Conferencing System offers HD voice/video/content sharing.
Press Release Summary:
HDX 4000 solutions include 20 in. 16:9 display, HD camera with PTZ capability, dual HDX microphones, high-fidelity speakers and subwoofers, HDX video conferencing codec, and stand with integrated keypad that allows users to dial or answer video calls.
HD video resolution is 720p (1,280 x 720) at 30 fps at 1-4 Mbps bandwidth, and standard definition quality is 4CIF 704 x 575 at 30 fps at 256 Kbps of bandwidth. System supports up to 4 people on camera.
Original Press Release:
Polycom Announces HDX 4000 Series - First Executive Desktop Video Systems with HD Voice, Video and Content Sharing
PLEASANTON, Calif., July 24 -- Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the Polycom HDX(TM) 4000 series, the only executive desktop video conferencing systems to offer a complete UltimateHD(TM) experience including HD voice, HD video and HD content-sharing capabilities. The all-in-one solutions will work seamlessly with Polycom conference room and telepresence video systems (and other standards-based, IP video conferencing systems), and offer the highest levels of quality and performance in a desktop solution to support any video collaboration application, including those that require the optimal HD video, voice and content clarity for natural communication and collaboration across distances.
The Polycom HDX 4000 solutions are complete, integrated video conferencing systems elegantly designed to fit on an executive desktop as a personal system, at a small table, or in a small conference room to support up to four people on camera. HDX 4000 systems contain all necessary components including an integrated 20 in. 16:9 display that can double as a PC monitor; a built-in HD camera with pan-tilt-zoom capability; integrated dual HDX microphones, high-fidelity speakers and subwoofers; a powerful, standards-based HDX video conferencing codec; and a stand with an integrated keypad that allows users to dial or answer video calls just like a telephone.
Applications for the system include enhanced communication and collaboration among coworkers, partners, and customers, as well as a broad range of business applications that rely on small but critical details for a variety of industries, including merger and acquisition negotiations, outsource management, manufacturing processes, hiring procedures, customer and partner negotiations, and research and development design activities. The ability to simultaneously share content in high definition, such as architectural or CAD drawings, animation, movies, or images from HD document cameras such as detailed circuit boards, intricate fabrics, patient X-rays, etc., creates new opportunities to streamline and accelerate business processes in fields such as medicine and healthcare, education, manufacturing, filmmaking, fashion and design, advertising and more.
Industry First HD Video and HD Content
The HDX 4000 delivers HD video resolution - 720p (1280x720) resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) - at 1-4 Mbps bandwidth, and standard definition quality - 4CIF 704x575 at 30 fps - at just 256 kbps of bandwidth, providing extraordinary video quality even at low data rates. Through patent- pending PC content collaboration capabilities, the system will deliver simultaneous HD streams for People and Content, which is HD video and HD content appearing on the screen at the same time, with one-button transmission from a PC or Mac. The HDX 4000 is unique in that the content source can show all types of content in native resolution up to 720p (1280x720), including video, animation, engineering schematics, architectural drawings, PowerPoint presentations, and images from high definition document cameras.
Unrivaled HD Voice with StereoSurround
The HDX 4000 delivers unrivaled HD voice quality, which offers the most natural voice communications experience available on a video system. The Siren22(TM) (22 kHz) StereoSurround(TM) super wideband audio technology offers stereo voice separation for clarity and intelligibility as well as reduced listener fatigue during longer meetings. The patent-pending microphone technology picks up voices clearly with stereo separation adding a spatial aspect of room location to the speaker's voice, while reducing background noises, such as typing on a keyboard, for enhanced clarity. The microphones are also immune to interference from cell phones and other wireless devices.
Unified Conferencing and Telephone Dialing for Video Calls
The integrated keypad on the HDX 4000 allows users to dial a video call just as they would a telephone call, or answer a video call by touching a single button. The HDX 4000 also features a telephone-line connection allowing people calling in from a desktop, conference or mobile phone to seamlessly join a call for a unified voice and video conference. This also allows the system to be used as a high-quality desktop speakerphone (VoIP or POTS) when not in a video call.
"Polycom is pioneering a true high definition video conferencing experience with solutions that go beyond just HD video resolution to deliver optimal HD quality for all the elements of effective communication over distance -- voice, video and content sharing," said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of video solutions at Polycom. "We call this holistic experience UltimateHD and we are bringing it to the desktop with the HDX 4000 series, the most powerful systems in its class."
HDX 4000 systems are designed to fit into the natural work flow at the desktop when workers use the system also as their primary PC monitor. The HDX 4000 features a floating user interface that allows users to control the video system, either answering or dialing a video call, without disrupting the documents or applications they are working on.
Options for the HDX 4000 series include: embedded four-way multipoint capability that supports four sites within a call; and, People On Content, an innovative feature that uses chroma-key technology, allowing users to become part of their presentation by displaying static or full-motion content behind them during a call (also known as "the weatherman" feature). The systems also have optional network interfaces for easy access to ISDN or satellite networks. There are two models: The HDX 4002 (HD 720p system) and the HDX 4001 (SD 480p system).
The Polycom HDX solutions are based on the Polycom UltimateHD architecture, the foundation for the industry's only integrated and complete HD video collaboration offering that includes video systems, video multipoint control units (MCU), HD recording, streaming and playback systems (for both video and content), HD video content management, related HD services, and integrated Polycom HD Voice endpoints. The Polycom UltimateHD architecture gives customers the quality, scalability, backwards compatibility and end-to- end integration they require.
To assist customers deploying HD video conferencing, Polycom offers a comprehensive suite of HD Readiness services through its channel partners -- from planning and design to evaluating and optimizing HD video performance on existing networks to standard maintenance and service options.
Pricing and Availability
The Polycom HDX 4000 Series can be ordered today through certified Polycom channel partners with availability planned for the fourth quarter of 2007. North America list price starts at US$7,999.
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of high definition video, wired and wireless voice, and content solutions to deliver the ultimate collaborative experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony, workplace wireless telephony, and presence- based networks. With its market-driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage from on-demand communications and collaboration. For additional information, call 800-POLYCOM or visit the Polycom web site at http://www.polycom.com/.
Source: Polycom, Inc. CONTACT: Kevin Young of Polycom, Inc., +1-925-924-5706, kyoung@polycom.com Web site: http://www.polycom.com/
