poly Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- Poly
Table of Contents
Poly Studio P21
User Guide
Before You Begin
This guide contains overview information, procedures, and references you can use to perform tasks with your Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display.
Audience, Purpose, and Required Skills
This guide is intended for beginning users, as well as intermediate and
advanced users, who want to learn more about the features available with their
Studio P21 personal meeting display.
You can use the features in this guide without having Lens Desktop installed
on your connected computer.
Related Poly and Partner Resources
See the following sites for information related to this product.
- Poly Support is the entry point to an online product, service, and solution support information. Find product-specific information such as Knowledge Base articles, Support Videos, Guide & Manuals, and Software Releases on the Products page, download software for desktop and mobile platforms from Downloads & Apps, and access additional services.
- The Poly Documentation Library provides support documentation for active products, services, and solutions. The documentation displays in responsive HTML5 format so that you can easily access and view installation, configuration, or administration content from any online device.
- The Poly Community provides access to the latest developer and supports the information. Create an account to access Poly support personnel and participate in developer and support forums. You can find the latest information on hardware, software, and partner solutions topics, share ideas, and solve problems with your colleagues.
- The Poly Partner Network is a program where resellers, distributors, solutions providers, and unified communications providers deliver high-value business solutions that meet critical customer needs, making it easy for you to communicate face-to-face using the applications and devices you use every day.
- Poly Services help your business succeed and get the most out of your investment through the benefits of collaboration. Enhance collaboration for your employees by accessing Poly service solutions, including Support Services, Managed Services, Professional Services, and Training Services.
- With Poly+ you get exclusive premium features, insights, and management tools necessary to keep employee devices up, running, and ready for action.
- Poly Lens enables better collaboration for every user in every workspace. It is designed to spotlight the health and efficiency of your spaces and devices by providing actionable insights and simplifying device management.
Privacy Policy
Poly products and services process customer data in a manner consistent with
the Poly Privacy Policy. Please direct comments or questions to
privacy@poly.com
Getting Started
Before you use your device, familiarize yourself with its features.
Computer and Cable Requirements
Make sure that your computer and USB connections meet the following
requirements to use a Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display.
Your computer or laptop must have one of the following operating systems and
the required DisplayLink drivers:
-
Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11
-
macOS version 10.15.0 or later
Note the following limitations with USB connections: -
The cable that came with your device is directional. The side with the USB-A to USB-C adapter must connect to a USBA or USB-C port on your computer.
-
Using a third-party USB-C to USB-C cable may affect device performance or may not work at all.
-
Using a third-party USB-A to USB-C adapter may affect video quality.
-
Connect your device to a USB 3.0 port. Connecting your personal meeting display to a USB 2.1 or 2.0 port may prevent you from receiving a full 1080p video from your device.
-
Poly recommends plugging the USB cable directly into your computer. Connecting through a docking station or hub may affect video quality.
Poly Studio P21 Hardware Overview
The following figures display the hardware features on the Poly Studio P21
personal meeting display. The table lists each feature numbered in the
figures.
Front View
Poly Studio P21 Feature Descriptions
Ref. Number | Feature | Feature Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Camera | Camera with a privacy shutter that you can manually open or close |
2 | Ambient light sensor | Detects the ambient light level and automatically |
adjusts vanity lighting brightness
3| Rocket button| The default action is to play or pause media. You can
configure the button to initiate different actions using the Poly Lens Desktop
app.
4| App button| Shows the default partner conferencing application. If there’s
no default application, the button doesn’t display anything. Change the app
button display using the Poly Lens Desktop app.
5| Volume buttons| Adjusts the volume of the built-in speakers or attached
headset
6| Mute button| Mute or unmute the microphone during an active call
7| Headset button| Toggle between the built-in speakers and microphone and an
attached 3.5 mm headset. This button doesn’t illuminate if you don’t connect a
3.5 mm headset.
