Polycom delivers breakthrough new video conferencing and collaboration products
Announcement posted by Polycom 05 Apr 2003
Polycom first to deliver new H.264 technology on video systems and MCU for dramatically improved video quality over lower bandwidths
Polycom delivers the Executive Collection, four new systems redefining the standard for high-end, integrated conferenc
Polycom delivers the Executive Collection, four new systems redefining the standard for high-end, integrated conferenc
Polycom(r), Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM), the world's leader in video, voice, data and web conferencing and collaboration solutions, today introduced breakthrough new products and significant enhancements to its industry-leading video conferencing and collaboration solutions, including the industry's first video system and multipoint control unit (MCU) support for H.264*, a new video technology that delivers significantly enhanced video quality over lower bandwidths. Addressing demand for top-of-the-line, integrated systems from customers seeking the best quality video, audio and display systems in elegant designs for their most important executive conference rooms, Polycom introduced the Executive Collection, four new integrated systems in wall-mounted or free-standing designs that raise the industry standard for performance, versatility and aesthetics in complete, integrated systems.
"Polycom is delivering significant new products enhancements to our leading video conferencing and collaboration solutions. This demonstrates our ability to continually offer new solutions and system enhancements that redefine industry standards," said Bob Hagerty, chairman and CEO of Polycom. "Polycom customers can now benefit from new industry first capabilities including the quality and accessibility benefits of H.264 video technology, embedded people and content streaming, conference recording, and web collaboration integration. Our new Executive Collection is unparalleled in sleek and sophisticated styling and unmatched in versatility and performance."
H.264 technology for better quality video conferences - Polycom now features the new H.264 video technology on its iPower(tm) 9000 Series video collaboration systems and throughout its leading MGC(tm) video multipoint control units (MCU). Polycom will be delivering H.264 on other products throughout the year. H.264 delivers enhanced video quality through more efficient coding, enabling business quality video communications over lower bandwidths (i.e. a 384 kbps call now delivers the quality of a 768 kbps call). The technology provides a more natural experience for users, can reduce IP network congestion, and makes business-quality video communications more affordable and accessible to small to medium-sized businesses (industry first).
Executive Collection redefines standards for high-end integrated systems - Polycom today introduced its Executive Collection, including four new products featuring the highest performance video conferencing and collaboration technology, with premium plasma displays, high-fidelity audio systems and sophisticated furniture designs for wall-mounting or free-standing capabilities. The Executive Collection meets the demand from customers seeking top-of-the-line performance and design for their most important executive conference rooms. The new systems deliver industry-leading performance and quality in a solution that is flexible and designed to blend into any environment so the technology is transparent, yet powerful and intuitive. The new products include:
1) The Executive Collection Dual 61-inch Wall System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, dual 61-inch high-resolution plasma monitors, high-fidelity audio system, credenza and transparent wall mounting system.
2) The Executive Collection Dual 50-inch Wall System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, dual 50-inch high-resolution plasma monitors, high-fidelity audio system, credenza and transparent wall mounting system.
3) The Executive Collection Dual 50-inch Floor System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, dual 50-inch high-resolution plasma monitors, high-fidelity audio system and stylish, sophisticated floor stand.
4) The Executive Collection Single 50-inch Floor System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, single 50-inch high-resolution plasma monitor, high-fidelity audio system and stylish, sophisticated floor stand.
Polycom delivers expanded integration - As result of Polycom's commitment to delivering the highest levels of integration and cross functionality between its solutions, the company announced expanded support for People+Content dual-stream video capability on its ViewStation FX and VS4000 systems and throughout its line of MGC video MCUs. The technology enables simultaneous display of high-quality video and high-resolution content and is already supported on the iPower systems. Polycom also added its Conference on Demand(tm) simplified multipoint dialing capability to its ViewStation FX and VS4000 systems. Also supported on iPower, ViaVideo(tm) and throughout the MGC products, Conference on Demand enables users to easily initiate unscheduled multipoint conferences through a bridge, directly from the endpoint.
