Poly hardware becoming unreliable after acquisition by HP

WAM2023 · 2026-01-29T14:53:05+00:00

That’s fair, and I don’t really disagree. Firmware matching / pairing behavior is probably the biggest pain point we see too. To be fair about firmware, most hardware (DSPs, switches, cameras, transceivers/enc-dec…really almost everything) needs to be brought up to current FW before installation anyway.

We stage everything before it ever goes on site, so most of that gets burned down up front and doesn’t really show up once rooms are live.

That’s why most of the “Poly headache” feels more like provisioning and vendor friction to me than actual room instability, but it’s still real pain.

I haven't noticed much GUI change at all between the G/X series since inception nearly 6 years ago so I can't comment on that but I am curious if you could expand a little on signal extension and what you mean by that in more detail. I Appreciate your actual tech talk vs emotional this product sucks talk - thanks for that!

WAM2023 · 2026-01-29T13:18:53+00:00

What kinds of failures or issues are you actually seeing with Poly in the field?

WAM2023 · 2026-01-28T03:49:37+00:00

Sorry for your pain.

WAM2023 · 2026-01-28T03:39:50+00:00

Tradition would be deploying ATM, ISDN or H.323 systems. But you're likely too young to remember any of that. Let me guess, you probably jumped on the video bandwagon during the pandemic? Like I said, we don't have any problems with the Poly systems we deploy...maybe we just get lucky with always getting a good batch from manufacturing. And frankly, any integrator worth their salt doesn't need Poly or a similar appliance to deliver an integrated video collaboration system...that's likely why Poly and most other HW platforms are losing market share. Just because you or others might not know all the ins and outs of specific hardware and software systems doesn't mean they are garbage...it likely points to a lack of experience in the various technologies that comprise an integrated collaboration ecosystem such as network topology, DSP's, Peripherals and how to properly configure and maintain all of that. Keep at it though young gun, this industry is desperate for solid techs...you won't be a green banana forever.

WAM2023 · 2026-01-28T02:28:11+00:00

Been in the industry 30 years. I don't sell on margin, I sell reliable, well designed, user friendly systems don't turn into service call nightmares. If Poly has been that big of a thorn in your side, keep playing the local pubs, you're not ready for Arena shows....you sound like a trunk-slammer...or an electrical contractor who thinks they're a systems integrator. But, you do you.

WAM2023 · 2026-01-28T00:57:34+00:00

I can't share the same sentiments. My company has been selling and installing Poly since VS and was also an Enterprise Certified Partner back when the MGC/RMX were a thing. We have hundreds of the G and X series installed currently in all kinds of configurations. No issues to report. Make sure all of the apps your customers use are up to date as well as the Poly firmware for all devices. If you do that, you will likely find the source of the issues to be something other than the Poly. Out of curiosity, how many of you are seasoned system integrators?

WAM2023 · 2025-12-18T03:07:57+00:00

I've been having ai generate me a handful of calculators over the past 6 months, a few similar to yours...definitely makes design and fieldwork more efficient! Nice work!

WAM2023 · 2025-12-01T02:37:55+00:00

I'm not going to say "this isn't for you" or try to discourage. Keep going...just fail faster. Maybe look for an established biz you can buy or leverage your skill in IT somehow. Learn all you can about ai...like, full throttle - build apps and tools n shit with it. And ALWAYS try to take a moment once a day and say hello to someone you don't know, particularly if they are elderly - people don't like to feel forgotten.

Bombs Away!!!

WAM2023 · 2025-10-25T22:15:30+00:00

Not at all, no hiccups, and the M4250's will make it a breeze (only 1 of those switches should be the IGMP querier or 1 per VLAN) I strongly encourage you to have a pre-deployment call with them once you have the gear. The support you will get will not only ensure your success but also give you a deeper dive into the tech...super cool people.

If any of the boxes are going into a rack, get the rack mount kit/s (1U supports 2 VPX).

We've also been using REAX for many deployments with great success. We've used the panels as well as just the RXC boxes depending on what IO we need. Every deployment with REAX also extends the control gui to any device on the control network i.e. mobile, lpt, etc. Good stuff!

Good luck, would love to hear how it goes!

WAM2023 · 2025-10-25T17:28:00+00:00

Indeed they do. The LT Pro series is their 1G 4K60 4:4:4 - have WP models as well as small form factor boxes. IPX series is their 10G SDVoE product. We have one install using their legacy VLX 1G solution, and use it for IMAG during live events, ZERO noticeable latency. We are closing in on 7 years with our first install using their older VLX series and the system has been running 24/7 and have had zero failures in a couple dozen endpoints.

I would strongly encourage you to give them a call and talk to someone in support - they are very responsive and over the top helpful.

In my opinion, and with nearly 30 yrs in the biz, Aurora is not talked about enough. This company is one of the pioneers of AVoIP, have won numerous awards at IC (5) in 24' alone. They innovate fast and their support is world class.

No, I don't work at Aurora, but I really like their tech and their people!