8| Vanity lighting| Adjustable vanity lights for improving lighting conditions
during a meeting
9| Speakers| Audio output
10| LED indicators| Indicates the personal meeting display’s status
11| Wireless charger| Charge compatible phones and headsets by placing them on
the wireless charging area
Note: Not available in South Korea
System Ports and Vanity Lighting Control
Poly Studio P21 Port Descriptions
Ref. Number | Description |
---|---|
1 | 3.5 mm headset port |
2 | Power cord port |
3 | USB-A ports that support 5 watts or 1 amp per port. USB devices that |
require more power may not work properly when connected to your device. If the
connected computer enters sleep mode, the USB-A ports don’t provide power
4| USB-C port (you must use the USB-C end of the supplied cable to connect to
your device)
5| Security lock
6| Vanity lighting control
Related Tasks
Screen Stays Blank After Connecting USB Cord on page 15
Download and Install the Poly Lens Desktop App
Download the Poly Lens Desktop App to access configuration settings and
features.
See the Poly Lens Desktop App User Guide for information on using your
device with Poly Lens Desktop.
Note: The Poly Lens application is not supported on Chromebooks at this
time.
Task
- Go to the Poly Lens App product page.
- Select the applicable download for your operating system.
- Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
Complete Initial System Setup on macOS
Your Studio P21 device doesn’t display your computer’s output until you
download and install the DisplayLink driver.
The complete initial system is set up so that your device properly displays
the attached computer’s output.
Note: You must download and install the DisplayLink software for your
device to work.
If you want to use your Studio P21 personal meeting display as your only
monitor, you must complete the initial setup with a different monitor
connected to your computer. After completing the initial setup, you can then
use your Studio P21 device in a single-monitor setup.
If the driver firmware in your Studio P21 device doesn’t match what’s on your
computer, you may see a blank screen with
an hourglass while your device updated to the latest driver firmware.
Note: Your Studio P21 supports macOS version 10.15.0 or later. If you
update your macOS, you must restart the DisplayLink Manager app.
Task
-
In a web browser, go to the Poly Studio P21 landing page and complete the setup steps.
-
Go to Applications and start DisplayLink Manager.
-
Select DisplayLink Manager from the menu bar.
-
If requested, allow Screen Recording.
-
Select the Automatic startup check box.
If you don’t select the Automatic startup check box, you must restart the DisplayLink Manager app every time you restart or turn on your computer. -
From inside the DisplayLink Manager app, download and install the Login screen extension status tool.
Important: If you don’t install the Login screen extension status tool, your Studio P21 device may not work properly after you restart your computer.
Related Tasks
Screen Stays Blank After Connecting USB Cord on page 15
Device Displaying a Black Screen after DisplayLink Firmware Update on
page 15
Complete Initial System Setup on Windows
Your Studio P21 device doesn’t display your computer’s output until you
download and install the DisplayLink driver. The complete initial system is
set up so that your device properly displays the attached computer’s output.
If you want to use your Studio P21 personal meeting display as your only
monitor, you must complete the initial setup with a different monitor
connected to your computer. After completing the initial setup, you can then
use your Studio P21 device in a single-monitor setup.
If the driver firmware in your Studio P21 device doesn’t match what’s on your
computer, you may see a blank screen with an hourglass while your device
updated to the latest driver firmware.
Task
» In a web browser, go to the Poly Studio P21 landing page and
complete the setup steps.
Related Tasks
Screen Stays Blank After Connecting USB Cord on page 15
Device Displaying a Black Screen after DisplayLink Firmware Update on
page 15
Use the Poly Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display Privacy Shutter
The Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display provides a built-in physical
cover that blocks the camera lens to protect your privacy.
Closing the shutter mutes your video.
Task
» Do one of the following on the top of your device:
- Move the slider to the right to close the shutter.
- Move the slider to the left to open the shutter.
LED Status Indicators
The device provides an LED light bar below the monitor to help you understand
its behaviors. The following table lists each LED color and pattern with its
associated status.
Basic Poly Studio P21 LED Bar Colors and Patterns
Colors and Patterns | Status |
---|---|
Solid white | USB is connected; the device is powered on and idle |
Blinking blue starting at and expanding from the middle | The wireless charger |
is a charging device
Pulsing amber| Firmware update in progress
Fluttering or solid green| Incoming call
Solid green| The device is in a call
Pulsing red| A call is on hold
Solid red| Audio is muted
Solid sea foam| Light increases and decreases as you adjust the volume; blinks
twice when you reach a minimum or maximum volume
Basic Tips for Great Video Conferences
Use the following basic tips and guidelines to enhance or improve your
experiences during video conferences.