Polycom also delivered the industry's first video conferencing and web collaboration integration. Polycom customers can now launch a multipoint call using a ViaVideo system directly from the buddy list of Polycom's WebOffice software (industry first). Users can also now launch a WebOffice meeting directly from an iPower system (industry first).
More industry firsts: iPower delivers breakthrough functionality - In addition to featuring H.264 video technology, the iPower systems also now feature:
* Embedded People+Content Streaming capability (industry first) - enables remote participants to easily access a video conference through a web browser. People+Content Streaming expands the flexibility and accessibility of video by enabling remote participates to hear the audio and view the video and content of a meeting through a web browser.
* Digital Conference Recording (industry first) - An add-on option that enables conferences to be digitally recorded without a VCR. Conferences can be recorded on or off a call with audio, video and content for the full meeting experience. Recorded conferences can be archived and made available for future viewing with a web browser.
* Bluetooth Wireless Tablet (industry first) - An optional wireless, lightweight tablet interface to the iPower system that enables users to dial and fully control the conference and other meeting tools from anywhere in the room. Ideal for educators, the tablet enables users to access the conference and annotate on content at the same time.
* iPower 600 Series enhancements - iPower's entry level, set-top product now supports up to 2 Mbps data rate on IP calls, full Pro-Motion(tm) 60fps interlaced video for TV-quality images at bandwidths as low as 336 kbps, and optional 12-site internal IP multipoint capability.
* Web collaboration integration (industry first) - Conferences held using iPower systems can be extended to participants on the Internet using web collaboration tools ? all directly from the same user interface. This functionality expands the accessibility and flexibility of video by
including non-video participants in a meeting through Polycom WebOffice web collaboration software.
* IP Tunneling (industry first) - New functionality supports third-party Virtual Private Network (VPN) software, enabling users to take advantage of their organization's secure network infrastructure for videoconferencing.
* Dual IP Connectivity (industry first) - iPower systems support a second IP interface, enabling conferences on one network and Internet access on another. This is ideal for customers using a dedicated video conferencing service or network for video calls.
* Additional ease of use and management capabilities - The new iPower capabilities also include advancements in call set-up, NAT traversal, simplified dialing, administration and management, including full address book support, software update, and provisioning.
ViewStation FX and VS4000 feature enhanced collaboration, ease of use, flexibility and manageability - In addition to added collaboration and ease of use functionality through People+Content and Conference on Demand, new features include:
* Enhanced system management and control - The systems now feature enhanced management capabilities, including: 1) independent testing for endpoint security for corporate and classified environments, 2) option to disable remote interfaces including FTP, SNMP, Telnet, HTTP and streaming (industry first), 3) option to disable mixed network calls through the embedded MCU (industry first), 4) unique factory default passwords for security out of the box (industry first), 5) ability to select individual menu screens to password protect (industry first) and 6) secure password authentication for the web interface.
* Expanded call flexibility with cascading - The systems now support multipoint conferences with up to 14 video and audio sites through the embedded MCUs when cascading (10 sites on any mix of IP or ISDN, plus telephone connections).
* New videoconferencing camera - The systems now support Polycom PowerCam, a new high quality, quiet camera designed specifically for videoconferencing environments, which can be used with the VS4000 or as an auxiliary camera with the ViewStation FX.
* The systems also now support: 1) the ability for the administrator to add a custom company logo or icon to the main menu screen that opens a custom speed dial page for help desk or other commonly dialed numbers (industry first) and 2) Annex Q standards-based far-end camera control in H.323 calls.
ViaVideo features new user interface and enhanced functionality, quality and ease-of-use - Enhancements to ViaVideo include:
* Enhanced quality - ViaVideo now supports higher data rates up to 512 kbps at 30 fps and G.722.1 audio algorithm for higher quality audio (desktop industry first). ViaVideo now features enhanced quality of service (QoS) through DiffServ and Polycom Video Error Concealment (PVEC) technology, which preserves the integrity of a video call when subjected to network congestion or packet loss.
