Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and Troubleshooting

Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 (12UE, 12UF) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 (12UE, 12UF) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

ThinkSmart Bar 180

Describes the Frequently Asked Question's (FAQ's), and Troubleshooting for the ThinkSmart Bar 180.

 

Frequently Asked Question's (FAQ's)

  • How to connect the ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    • Room system connection
      Room system
    • Bring your own device (BYOD)
      byod

 

  • How to manually reset the ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    To reset the ThinkSmart Bar 180 to the factory default settings, follow these steps.
    • Release the Reset button. After a few seconds, the LED will pulse white. The device will then emit a brief sound to indicate that the reset is complete.
      Reset
    • Press and hold the Reset button, located on the back of the video bar, until the LED flashes purple.
Note: When the ThinkSmart Bar 180 is reset, all configured settings are reset and will need to be reconfigured.

 

  • How to configure the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the default video/audio device in Microsoft Teams/Microsoft Teams Rooms?
    When the ThinkSmart Bar 180 is connected, it will be automatically detected and set as the default video and audio device in Microsoft Teams/Microsoft Teams Rooms. To manually set the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the default video and audio device in Microsoft Teams/Microsoft Teams Rooms, follow these steps.
    • Open Microsoft Teams/Microsoft Teams Rooms.
    • In the top right corner of Microsoft Teams, click your account profile icon.
    • Select Settings.
    • In the menu list, select Devices.
    • Under Camera and Audio devices, select the ThinkSmart Bar 180.

 

  • How to configure the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the default video/audio device in my video conferencing application?
    If you are using the ThinkSmart Bar 180 with a compatible video conferencing application, make sure to manually set the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the default video and audio device in the video/audio settings of the video conferencing application.
Note: If using Microsoft Teams/Microsoft Teams Rooms or Zoom/Zoom Rooms, the ThinkSmart Bar 180 is automatically detected, and set as the default video and audio device when it is connected.

 

  • How to configure the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the default video/audio device in Zoom/Zoom Rooms?
    ​When the ThinkSmart Bar 180 is connected, it will be automatically detected and set as the default video and audio device in Zoom/Zoom Rooms. To manually set the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the default video and audio device in Zoom/Zoom Rooms, follow the steps below.
    • Open Zoom/Zoom Rooms.
    • In the top right corner of Zoom, click the Settings icon to open the settings menu.
    • In the Video and Audio tabs, select the ThinkSmart Bar 180 as the camera and speaker.

 

  • What do the LED's on the ThinkSmart Bar 180 mean?
    The following overview shows the LED colors, behavior, and corresponding status.
    LED
    LED Function/Operation
    Off   Off or not streaming
    Pulsing white White LED Starting up
    On for 3 seconds White LED Connected
    On White LED In call or streaming audio
    On Red LED In call, audio muted
    Pulsing red Red LED Room capacity notification
    Flashing green and blue Green BLue LED Pairing remote control
    Flashing purple Purple LED Firmware updating

 

  • What is a typical room configuration when using the ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    • Microsoft has certified the ThinkSmart Bar 180 for use in rooms with the following dimensions:
      • Small room: 4.5 x 4.5 meters (15 x 15 feet)
      • Medium room: 4.5 x 6 meters (15 x 20 feet)
    • The following are typical room setups.
      room1   room2

 

  • What is Dynamic Composition?
    Dynamic Composition is a ThinkSmart Bar 180 feature that enables a tiled, close-up view of up to 4 participants in a meeting room. The view will dynamically update to display the participants who are actively speaking. When Dynamic Composition is enabled, all other camera view settings and controls will be disabled, including the whiteboard view.
Note: Dynamic Composition works with most video conferencing apps, Microsoft Teams Rooms, and Zoom Rooms.

 

  • What is full duplex audio?
    Full duplex refers to the two-way transmission of audio when talking on a device. With full duplex audio, everyone on a call can speak and be heard clearly and simultaneously.

 

  • Which computer operating systems does the ThinkSmart Bar 180 support?
    The ThinkSmart Bar 180 supports the following operating systems:
    •   Windows 8 or above
    •   macOS* 10.15 or above
Note:
Extra drivers are not required.
*Separate content camera view is not supported for macOS.

 

 

  • Why does it sound like audio from the ThinkSmart Bar 180 comes from one side?
    The ThinkSmart Bar 180 features four speakers – two 50mm woofers and two 20mm tweeters. The woofers are placed in a zero-vibration configuration to eliminate rattles and potential noises. However, because three of the four speakers are placed on the same side, you may notice more audio coming from the left.
    bar sound

 

  • Why does the video preview appear mirrored on the ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    Some video conferencing applications display the video preview inverted. This means the image appears backwards for the person who is using the camera, as if looking in a mirror. Although the presenter sees the preview image mirrored, the people on the receiving end of the video see the image as normal and non-mirrored. For example, a remote classroom audience will see a shared whiteboard and its content as it appears when looking at it directly. The reason for this mirroring feature is to provide the presenter with a more natural experience, for example, when gesturing to a whiteboard that is located next to them. Without mirroring, the presenter may become confused and gesture to the wrong side. Some applications, such as Zoom, allow the mirrored video feature to be turned off in the software settings. Other applications, like Microsoft Teams, do not allow this feature to be changed.

