InfoComm09 is currently underway in the USA (Florida to be precise) and although I’m not there in person there’s certainly been a lot of activity with vendors spruiking new video developments. Tweets from the event are at http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23ic09
Just recapping some of the announcements that were made prior to this week’s event:
- Aethra launch new ‘Xtreme 300/360/380’ HD endpoints – all under USD$10k
- Cisco launch new single screen ‘CTS1300’ telepresence solution for 1-6 people (USD$85k)
- Cisco Webex platform now upgrading to 720p video capabilities
- Lifesize Express 200, also announce forthcoming desktop video package
- Logitech ‘VID’ (nee SightSpeed)
- Mirial Desktop HD VC now available on Macintosh OSX platform
- Polycom QDX6000 – not quite HD, but close (4CIF)
- Radvision Scopia Desktop v7 video clients now doing H.264 SVC
- TANDBERG PrecisionHD USB Camera – 720p30 now in a desktop webcam form factor
- TANDBERG Compliance Appliance – high end recording and archival server with security compliance
- Sony release two new HD cameras, EVI-HD3V and EVI-HD7V (US$3.5k and $4.7k respectively)
Most of the announcements above can be found in last week’s Wainhouse research bulletin:
http://www.wainhouse.com/files/wrb-10/WRB-1012.pdfThe announcements in the last couple of days making me sit up and take note:
- Polycom HDX6000 – MSRP USD$6k
720p30 (model is 6004 denoting 4Mbps but specs mention 2Mbps max)
Polycom HDX6004 product page- Radvision SCOPIA Elite 5000 MCU
3 models 5110 (10HDCP), 5115 (15HDCP), 5230 ACTA Chassis (30HDCP) supporting 1080p30 upto 12Mbps
Radvision SCOPIA Elite 5000 product page- Radvision/Samsung VC240 - RRP USD$2k
720p30 2Mbps SIP endpoint integrated into 24” LCD (and noise cancelling mic)
SCOPIA Samsung VC240 product page720p30 out of the box, 720p60 and 1080p30 optional – 4Mbps support, new desktop microphone offering
TANDBERG QuickSet C20 product pageIndeed I’m sure that there will be many more in the next few days – watch this space!
Following highly successful AARNet Roadshows in 2008, Monash University hosted the first AARNet Video Collaboration Conference on the 25th of May 2009. The purpose was to bring together IT staff, vendors and key presenters to hear and discuss the issues of introducing and managing video collaboration technologies and services to universities. This is also a key focus for Peter James, Director, ITS, University of Tasmania, who represents the Standing Committee at CAUDIT, for Professional Development. He is keen to see state based seminars on areas of interest that can enhance professional development and encourage collaboration between universities.
There were nearly 80 delegates from across the Victorian university sector, and also representatives from: Flinders University, South Australia; University of Tasmania; and, University of Newcastle, New South Wales. The sponsors were AARNet, iVision, and Cisco, with hosting and logistics provided by Monash University.
Delegates commented on the excellent range of speakers and topics, and the number of new ideas raised. The program included a range of presentations about the next generation video conferencing, the importance of 'ease of use' for users, and a demonstration of the recently installed 'high-tech' meeting rooms. The key points that were made were around:
- the ‘grey’ area of industry standards and the impact on inter-operability between video conferencing and other services;
- use-cases for next generation video conferencing – bringing video and applications to deliver new services for the future;
- unified systems approach for simplicity and ease of use;
- treating video conferencing ‘endpoints’ as a ‘fleet’ with ‘fleet management’;
- shifting to centralised management and monitoring with systems such as the Tandberg Management Suite (TMS);
- the importance of service benchmarks and implementing a process for effective delivery of high quality video conference services;
- benefits of using a standards approach for quality assurance so that organisations can communicate easily together via video;
- insights into the world of ‘telepresence’ and interoperability issues; and,
- the conference was drawn to a close with a panel session, Chaired by Prof Phil Steele, that identified the success factors for video conferencing.
Throughout the conference an opportunity for delegates to interact with speakers was provided through a Twitter feed, for questions, comments and the sharing of ideas. Here are a few examples: “Reliability & consistency .. it works {- the same -} every time”; “Video will be the ubiquitous business and personal interaction technology”; and, 'When video is as easy to use as a telephone call ...”.
AARNet is working with Deakin University to provide another conference with a focus on the use of video conferencing to support teaching and learning activities in November 2009. The audio-visual, IT, end-users, education, and research communities will be encouraged to attend.
Broadreach Services are hosting a series of workshops delivered by Carol Skyring of Learntel in Western Australia during the second week of May.
There is a free one hour 'teaser' session for WA teachers being held on Monday 11th May (12noon – 1pm Perth time): Teaching Via Video Conference - up to 15 sites can register to dial in via their video conferencing facility. This session would be a great way for remote teaches interested in Video Conferencing to get some tips from Carol.
Further sessions are available on a paid basis during the week and more information on these and registration information can be obtained from http://learntelevents.blogspot.com/ or for more information please contact Lyn Hawkins from Broadreach Services.
A new free video conferencing event takes place in Victoria this May and is open to eligible members of the Australian R&E community that are working in the Audio Visual, Video Conferencing and IT support areas responsible for the delivery of video conferencing services.
This event was recommended at the 2008 real time communications roadshow to encourage the Victorian R&E community to meet and share experiences and knowledge in the video area.
Join Monash University, AARNet, Integrated Vision and others to explore a new communications technology showcase for meetings and for collaborations. Monash University will share their experience in (a) developing this technology and (b) improving the end user experience.
This FREE event takes place at the Monash Clayton Campus – Bldg 75, on May 25th
Start time: 10am, End time: 4.30pm
We look forward to seeing you there, (Interstate visitors from around the Australian Academic and Research community are also invited to attend).
By completing an online registration form you agree to video and photos being taken and published post event. The dedicated event page is available at http://its.monash.edu.au/staff/videoconf/aarnet-show.html [Contains venue detail and program]
Once you have completed the registration process you will receive confirmation by email.
You can alternatively register directly via an online form at http://tinyurl.com/catn6q