* Simplified ease of use - ViaVideo now features a new Windows-like user interface that allows full access to menu screens while in a call, full-screen video capability and support for multiple monitors. ViaVideo also now features on-screen guidance and enhanced error messages available in 11 languages to help users navigate common tasks.
* Simplified connection - ViaVideo features several enhancements that make it easier for users to connect, including: direct registration with the Polycom Global Address Book, multiple location profiles that allow users to configure set-up requirements for different locations (i.e. home, office, travel), E.164 alias recognition and expanded gatekeeper support via Cisco's CanMapAlias.
* Enhanced flexibility through far end camera control - enables desktop video users to adjust cameras at the far end from their remote site, providing flexibility to see what they feel is most critical during the call. (desktop industry first)
* Expanded international language support - ViaVideo now supports 11 languages, include new additions: Norwegian, Chinese (traditional) and Korean.
Availability: All new products and product enhancements are available in Q1 2003. Enhancements to the iPower, ViewStation FX, VS4000 and ViaVideo system will be available through the Polycom web site. Add-on capabilities for the iPower system including embedded People+Content streaming, conference call recording and the Bluetooth wireless tablet are available for an additional charge. Pricing for the Executive Collection systems vary based on configuration.
*H.264 - Polycom has delivered H.264 using technology based on ITU-T standard currently in the process of ratification.
NOTE TO EDITORS: This press release is part of a larger group of announcements made by Polycom regarding advancements in conferencing and collaboration solutions designed to foster wider adoption. For complete details visit the Polycom web site or see press release titled: Polycom expands portfolio of industry firsts?Feb. 24, 2003.
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the world's technology leader of high-quality, easy-to-use video, voice, data and web conferencing and collaboration solutions. The Polycom Office is our continued commitment to make distance communications as natural and interactive as being there by providing best-in-class conferencing solutions that are interoperable, integrated and intuitive to the user. For additional information, call 1-800-355-355 or +61 2 9978-8000, or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycom.com.au.
# # #
Polycom, the Polycom logo and ViewStation are registered trademarks and The Polycom Office, iPower, ViaVideo, WebOffice, VS4000, MGC, People+Content and Conference on Demand are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c)2003, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including the potential fluctuations in results and future growth rates, the market acceptance of Polycom's products, possible delays in the development, availability and shipment of new products, and risks associated with changes in general economic conditions. Further risks are detailed from time to time in Polycom's SEC reports, including the Form 10-K, for 2001, and subsequent Form 10-Q filings.
"Polycom is delivering significant new products enhancements to our leading video conferencing and collaboration solutions. This demonstrates our ability to continually offer new solutions and system enhancements that redefine industry standards," said Bob Hagerty, chairman and CEO of Polycom. "Polycom customers can now benefit from new industry first capabilities including the quality and accessibility benefits of H.264 video technology, embedded people and content streaming, conference recording, and web collaboration integration. Our new Executive Collection is unparalleled in sleek and sophisticated styling and unmatched in versatility and performance."
H.264 technology for better quality video conferences - Polycom now features the new H.264 video technology on its iPower(tm) 9000 Series video collaboration systems and throughout its leading MGC(tm) video multipoint control units (MCU). Polycom will be delivering H.264 on other products throughout the year. H.264 delivers enhanced video quality through more efficient coding, enabling business quality video communications over lower bandwidths (i.e. a 384 kbps call now delivers the quality of a 768 kbps call). The technology provides a more natural experience for users, can reduce IP network congestion, and makes business-quality video communications more affordable and accessible to small to medium-sized businesses (industry first).
Executive Collection redefines standards for high-end integrated systems - Polycom today introduced its Executive Collection, including four new products featuring the highest performance video conferencing and collaboration technology, with premium plasma displays, high-fidelity audio systems and sophisticated furniture designs for wall-mounting or free-standing capabilities. The Executive Collection meets the demand from customers seeking top-of-the-line performance and design for their most important executive conference rooms. The new systems deliver industry-leading performance and quality in a solution that is flexible and designed to blend into any environment so the technology is transparent, yet powerful and intuitive. The new products include:
1) The Executive Collection Dual 61-inch Wall System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, dual 61-inch high-resolution plasma monitors, high-fidelity audio system, credenza and transparent wall mounting system.