- Position yourself so that your eyes are level with the top third of your screen and your face appears in the middle area of the video stream.
- Avoid wearing bright colors, all-light or all-dark clothing, or very busy patterns like small checks or narrow stripes. Light pastels and muted colors look the best on the screen.
- Preview your video stream before you join a meeting to make sure that you don’t have shadows on your face and that your camera settings are configured correctly.
- Speak in your normal voice.
Advanced Tips for Great Video Conferences
Use the following basic tips and guidelines to enhance or improve your
experiences during video conferences.
Camera and People Positioning
- Try not to fidget too much, especially if you’re the only one on camera.
- Include all the people in the room (if possible), or introduce everyone in the room at the beginning of a meeting.
- Keep the view focused on people and not the background or room furnishings.
- In an office, position the monitor to an appropriate angle to avoid capturing potential distractions in your video (for example, other people, pets, or TVs).
Clothing, Furnishings, and Backgrounds
- To avoid disruptions, exclude the following from the camera view: light sources, tables, chairs, walls, busy decorations, and the floor.
- To avoid funny effects, wear clothes that contrast with the background instead of blending into it, and make sure nothing in the background seems to stick out of anyone’s head.
- Avoid glossy tabletops, strong colors, or bold wood grain in the room. The best table surface color is a flat satin finish in neutral gray.
- A wall that’s painted light gray with a touch of blue works best as a background. Video conferencing systems use a gray or blue reference image to process the video, so a background in that color helps to enhance the video you send.
- Try to keep dry-erase whiteboards out of the camera’s field of view. Be aware that other people in the meeting might see what’s written on the whiteboards.
Lighting
- Close any curtains, drapes, or blinds over your windows. Daylight is a variable light source and can conflict with interior room lighting.
- Bright lighting increases the range of in-focus objects, but inappropriate direct lighting might make you look harsh or somber. Poly recommends using indirect fluorescent lighting in a midrange, neutral color temperature (3600 K to 4500 K). You can find the color temperature of your lighting on the packaging.
Audio and Noise
- Mute your audio when you’re silent or before you move your audio device.
- Keep your windows and doors closed to minimize unwanted noises.
- Close any drapes or blinds over your windows. The glass from windowpanes can cause issues with acoustics due to reflection.
- On the Studio P21, Poly NoiseBlockAI helps the microphone eliminate unwanted noises while picking up your voice. If you’re not using Poly NoiseBlockAI technology, consider these additional audio suggestions:
– Don’t obstruct your microphone with papers or other objects.
– Avoid tapping on the table or rustling papers.
– Avoid typing while unmuted.
Accessibility Features
Poly products include a number of features to accommodate users with
disabilities.
Users Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Your personal meeting display includes accessibility features for users who
are deaf or hard of hearing to use the device.
The following table lists the accessibility features for users who are deaf or
hard of hearing.
Accessibility Features for Users Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Accessibility Feature | Description |
---|---|
Status indicator lights | The personal meeting display uses LEDs to indicate |
some statuses, including if your microphone is muted.
Adjustable volume| You can increase or decrease the volume of the personal
meeting display’s speakers.
Users Who Are Blind, Have Low Vision or Have Limited Vision
Your personal meeting display includes accessibility features for users who
are blind, have low vision, or have limited vision to use the device.
The following table lists the accessibility features for users who are blind,
have low vision, or have limited vision.
Accessibility Features for Users Who Are Blind, Have Low Vision or Have Limited Vision
Accessibility Feature | Description |
---|---|
Mute and unmute | An audible tone plays when you mute and unmute calls. |
Volume level | A matching audible tone plays when you adjust the volume (volume |
increases or decreases as you adjust volume).
Users with Limited Mobility
Your personal meeting display includes accessibility features to enable users
with limited mobility to use various device features.
The following table lists the accessibility features for users with limited
mobility.
