility of collision and therfore is not recommend.

The 2.4 Ghz band limitations mean considerable pre-work in having to contact the venue and seek the support of the facility's IT staff for use during the event. Frequently the Wi-Fi is outsourced and the time to coordinate all stake holders add to the preparation time and event cost.

DICENTIS Wireless has the capability to transmit across the 3 carrier channels in the 2.4 Ghz band plus another 41 channels in the 5 Ghz band for a total of 44 carrier channels.

expect to walk in, turn on and sit back enjoy DICENTIS Wireless flawless wireless audio. The frequency hopping is seamless, does not disrupt the meeting and does not make a noise. It is truly seamless frequency hopping.

considerations before you buy

Consider the following as you start to plan the configuration of your DICENTIS Wireless system.

  • Standard vs Extended Wireless Device

    WD vs WDE

    Should you buy the DICENTIS Wireless Device (WD) or the Wireless Device Extended (WDE)?

    The Wireless Device Extended (WDE) has a 4.3” capacitive touch screen with an option for a custom logo or background — an appealing feature for organizations and rental companies.

    the WDE can be upgraded with additional software modules to expand its functionality, such as voting or identification using NFC cards. Furthermore, the user interface supports all standard international characters. Like the standard WD version, the extended WDE is available with any of the three microphone types.

    future firmware updates are anticipated pending activation of the OMNEO✱ technology for the WDE-version which will allow multiple channels for languages, and additional unit wired support in conjunction with the Bosch Multimedia and DICENTIS wired devices. Additional fees and licenses would apply. No guarantee of additional languages or unit support is available until Bosch makes an official announcement confirming such support.

    OMNEO✱ is an evolutionary Bosch solution for connecting devices over IP to exchange information including control and audio content.

  • best microphone

    DICENTIS Wireless Microphones

    all three DICENTIS Wireless microphones provide excellent sound quality — select the best microphone for your environment.

    long–stem microphones

    With a stem nearly 19” these mics are typically used at meetings held in rooms with traditional 30”–wide tables.

    short–stem microphones

    the short stem microphones are just under 13” long, making suitable for events using “schoolie” 18”–wide tables where the long–stem microphones would be too long.

    high–directive microphones

    the high–directive microphones are premium–priced models with the most appealing look. To decide if they are right for your venue, you should consider the type of meetings you hold and how much control you have on the environment.

    controlled environment

    If the system is used in a controlled environment, such as a boardroom with one person per microphone, the high–directive microphone is the more elegant option.

    The high directive mic can be used for event production and rentals as long as there is some control on how people behave with their natural environment and with the appropriate setting of expectations. With the proper setting of expectations, the high directive microphone can be a great option.

    uncontrolled environment

    if the system is purchased for use in an environment where there is little control over people and how the system will be used, the safer bets are the long–stem or short–stem microphones. They may not be as pleasing to the eye as their high–directive sibling, but they will not disappoint when two or three people share a microphone or sit in close proximity of each other and the microphone. The short– and long–stem microphones will better withstand the rustling of papers, the sound of someone drinking a beverage, or reaching for items across the table (think mints out of the mint ball). The long–stem mic is better suited to settings with considerable surrounding noise.

  • software

    share of device between two participants

    When the system is set to push-to-talk (PTT) — the most basic mode, where anyone can interrupt (no “chairman override,” “permission to speak” queue, and no HD camera control, voting, or identification — the only software decision to make for DICENTIS Wireless is whether you'll want participants to be able to share a device, and if so whether you will need a dual–use–at–seat software license.

    When do you need dual–use–at–seat license ?

    1. for manage the request and response list – where people request to speak or request to respond
    2. for identification, if camera control is utilized and running lower thirds.

    if you opt out of the dual use software license, you'll be able to do standard set up with participants sharing the right button and the left button being set to the Mute function (cough switch)

    extra care when designing for multiple use

    Careful consideration should be taken when designing a system for multiple rooms used that will be used individually and simultaneously across multiple rooms, as software licenses will need to be ordered that match those needs on an individual and group basis.

    The same applies when planning for a main WAP and a backup WAP that occasionally functions as a second WAP for a separate room, where the licenses need to be configured for the specific needs.

    frequency management

    pending approval according to local country regulations, DICENTIS Wireless is introducing the capability to block certain frequencies – meaning you can instruct the system to exclude certain channels from automatic selection.

  • warranty

    warranty

    The Bosch warranty on the Dicentis Wireless Conference System is three years.

Future outlook

We expect DICENTIS Wireless to be Bosch's most innovative and successfull conference product launch of this decade. The lifespan of Bosch wireless conferencing products traditionally is at least ten years, and prior to Bosch’s acquisition of Phillips, the original DCN Wireless conferencing microphones lasted 20 years. It's now about three years since the initial launch of DICENTIS Wireless and many of the initial software bugs will have been patched. New software features and add-ons will be rolled out in the future according to the Bosch roadmap.

Bosch has now introduced also the wired version of DiCENTIS. It is anticipated DICENTIS Wireless will be extendable to communicate with DICENTIS Wired early 2018.

Conclusion

if this is your first time looking into a wireless conference system or considering an upgrade from your current wireless system, we believe the time is ripe to make the investment. This historical context makes us comfortable in stating we believe Bosch DICENTIS Wireless to be a secure investment in the future of your equipment stock and facility. You’ll likely be able to benefit from the hardware for the next decade. In short, we are optimistic in making a Buy recommendation, with confidence the system's capabilities will only continue to become more powerful.

got more questions?

call us at 212-489-6035 to speak with a conferencing specialist.

notice

*NOTICE: This guide targets prospective buyers of conference systems in the purchase evaluation phase. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for buying conference systems. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding this information. Proper planning of investment is the sole responsibility of the purchaser. For the latest information, guidelines, or to get a custom proposal, please email info@iprobesolutions.com or contact iProbe at 1-212-489-6035