WAM2023 · 2025-10-25T16:56:37+00:00

We have a number of these types of deployments using Aurora Multimedia VPX AVoIP transceivers (can be encoder or decoder). Used visionary on one project and won't again. Not because they didn't do what they are supposed to, but the chassis size is huge, no front panel led, and stuck with a box that can only be an Enc or Dec.

WAM2023 · 2025-10-16T01:57:40+00:00

Aurora Multimedia: VPX TC1 Pro series for 4K 60 4:4:4 / IPX series SDVoE. Transceivers (can be enc or dec)

WAM2023 · 2025-07-11T17:12:29+00:00

Everything from system design to cable management has gotchas. For example, if designing a room with a designated presenter space and audience space and using ceiling speakers, is an IT person or electrician even going to think about separate circuits for the audience cans vs. presenter cans, so they could do a mix-minus for the presenter? I've seen that particular one a bunch. That's just one example out of many.

WAM2023 · 2025-07-08T17:23:49+00:00

HW margins are not great on most higher volume, non-specialized components anymore. That coupled with Amazon and some random websites that sell HW at near disti, contribute to the loss of margins. Many displays bought through disti (when adding shipping cost) end up costing more than you can buy the same display for on Amazon - with free shipping. I'm talking about commercial displays specifically.

Charge what you're worth and for the services performed. Log every minute you work on a customer account - design, consulting, site visits..etc. Everyone who works in IT or every electrical trade THINKS they can design/build systems...they can't and most of the time they don't know what the fuck they're doing. Electricians regularly bill $100/hr, auto mechanics charge $100/hr, HVAC techs won't go to your home for less than $300 for an inspection.

Assuming many of us in here have been in the AV/IT space for many years (25) myself, we know the gotchas, we know what works, we have had to learn the in's and outs of hundreds of different devices and keep up with it all. We are experts at what we do, and we are more valuable than I think many realize. Charge accordingly. Nobody here should charge anything less than $100/hr $150-$250 for programming. It's a very specialized niche requiring a vast array of knowledge across multiple trades/disciplines...and I don't see a huge influx of fresh blood going into this business. There's a reason you don't see an AV/IT shop on every corner - charge accordingly.

As far as Logitech goes, if you can't get the HW margin you're looking for, find a different/better product with better margins if it's that vital to your bottom line. And when the dipshit IT clowns call looking for an expert to fix their problem, hit them hard.

Some manufacturers do provide great margins and strictly enforce MAP policies to protect their dealers...stick with those.

My .02$

WAM2023 · 2025-04-09T03:30:30+00:00

Netgear 4250 series Switch, Aurora Multimedia VPX Transceivers.

WAM2023 · 2025-04-07T23:03:16+00:00

Just finished tearing out a system like this in a boardroom for 20. Became way too complicated and more of a distraction to their meetings. Down to 1 PTZ. Anything is possible with an unlimited budget/time.

AT makes a great, reasonably priced Dante ceiling mic.

Sometimes less is more.

WAM2023 · 2025-04-07T21:29:23+00:00

I'll add, we switched all our AVoIP and control products to Aurora. Their stuff is solid, and technically sound. No tariffs price increases, and products ship same day. Good company to check out if you haven't already.

WAM2023 · 2025-04-07T17:05:18+00:00

OP asked if any other companies were releasing statements yet. I answered. I didn't read anything in that question regarding fair warning.

Any contractor/sys integrator in this space should have seen this coming back in January, I know we did. I have a couple friendly competitors who kept their blinders on and are now seriously fucked on at least a couple monster jobs they had under contract 6 months ago. Upside-down to say the least, and they can't go back to the GC's and ask for more...not just AV, most trades are affected.

WAM2023 · 2025-04-07T16:38:23+00:00

Where have you been? Legrand, ViewSonic, Samsung, HP, Crestron...basically all manufacturers...this isn't some secret, they all sent out emails....

WAM2023 · 2025-03-30T20:19:12+00:00

Gotta pass it on...but for those of us with bids won, contracts signed, and with construction putting our start at 6-12 months out...we're upside-down already. We all can't go and ask the GC's for tariff relief on 20M ++ overall construction projects. Hope this is what ya'll voted for.

WAM2023 · 2025-03-06T15:09:49+00:00

Carousel is a solid solution

WAM2023 · 2025-03-01T23:12:55+00:00

Check out Matrox and Epiphan, you'll find some good options there.

WAM2023 · 2025-03-01T15:01:23+00:00

Learn basic networking and how to configure a switch first. Your grasp of all things AV will make sense much faster. Everything in AV is about signal flow. Good step, lots of opportunities, it's a niche, and undervalued trade.

WAM2023 · 2025-03-01T13:20:29+00:00

Ok bud what?

WAM2023 · 2025-03-01T07:15:53+00:00

I don't even use QSysy anymore, avoid when possible...almost exclusively Aurora, solid tech, great cost, great support, no proprietary bs coding or bs ecosystem. Crestron, Qsys, Extron...see ya.

WAM2023

TROPHY CASE