Accessibility Features for Users with Limited Mobility
Accessibility Feature | Description |
---|---|
Built-in speaker and microphone | Your personal meeting display has an |
integrated speaker and a microphone that enables you to hear audio and speak without having to use a headset.
Using Your Poly Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display
Connect the Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display to your laptop or computer with the provided USB cable. Once you plug in the device, you can start using the Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display.
Default Poly Studio P21 Features
Several features are enabled by default on your device. You can change or
disable some of these features using the Poly Lens Desktop App.
The following features are enabled by default:
- The volume of any playing media automatically lowers when you make or receive a call.
- Vanity lights come on when you enter a call.
- You can wirelessly charge your mobile phone.
Set Poly Studio P21 as the Default Audio and Video Device
When you use Poly Studio P21 with a supported application for video calls, you
may need to set it as the default audio and video device of your conferencing
application.
The following is a general procedure that you can refer to. Your conferencing
application may use different terms or categories.
Task
- Go to your conferencing application’s Settings.
- Find Audio Device and Video Device.
- Choose your Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display as the device for each category.
Related Tasks
Restart Your Devic e on page 14
Enable Context-Sensitive Volume Levels
Independent Volume Control (IVC) enables you to set context-sensitive volume
levels.
When you enable IVC you can, for example, set a lower volume level for
background music and notification sounds, and a higher volume level for
conference calls. Your volume automatically adjusts to the levels you’ve set
when you join and leave a call.
You can also use IVC with Poly Lens Desktop to maintain volume persistence for
different devices, for example, you can set the headset volume independently
of the built-in speaker volume.
Note:
- We recommend you keep Poly Lens Desktop running for optimal IVC performance on devices.
- If you unplug and replug an audio USB device, the volume resets.
Poly recommends that you enable Independent Volume Control (IVC) in Poly Lens Desktop. For more information on configuring volume settings in Poly Lens Desktop, see the Poly Lens Desktop App User Guide.
Task
- Launch Poly Lens Desktop.
- Connect your Poly Studio P21 to your computer, and select Poly Studio P21 from the list in the left sidebar.
- Click Settings.
- Enable Independent Volume Control.
Adjust the Volume
Adjust the audio before or during a call to improve your meeting experience.
For more information on configuring volume settings in Poly Lens Desktop, see
the Poly Lens Desktop App User Guide.
Task
» Press + or – to raise or lower the volume.
Mute or Unmute Microphone
To prevent distractions during meetings, mute your microphones and unmute them
when you’re ready to speak.
Task
» Press Mute to mute and unmute your microphone.
When you mute the microphone, the LED bar glows red.
Change Your Audio Device with the Headset Button
Use the headset button to toggle between the built-in microphone and speakers
or a connected 3.5 mm headset for audio input and output.
You must plug in a 3.5 mm headset for the button to illuminate your device.
Pressing the Headset button cycles through the available audio input and
output options.
Task
» Press Headset.
Note: Your call may be put on hold for up to 5 seconds when using the
headset button during a Microsoft Teams call.
Adjust Vanity Lighting Brightness
Adjust the vanity lighting brightness to improve lighting for video conference
calls.
Task
» On the back side of your personal meeting display, slide your finger up
or down the touchpad to increase or decrease brightness.
Charge a Device with the Built-In Wireless Charger
Use the wireless charger built into the base of the monitor stand to charge
devices.
Note: Wireless charger isn’t available in South Korea.
You must have a wireless charging capable device. You must have your computer
connected for the wireless charger to work. If your computer enters a sleep
state, the wireless charger doesn’t charge devices.
Note the following when using your wireless charger:
- If you have paper or other items on the base between the charger and your phone, the wireless charger may have problems charging your device.
- Cases made of metal and attachments such as magnets, cards, and grips can interfere with charging.
- The center of the charging pad may not be the optimum position for your mobile device. Use the charging indicator on your mobile phone and the LED bar to locate the optimal location.
Task
» Place your device, screen up, on the center of the personal meeting
display’s monitor stand.
Your Studio P21 LED bar glows blue for a short time when your device starts
charging.
Turn LED Status Indicators On or Off
If the LED status indicators at the bottom of the unit are distracting in
calls, you can turn them off.
