Polycom Enhances VSX Videoconferencing Line

Jul 14, 2005 8:00 AM

Polycom's VSX 7000e is a mainstream group videoconferencing system with a split form factor that ships with a slim, attractive codec and the PowerCam camera.

Polycom has announced the expansion of its VSX product line with three new video systems and enhanced software for all VSX products, as well as an updated version of the PVX desktop videoconferencing application. These releases address the growing global demand for video communications and collaborative solutions.

The now complete VSX line offers customers a state-of-the-art platform for collaboration and videoconferencing, from the desktop to the conference room, that integrates with leading telephony and presence-based communications infrastructures. Through the VSX platform, Polycom is enabling businesses of all sizes to reap the competitive advantages and productivity enhancements of video communications, including faster decision making, improved collaboration among geographically dispersed teams, and a reduction in the need for travel.

“Video communications is at a tipping point, where the quality and performance of the solutions are ready for widespread adoption, and systems are affordable and easily cost-justified for businesses of all sizes,” says Robert Hagerty, chairman and CEO of Polycom. “Video communication is also extending outside of the traditional conferencing silo into a more integrated communications experience as we partner with Alcatel, Avaya, Cisco Systems, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft, Nortel, and others. Like Polycom, these partners understand video is a key enabler of collaborative communications. Together we are pioneering the next generation of integrated solutions for customers and sending video communications over converged and broadband networks into widespread adoption.”

“The Polycom VSX line continues to set the gold standard for video communications with unmatched innovation, quality, performance, and overall customer value. It also offers the most flexibility for integration with leading communications platforms,” says Ed Ellett, senior vice president and general manager of video communications at Polycom. “We have expanded our line to address specific customer and channel partner requests and are continuing to lead the industry with technology innovations. For example, Pro-Motion H.264 provides incredibly lifelike and natural video at just 384Kbps of bandwidth. And, Polycom StereoSurround provides the real in-room experience, enabling clarity and distinction between all voices, even when multiple parties are speaking simultaneously. With well over a half million video systems shipped to date, Polycom is clearly the leader of choice for video communications and the VSX platform is leading the way for the next generation of customer applications.”

VSX Advantage—Innovative Signature Benefits and Leadership Options
From the desktop to the conference room, all Polycom VSX systems include Signature Benefits that deliver unmatched quality, performance, and ease of use. VSX Signature Benefits include

SIP support across the entire video product line
Crystal-clear sound with Siren 14 audio
Voice clarity during simultaneous conversations with Polycom StereoSurround
Incredible video with Polycom Pro-Motion (60fps)
The industry’s best QoS over IP networks with iPriority
Secure calling anytime with embedded AES
Integration with enterprise telephony, messaging, and presence infrastructures
360-degree room coverage using the Polycom Microphone Array with multiple microphones
Common user experience and system tools.

All systems also offer Leadership Options, allowing organizations to customize their videoconferencing solutions to fit their needs. Examples of VSX options include

SoundStation VTX 1000 integration—provides simplified dialing direct from the conference phone, eliminates clutter of microphones and wires and provides enhanced audio capture
People+Content IP—Share PC content (slides and documents) cable free with the conference participants—no need to connect your PC to the VSX. It even works for audio add participants and always shows the people and the data simultaneously
Ceiling microphone—no wires on the table or floor, room coverage up to 20x20, and can be daisy-chained for larger meeting spaces
MPPlus—internal multipoint conferencing unit including cascading, audio transcoding, and mixed multipoint (IP and ISDN)
Multiple network interfaces—easily add additional interfaces such as ISDN/PRI/V.35
Conference room solutions—choose the cart and display that best fits your meeting needs.

Three new systems complete the industry-leading VSX line.

VSX 5000—an entry-level solution for customers demanding premium quality audio and video performance coupled with basic videoconferencing functionality. The system includes a new electronic PTZ camera featuring high reliability with few moving parts and most of the functionality of mechanical PTZ cameras. The VSX 5000 is a dual mode (IP/ISDN) system, with support for dual monitor capability and advanced data sharing. It connects to any XGA or TV display for system flexibility. Additionally, it includes VSX Signature Benefits and key Leadership Options, making it the perfect conferencing system for small meeting spaces. System pricing starts at $3,999.

VSX 7000s—a high-quality, versatile group videoconferencing solution for medium to large rooms. The system includes an embedded speaker and subwoofer for superior audio performance. It provides natural imaging using the latest in video technology and standards; has embedded dual monitor support; and includes multiple methods of sharing data, videos, and pictures with all conference participants. The VSX 7000s connects to any TV or XGA display for flexibility and includes key VSX Signature Benefits and Leadership Options. System pricing starts at $6,999.

VSX 7000e—a mainstream group videoconferencing system with a split form factor, ideal for flat-panel displays, shipping with a slim, attractive codec and the PowerCam camera. The system includes dual monitor support and can be connected to either an XGA or TV display when in single-monitor mode. It offers advanced connection options, such as direct international POTS for easily adding a voice-only participant, and dual RS-232 ports for peripherals and control. VSX Signature Benefits are a part of every system, and systems can be expanded by adding VSX Leadership Options. System pricing starts at $8,999.

New VSX Release 8.0 Software
Polycom VSX Release 8.0 software delivers enhanced quality and performance across the entire VSX product line. All VSX systems can be upgraded to VSX Release 8.0 improved video performance and system reliability, extended data sharing capabilities, and more flexibility for both the network administrator and the user.

The VSX 8000 receives additional enhancements including

Expanded internal MCU capabilities (six-site)
Pro-Motion H.264 video shipping, with 2CIF at 60 fields per second
Improved automated camera tracking ability with Polycom’s PowerCam Plus—tracks to voices and presets.

The Version 8.0 software allows Polycom VSX and PVX systems to be registered and authenticated on Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005 for point-to-point and multipoint calling. Along with the current Microsoft Windows Messenger support, presence-enabled calling is now also possible with Microsoft Office Communicator and Polycom endpoints.

PVX Software Release 8.0
Polycom PVX enables sharing of high-quality video and audio content on a PC using a standard USB webcam. PVX Release 8.0 enhances the existing application by offering SIP support, creating an end-to-end SIP solution across the entire Polycom videoconferencing line. Additionally, PVX now includes standards-based content sharing with H.239, making it easy to share data with other videoconferencing systems. It simplifies calls through home routers and firewalls for SOHO users and small office environments through new universal plug-and-play (UPnP) support, as well as support for multiple network adapters. PVX Release 8.0 also includes video and audio enhancements and enhanced management support through Polycom Global Management System and ReadiManager.

For more information on Polycom's videoconferencing solutions, visit www.polycom.com.