The Crestron Videobar 70 3.0 Firmware Update for Microsoft Teams Software
A new era for large rooms with smarter video, flexible deployment, and future-ready collaboration
June 16
The Crestron Videobar 70 3.0 Firmware Update for Microsoft Teams Software

Two years ago, we introduced the Crestron Videobar 70 all-in-one collaboration bar. Perfect for large rooms, the Crestron Videobar 70 was specifically designed as a single device that delivers premium audio and images to in-person and remote collaborators right out of the box.

As we’ve mentioned previously on the Crestron blog:

Developing this solution was part of an epiphany that came with the exponential growth of hybrid work: Every square inch of a building is now a potential collaboration space. From large conference rooms to small huddle niches, they’ll all likely need to accommodate some blend of in-person and remote workers.

As Crestron surveyed our offerings, gathered input from our customers and dealer network, and studied the evolution of the hybrid workplace, it became clear that a new collaboration bar was needed — a solution for larger spaces that could be deployed at scale with minimal infrastructure.

The Crestron Videobar 70 is already packed with features, including our intelligent video technology, Visual AI-driven camera switching system that delivers a great video experience, including group framing and speaker tracking, four high-quality cameras (one wide-angle supported by three narrow field-of-view lenses), and 24 beamforming microphones built into the bar that capture audio and accurately and automatically key on a speaker’s distance and direction for precise speaker tracking, all while providing excellent noise-reduction and increased speech perception.

And now it’s even better: We’re proud to introduce a major firmware update to the Crestron Videobar 70 for Microsoft Teams® software, with more power and flexibility than ever. “This update is a significant step in the evolution of the device — it’s another way we’re constantly engineering a ‘culture of collaboration,’” says Cara Shannon, Crestron’s senior manager of product marketing.

The Power of Flexibility: USB Peripheral Mode and BYOD

With this update, the Crestron Videobar 70 is more than an all-in-one collaboration bar (and Android OS appliance); it’s now a powerful USB peripheral. This update introduces a feature called USB Peripheral Mode, which delivers intelligent video framing and beamforming audio through a single USB connection. This feature further enables organizations to utilize the Crestron Videobar 70 as a plug-and-play device with their preferred UC platform, delivering intelligent video and audio to large rooms — without being locked into a single ecosystem. “Whether you're supporting BYOD environments or integrating with the existing PCs in a space, this new capability delivers the flexibility IT teams need and the seamless experience users expect,” says Shannon.

The ability to mix deployments allows organizations to tailor technology to the specific needs of each individual room while maintaining a consistent user experience. Standardizing on the Crestron Videobar 70 across multiple large rooms simplifies procurement, training, and support while still accommodating different collaboration workflows.

USB Peripheral Mode helps bridge the gap between existing systems and modern collaboration needs, enabling more rooms to be upgraded quickly and cost-effectively. By functioning as a plug-and-play USB device, Crestron Videobar 70 can be added to existing rooms without requiring a complete system overhaul, making it easier to expand coverage across a campus or enterprise.

It’s ideal for BYOD spaces or rooms with dedicated PCs, offering flexible deployment without sacrificing performance. It reduces hardware complexity and streamlines IT management across large meeting rooms, providing a consistent user experience across diverse room types and collaboration platforms. Its BYOD-friendly features now also include “Direct Guest Join,” which enables the Crestron Videobar 70 to join other platforms as a native device without additional hardware or complex setup.

Better AV: Extension Microphones, Ultrawide Display Support

With this update, the Crestron Videobar 70 supports up to two extension microphones — one “Primary” and one “Companion mic” — allowing for distributed audio pickup in acoustically challenging spaces. In 3.0, audio is automatically balanced across all connected microphones by the Crestron Videobar 70, eliminating the need for manual DSP configuration.

Each microphone features an eight-element array that provides 360-degree pickup with a 7.5-foot (2.3-meter) radius, ensuring clear audio capture throughout the room. The Primary Extension Mic (UCA-B70-MIC) connects directly to the Crestron Videobar 70 via a single cable with a USB–C® connector and includes firmware that’s updated through the bar itself. It can be used on its own or paired with a Companion Mic.

The Companion Extension Mic (UCA-B70-MIC-AUX) connects to the Primary Mic via a single cable with a USB–C connector and functions as a passive device. (It requires the Primary Extension Mic to operate.) A 32-foot (10-meter) specialized A2B USB-C cable is included with each pod, and integrated mute buttons on each mic give participants quick and easy control during meetings.

There are enhanced video capabilities with the Crestron Videobar 70 3.0 firmware update, too; namely, compatibility with 21:9 ultrawide displays. This enables immersive front-of-room layouts.

Built for the Future: Android 13 OS and IPv6

The Crestron Videobar 70 3.0 firmware update includes an upgrade to the Android™ 13 OS, which improves system performance and security while ensuring long-term compatibility with future platform updates. Additionally, this update’s IPv6 network compatibility ensures modern connectivity and helps “future-proof” installations for evolving IT environments.

“IT leaders are prioritizing long-term value and compliance with evolving network and platform standards,” says Shannon “The upgrade to Android 13 OS and IPv6 support ensures the Videobar 70 remains secure, compatible, and certified for future platform updates and network environments.”

As far as control’s concerned, the Crestron Videobar 70 is available without a touch screen, making the device ideal for BYOD spaces or rooms already outfitted with touch-enabled displays.

“Simply put, this update improves a product we’re really proud of,” says Shannon. “It’s one bar with endless possibilities.”

Learn more about the Crestron Videobar 70

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