Task
» Press and hold + and – simultaneously for one second to turn the LED
status indicators on or off.
Restart Your Device
If you encounter issues with your device, you can try restarting it.
Task
» Unplug the USB cable from your computer and plug the cable back into
your computer.
The device restarts after you plug it back in. You may need to reselect the
device as the default audio and video device for your conferencing software.
Related Tasks
Set Poly Studio P21 as the Default Audio and Video Device on page 12
Updating Firmware
You must use the Poly Lens Desktop app to update your device.
For more information on updating your device, see the Poly Lens Desktop App
User Guide.
Zoom Rooms Button Behavior
The Zoom Rooms button displays in the app button window and enables you to
answer incoming Zoom Rooms calls or end an active Zoom Rooms call.
Note: You must select the Studio P21 as the audio input and output device
in the Zoom Rooms app and have Zoom Rooms running for the Zoom Rooms button to
function properly.
Microsoft Teams Button Behavior
The Microsoft Teams button displays in the app button window and enables you
to receive notifications and interact with Teams.
Note:
To ensure that your Teams button functions properly do the following:
-
Start the Teams app.
-
Select the Studio P21 as the audio input and output device in the Teams app.
-
Close all other conferencing applications on your computer.
Use the Teams button to complete the following actions: -
Out of a call, press the Teams button to bring Teams to chat to the front.
-
In a call, press the Teams button to end the call.
-
When you have an incoming call the Teams button flashes, press the Teams button to answer the call.
-
When you have a missed call the Teams button breathes, press the Teams button to display the missed call information.
Note: The Teams button blinks three times if you press it and the Teams app isn’t running on your computer.
Troubleshooting
Refer to the following topics to help you diagnose and fix problems while using your device.
Device Displaying a Black Screen after DisplayLink Firmware Update
After updating the DisplayLink firmware on your computer and connecting your
Studio P21 device, the device’s screen continues to display a black screen.
Task
» Do one of the following:
- Unplug the power cable from your device and plug the cable back into your device.
- Restart the attached computer.
The device displays a black screen with an hourglass and then starts displaying your desktop.
Related Tasks
Complete Initial System Setup on macOS on page 7
Complete Initial System Setup on Windows on page 8
Screen Stays Blank After Connecting USB Cord
After connecting the supplied USB cord to your computer and your Studio P21,
the device’s screen remains blank.
The supplied USB cable isn’t bidirectional.
Task
- Plug the USB-C only end of the cable into your Studio P21.
- Plug the end of the cable with the USB-A to USB-C adapter into your computer.
Related Tasks
Complete Initial System Setup on macOS on page 7
Complete Initial System Setup on Windows on page 8
Related reference
Poly Studio P21 Hardware Overview on page 4
Mouse or Keyboard Input Freezes for 10-30 Seconds
When using a mouse or keyboard connected to your computer, the input sometimes
freezes for up to 30 seconds during normal operation.
Task
» Plug the USB dongle directly into the USB-A port on the Studio P21.
Studio P21 Display Is Blank After Restarting Mac
After restarting a Mac connected to your Studio P21 conferencing display, the
Studio P21 screen fails to initiate and is blank.
Task
- Go to Applications and open the DisplayLink Manager.
- From inside the DisplayLink Manager app, download and install the Login screen extension status tool.
- Restart your computer.
1.1165.71
May 2022
3725-87328-003A
References
- Poly Lens Device Management App | HP® Official Site
- Poly Studio P21 | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom
- Home - HP Support Community
- Poly Documentation Library
- Poly Documentation Library
- Poly Documentation Library
- Poly Documentation Library
- Poly Documentation Library
- support.polycom.com/content/support.html
- Poly Studio P21 | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom
- Poly | Video & Voice Collaboration Solutions | HP® Official Site
- Poly Conferencing Solutions by Industry | HP® Official Site
- Poly | Headset & Video Software & Services | HP® Official Site
- Poly Lens Device Management | HP® Official Site
- Poly Lens App - Make it your own | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom
- Poly | Headset & Video Software & Services | HP® Official Site
- poly.com/us/en/support
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