2) The Executive Collection Dual 50-inch Wall System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, dual 50-inch high-resolution plasma monitors, high-fidelity audio system, credenza and transparent wall mounting system.
3) The Executive Collection Dual 50-inch Floor System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, dual 50-inch high-resolution plasma monitors, high-fidelity audio system and stylish, sophisticated floor stand.
4) The Executive Collection Single 50-inch Floor System - features leading video conferencing and collaboration capabilities, single 50-inch high-resolution plasma monitor, high-fidelity audio system and stylish, sophisticated floor stand.
Polycom delivers expanded integration - As result of Polycom's commitment to delivering the highest levels of integration and cross functionality between its solutions, the company announced expanded support for People+Content dual-stream video capability on its ViewStation FX and VS4000 systems and throughout its line of MGC video MCUs. The technology enables simultaneous display of high-quality video and high-resolution content and is already supported on the iPower systems. Polycom also added its Conference on Demand(tm) simplified multipoint dialing capability to its ViewStation FX and VS4000 systems. Also supported on iPower, ViaVideo(tm) and throughout the MGC products, Conference on Demand enables users to easily initiate unscheduled multipoint conferences through a bridge, directly from the endpoint.
Polycom also delivered the industry's first video conferencing and web collaboration integration. Polycom customers can now launch a multipoint call using a ViaVideo system directly from the buddy list of Polycom's WebOffice software (industry first). Users can also now launch a WebOffice meeting directly from an iPower system (industry first).
More industry firsts: iPower delivers breakthrough functionality - In addition to featuring H.264 video technology, the iPower systems also now feature:
* Embedded People+Content Streaming capability (industry first) - enables remote participants to easily access a video conference through a web browser. People+Content Streaming expands the flexibility and accessibility of video by enabling remote participates to hear the audio and view the video and content of a meeting through a web browser.
* Digital Conference Recording (industry first) - An add-on option that enables conferences to be digitally recorded without a VCR. Conferences can be recorded on or off a call with audio, video and content for the full meeting experience. Recorded conferences can be archived and made available for future viewing with a web browser.
* Bluetooth Wireless Tablet (industry first) - An optional wireless, lightweight tablet interface to the iPower system that enables users to dial and fully control the conference and other meeting tools from anywhere in the room. Ideal for educators, the tablet enables users to access the conference and annotate on content at the same time.
* iPower 600 Series enhancements - iPower's entry level, set-top product now supports up to 2 Mbps data rate on IP calls, full Pro-Motion(tm) 60fps interlaced video for TV-quality images at bandwidths as low as 336 kbps, and optional 12-site internal IP multipoint capability.
* Web collaboration integration (industry first) - Conferences held using iPower systems can be extended to participants on the Internet using web collaboration tools ? all directly from the same user interface. This functionality expands the accessibility and flexibility of video by
including non-video participants in a meeting through Polycom WebOffice web collaboration software.
* IP Tunneling (industry first) - New functionality supports third-party Virtual Private Network (VPN) software, enabling users to take advantage of their organization's secure network infrastructure for videoconferencing.
* Dual IP Connectivity (industry first) - iPower systems support a second IP interface, enabling conferences on one network and Internet access on another. This is ideal for customers using a dedicated video conferencing service or network for video calls.
* Additional ease of use and management capabilities - The new iPower capabilities also include advancements in call set-up, NAT traversal, simplified dialing, administration and management, including full address book support, software update, and provisioning.