 

  • How do I care for the ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    To care for the ThinkSmart Bar 180, follow these guidelines:
    • Use a soft cloth to periodically dust the surface of the video bar.
    • Do not position the camera near the vents of a monitor or TV, as this may cause the camera to overheat and malfunction.
    • Do not expose the camera or cables to rain or other liquids.
    • Avoid direct sunlight and temperatures above 40°C/104°F or below 0°C/32°F.
    • Only use the ThinkSmart Bar 180 indoors.

 

  • How to install the ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    The ThinkSmart Bar 180 is supplied with a wall mount. A screen mount and table stand are optional accessories. Use the following general guidelines for installation.
    Recommended installation height
    • Install the ThinkSmart Bar 180 at the eye-level of the meeting room participants.
    • When using a wall mount, position the camera:
      • 8 centimeters (3 inches) below the screen.
      • 30-35 centimeters (12-14 inches) above the table top or 100 centimeters (3 feet) from the floor.
    • Do not mount the camera facing direct sunlight as this may affect the preset white balance and compromise the image.
      install1
      Wall mount
      install2

 

  • How to adjust the image quality for the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    Connect the bar to a computer.
    • Run the Lenovo ThinkSmart Cam Control application.
    • Click the Device Settings tab.
      app setting
    • Change the parameters and click Save.

You can adjust the image for brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, and white balance. If Automatic white balance is enabled, you cannot adjust the white balance manually.

 

  • How do I adjust the Pan, Tilt, Zoom on the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    Connect the bar to computer.
    • Run the Lenovo ThinkSmart Cam Control application.
    • Click the Device Settings tab.
    • Change the parameters and click Save.

You can adjust the current Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) settings to align and center the camera view of the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180. If Live View is not turned On, you will not be able to change these settings.

 

  • How to  set up a room capacity limit for the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 using ThinkSmart Camera Control Application?
    Run the Lenovo ThinkSmart Cam Control application
    • Click the AI Configurations tab.
    • Set the Room capacity notification to On (the default setting is Off).
    • Select the preferred Room capacity notification type.
    • Select the preferred Room capacity notification timing.
    • Select a Room capacity limit.
    • Click Save.
      ai setting

 

  • How to enable Dynamic Composition?
    Run the Lenovo ThinkSmart Cam Controll application.
    • Click the AI Configurations tab.
    • Enable Dyanamic Composition.
    • Click Save.
Note: The Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 must be restarted before the setting can take effect. Also, this option can only be changed when Live View is turned off.

 

  • How is video stitching used in the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    To create a 180° camera view, the Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 uses video stitching to join the overlapping areas of the video. Video stitching works best at distances between 60 centimeters-5 meters (24 inches-16 feet) from the camera. You can select your preferred method of video stitching in ThinkSmart Bar 180.
    • Device Settings.
    • Video stitching.
    • Choose option Hybrid or Blend.
    • Click Save.
Note: The Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 must be restarted before the setting can take effect. Also, this option can only be changed when Live View is turned off.

 

  • What is the difference between Intelligent Zoom and Virtual Director?
    The Lenovo ThinkSmart Bar 180 features the following Automatic Zoom modes.
    • Intelligent Zoom: Dynamically frames all visible people within 3.5 meters (11 feet) of the camera.
    • Virtual Director: Utilizes advanced speaker tracking to focus the camera view on whomever is currently speaking.

By default, the Automatic zoom mode is set to Intelligent Zoom. You can configure the setting in ThinkSmart Cam Control application.

  • AI Settings.
  • Automatic Zoom mode.
Note: Only one Automatic Zoom mode can be active at a time. Also, changing this setting will cause the peripheral to restart, and requires Live View to be off.

 

  • How to update the firmware for ThinkSmart Bar 180?
    • Windows Update
      • Connect the Windows PC and ThinkSmart Bar 180 using a USB cable, ensuring that there is an internet connection.
      • Running Windows Update on a Windows PC can upgrade the firmware to the latest version.
    • Firmware installer
      • Download the installer from Lenovo Support.
      • Connect the Windows PC and ThinkSmart Bar 180 using a USB cable.
      • Double-click on the downloaded firmware installer, follow the prompts, and wait for the upgrade to complete.

 

  • How to use the Bluetooth feature on the bar?
    Bluetooth is inactive, and not available on the ThinkSmart Bar 180

 

  • How to use the AUX-OUT port on the bar?
    AUX-OUT is inactive, and not available on the ThinkSmart Bar 180.

 

  • How to use the Ethernet port on the bar?
    Ethernet is inactive, and not offered available on the ThinkSmart Bar 180.

Troubleshooting

  • ThinkSmart Bar 180 cannot power on.
    • Ensure the power adapter and cable is functioning properly.
    • Ensure the power outlet is functioning normally.

 

  • ThinkSmart Bar 180 video image is not clear.
    • Ensure the camera is clean and free of dirt.
    • Participants connecting via the network need to confirm a stable network connection.
    • Confirm that the ambient light is not too strong or too weak, leading to unclear images.
    • Adjust brightness and other settings through the ThinkSmart Camera Control application.

 

  • ThinkSmart Bar 180 has low volume or no sound.
    • Ensure the device connected to the Bar is not muted or that the device volume is not set too low.
    • Ensure the person speaking not too far away from the bar.

 

  • ThinkSmart Bar 180 cannot be detected after connecting to the computer.
    • Ensure that the bar is powered on and the LED light is illuminated.
    • Ensure that the USB cable functionality is intact and correctly connected to the computer.
    • Ensure that the Windows operating system is Windows 8 or above, and macOS* is 10.15 or above.

Document ID:HT515945
Original Publish Date:01/10/2024
Last Modified Date:02/24/2025