While video conferencing equipment has been available since the 1970s, it is only recently that technology and communications networks have advanced sufficiently to make teleconferencing user friendly and cost effective.
And in the past couple of years, numerous companies, including Sony, Cisco and HP have entered the industry, joining more established teleconferencing players such as Polycom and Tandberg.
The latest breed of teleconferencing equipment, which is usually referred to as ‘telepresence’ uses large format, high definition screens combined with high quality acoustics to allow a group of people across two or more locations to hold a face-to-face meeting.
While it is too early to determine sales trends of telepresence equipment, the initial indications are that it will be a hit, as multinational corporations seek to improve communications across multiple sites and also cut down on unnecessary international travel, in a bid to cut costs and reduce their carbon emissions.
Furthermore, while the cost of telepresence equipment remains high – Cisco’s TelePresence 3000 across two sites can cost around US$500,000 and Polycom’s RealPresence is around the million-dollar mark and above – these prices could fall as sales increase. Equipment manufacturers also claim that companies can make major savings by adopting the technology. For example, Cisco, which has been using its TelePresence internally at more than 100 of its offices, said the solution is projected to save $240 million in three years, counting from October 2006.
Furthermore, as networks become more advanced, so telepresence equipment is also more likely to fall within the reach of a greater number of potential customers. CommsMEA looks at some of the equipment available.
Sony’s PCS-G50P and PCS-G70P
Sony has a range of video conferencing equipment, including desktop, boardroom, and large screen equipment for clients that are hosting bigger conferences.
Key Features:Sony’s PCS-G50P and PCS-G70P are ideal for boardrooms and larger meeting rooms, where conferences are likely to involve a larger number of participants. High audio and video quality is complemented by “power-user” features like high-resolution data sharing and dual live video streams, allowing a second camera to provide coverage of another part of the meeting room.
Middle East Sony distributor:Jumbo Electronics.
Cisco TelePresence
Cisco, which rolled out its telepresence offering in October 2007, said its aim is to make users “forget they are in different rooms thousands of miles apart.” As the telepresence category grows, Cisco intends to develop additional applications tailored for specific industries, such as healthcare, retail, banking, entertainment and government.
Key Features:Cisco TelePresence uses various innovations designed and built by Cisco including ultra high definition 1080p video, imperceptible end-to-end latency and wideband spatial audio. The equipment uses Cisco’s Unified Communications capabilities to make its TelePresence calls as easy as regular phone calls.
Middle East Cisco distributor:UAE: Emirates Computers.
HP Halo
HP Halo is available in two configurations: HP Halo Collaboration Meeting Room and the HP Halo Collaboration Studio.
Key Features:The Collaboration Meeting Room is designed for installation within an existing conference room space. The equipment uses Halo Video Exchange Network, to deliver real-time quality teleconferencing services.
Middle EastHP distributor:Not yet available in region.
Tandberg Experia
Tandberg has been involved in the sector since 1989. The firm has seen strong growth from its boardroom-style telepresence equipment and desktop solutions.
Key Features:Tandberg Experia uses four 50 inch plasma screens, its own precision HD cameras and directional CD-quality audio. The equipment can be adapted to clients’ existing offices and linked to four sites for multipoint telepresence.
Middle East distributor:UAE distributors: Emirates Computers, Emircom, G4S, Vision Valley, Atlas Telecommunication. KSA: Saudi Media Systems, Mohammed Mansour Al Rumaih Trade Company, International Turnkey Systems.
Polycom RealPresence
Polycom’s RealPresence Experience High Definition (RPX HD) range of telepresence equipment combines high-definition video in a cinematic view with its own StereoSurround sound system.
Key Feature:Polycom RPX HD removes devices such as cameras, microphones, speakers, remote control from the user’s view, eliminating distractions. Polycom RPX HD 400 Series Suites offer a complete video suite including furnishings, studio lighting and acoustic walls. The suite is modular and is easily installed within a room, and can be moved easily to a new facility if a company moves.
Middle East Polycom distributor:FVC.
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