ViewStation FX and VS4000 feature enhanced collaboration, ease of use, flexibility and manageability - In addition to added collaboration and ease of use functionality through People+Content and Conference on Demand, new features include:
* Enhanced system management and control - The systems now feature enhanced management capabilities, including: 1) independent testing for endpoint security for corporate and classified environments, 2) option to disable remote interfaces including FTP, SNMP, Telnet, HTTP and streaming (industry first), 3) option to disable mixed network calls through the embedded MCU (industry first), 4) unique factory default passwords for security out of the box (industry first), 5) ability to select individual menu screens to password protect (industry first) and 6) secure password authentication for the web interface.
* Expanded call flexibility with cascading - The systems now support multipoint conferences with up to 14 video and audio sites through the embedded MCUs when cascading (10 sites on any mix of IP or ISDN, plus telephone connections).
* New videoconferencing camera - The systems now support Polycom PowerCam, a new high quality, quiet camera designed specifically for videoconferencing environments, which can be used with the VS4000 or as an auxiliary camera with the ViewStation FX.
* The systems also now support: 1) the ability for the administrator to add a custom company logo or icon to the main menu screen that opens a custom speed dial page for help desk or other commonly dialed numbers (industry first) and 2) Annex Q standards-based far-end camera control in H.323 calls.
ViaVideo features new user interface and enhanced functionality, quality and ease-of-use - Enhancements to ViaVideo include:
* Enhanced quality - ViaVideo now supports higher data rates up to 512 kbps at 30 fps and G.722.1 audio algorithm for higher quality audio (desktop industry first). ViaVideo now features enhanced quality of service (QoS) through DiffServ and Polycom Video Error Concealment (PVEC) technology, which preserves the integrity of a video call when subjected to network congestion or packet loss.
* Simplified ease of use - ViaVideo now features a new Windows-like user interface that allows full access to menu screens while in a call, full-screen video capability and support for multiple monitors. ViaVideo also now features on-screen guidance and enhanced error messages available in 11 languages to help users navigate common tasks.
* Simplified connection - ViaVideo features several enhancements that make it easier for users to connect, including: direct registration with the Polycom Global Address Book, multiple location profiles that allow users to configure set-up requirements for different locations (i.e. home, office, travel), E.164 alias recognition and expanded gatekeeper support via Cisco's CanMapAlias.
* Enhanced flexibility through far end camera control - enables desktop video users to adjust cameras at the far end from their remote site, providing flexibility to see what they feel is most critical during the call. (desktop industry first)
* Expanded international language support - ViaVideo now supports 11 languages, include new additions: Norwegian, Chinese (traditional) and Korean.
Availability: All new products and product enhancements are available in Q1 2003. Enhancements to the iPower, ViewStation FX, VS4000 and ViaVideo system will be available through the Polycom web site. Add-on capabilities for the iPower system including embedded People+Content streaming, conference call recording and the Bluetooth wireless tablet are available for an additional charge. Pricing for the Executive Collection systems vary based on configuration.
*H.264 - Polycom has delivered H.264 using technology based on ITU-T standard currently in the process of ratification.
NOTE TO EDITORS: This press release is part of a larger group of announcements made by Polycom regarding advancements in conferencing and collaboration solutions designed to foster wider adoption. For complete details visit the Polycom web site or see press release titled: Polycom expands portfolio of industry firsts?Feb. 24, 2003.
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the world's technology leader of high-quality, easy-to-use video, voice, data and web conferencing and collaboration solutions. The Polycom Office is our continued commitment to make distance communications as natural and interactive as being there by providing best-in-class conferencing solutions that are interoperable, integrated and intuitive to the user. For additional information, call 1-800-355-355 or +61 2 9978-8000, or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycom.com.au.
# # #
Polycom, the Polycom logo and ViewStation are registered trademarks and The Polycom Office, iPower, ViaVideo, WebOffice, VS4000, MGC, People+Content and Conference on Demand are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c)2003, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including the potential fluctuations in results and future growth rates, the market acceptance of Polycom's products, possible delays in the development, availability and shipment of new products, and risks associated with changes in general economic conditions. Further risks are detailed from time to time in Polycom's SEC reports, including the Form 10-K, for 2001, and subsequent Form 10-Q filings.