Tuesday 8 January 2013

Unpacking the Polycom Group Series

Today I received my brand new Group Series 500 (or GS 500) in our demonstration room in Amsterdam. This device has a super small form factor - easy to place behind the screen or under the camera, low price point - able to use it in every room, and supports all the latest technologies like Native Lync, Cisco TIP, H.264 AVC/SVC and resolutions like 1080p60 for both video and content.
 
I created a short video to give an overview what is delivered out-of-the-box.
 


After unpacking I connected the GS 500 via two HDMI cables in my current two 1080p screens. I have one screen for video and the other for content. I am getting the audio separate from GS 500 via audio jack into the amplifier of the soundbar under the screens.

 
Conclusion: The out-of-box configuration is very straight forward. I really like the auto resolution discovery which comes from HDMI, no research for the right resolution etc., using Bluetooth or USB keyboard/mouse for configuration input. Further running through configuration wizard was arround 10 minutes and you are ready to start your video conference.
Good to remember: The buttons on GS 500 and the new Table Mic are proximity based so no pressing of buttons just move your finger over it and wait to turn on the unit. Blue light will flash so you have an indication the unit has started...

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Polycom 2.0 on the road to video ubiquity...

Very exiting news in the Video Conference Market on the road to Video Ubiquity. Polycom has changed last week from 1.0 to 2.0 during the Nasdaq opening. It seems more than 15.000 people were joining the exiting news via a live webcast.....


Here a short overview what is announced.... see more details below.


 
It has been proven over the years that the key succes factors in video conference world are user experience, open multi-vendor integration and TCO. Here is where Polycom 2.0 made a huge step forward by bringing the same experience across Product platforms and control platforms... this is a key factor in transformation to video ubiquity....

Intuitive, context-sensitive menus that make it easy to access
even advanced features. Display of MS Exchange,
Presence info for a more integrated UC Experience.

New! Support for Standard-based H.264 SVC











 
Polycom has announced support for standards-based scalable video coding (a.k.a. SVC) across much of its portfolio. For those not familiar with H.264 SVC its a family member of H.264 protocol (video compression standard) commonly used throughout the video conferencing, streaming, and other media-centric industries. SVC leverages a concept called video scaling which is used by YouTube, Blu-Ray DVDs, HD TV Broadcast etc.

The SVC video stream is "scalable" if the encoded stream can be decoded even if parts of the stream have been removed. Using SVC, the source signal is encoded into a base layer and one or more enhancement layers. As long as the Base layer gets through, the resulting signal can be decoded. Each Enhancement layer that gets through increases the quality (video resolution/resolutions -> 4CIF, 720p & 1080p) frame rate/temporal -> 15fps, 30fps and 60fps), quality/motion handling, etc.) of the decoded signal. The ability to remove pieces of the encoded stream makes SVC extremely well suited for video calling over mobile networks (3G/4G, WiFi etc) in which packets might be dropped, and calls involving systems and users with varying capabilities and available bandwidth. Conclusion much better user experience, Lower TCO and Extensive InteroperabilityDue to processor limitations, SVC support will not be available on HDX video endpoints. In any case the Polycom Collaboration Server (RMX) will bring mixed AVC / SVC environments together in a single Virtual Meeting Room. The 800s will support mixed AVC / SVC from the initial release and RMX will support mixed 1H13.  



 


As a founding member of the Unified Communication Interoperability Forum (UCIF), Polycom will drive SVC standards and interoperability in the industry. Polycom’s approach leverages the power of royalty-free licensing with the critical mass that Microsoft and other Polycom Open Collaboration Network partners create to guarantee SVC ubiquity across the unified communications landscape.


Download here a Polycom Whitepaper - More Scale at lower costs with SVC.
 


New! Polycom RealPresence Group Series products
 


realpresencegroup.jpg






 









Here you can find more information & datasheets.

Polycom is announcing three new group video conferencing system:

  • Group 300, which includes Polycom's new EagleEye Acoustic EPTZ camera and which is designed for smaller environments.
  • Group 500, which includes Polycom's EagleEye III camera and which is designed for mid-sized spaces such as classrooms and conference rooms.
  • Group 700, designed for board rooms, large conference rooms, and other big spaces.

Beste in class experience with 1080p60 People and 1080p60 Content.....
 

Bootst user experience, image clarity, motion, but also share full motion video clips, CAD drawings or Medical images.

 
 

All three of the Group Series endpoints leverage Polycom's new user interface, support up to HD1080p60 video resolution, content sharing, wide-band audio, and both H.264 AVC / SVC. The systems can use existing Polycom peripherals (cameras, microphones, etc.) and new accessories such as the new Polycom EagleEye Acoustic camera, a 1080p30 electronic pan/tilt/zoom camera designed for smaller
spaces. In addition, the Group 500 and 700 systems offer optional multipoint capability (6-way on the 500 and 8-way on the 700). The Group 300 and 500 systems are now available , and the Group 700 is expected to be available end of this year.


 

Group Series support H.264 AVC / SVC High Profile on People & Content including the internal Multi-Point.

Additional Polycom is introducing SmartPairing for HDX and Group Series. SmartPairing(TM) is a Patent-pending Polycom technology which wirelessly connects Apple iPads to Polycom Video Collaboration Systems, letting users control video meetings with their tablets (including Volume Control, Mute, Starting/ending Video Calls) and transfer a live video call from their tablet to a big screen with the swipe of a finger. The only requirement is running the RPM 2.0 App and when you walk into the Video Conference Room it will automatically detect your device and make controls available. Many more application are expected in the future.


Here you find a small demo video about SmartPairing.http://bit.ly/OYnrrt

New! Polycom Collaboration Server (800s/RMX) Updates


Here you can find the RMX-800S datasheet.
http://bit.ly/RIciY2

First the release of the new  Collaboration Server 800s.
  • server800.jpgIndustry standard server which runs a software-based, multi-protocol video bridge.
  • Support up to 20HD720p30 connections, up to 60 HD720p30 SVC connection and various combinations for example 10 AVC connections and 30 SVC connections.
  • The RMX-800S will support mixed AVC / SVC meetings from initial release.
  • Position mid-market / mid-usage which needs are video collaboration on-the-go
  • High Profile Support (AVC & SVC) with Dynamic or Fixed Resource Allocation
  • Extensible to the Realpresence Platform




Second RMX-1500/2000/4000 support for SVC via Software Upgrade:


  • Entire RMX product line RMX 1500 / 2000 / 4000 with MPMx supported.
  • H.264 SVC support from version 7.8 able to trial.  
  • With a dual-function the box is able to support both AVC and SVC during a Video Conference session - mixed mode expected 1H13.
  • After a software upgrade customers will get 3 times AVC ports, so a RMX1500 with 30 HD720p30 ports will get up to 90 HD720p30 SVC ports , and various combinations in between (e.g. 10 AVC connections and 30 SVC connections).
  • High Profile Support (AVC & SVC) with Dynamic or Fixed Resource Allocation
  • Native Integration with Microsoft Lync and Cisco TIP.
  • Optional ISDN card available
  • Lync 2010 Qualification

New! RealPresence VisualEdge Executive Desktop

Executive 27" Ultra-thin bezel

Here you can find the VisualEdge datasheet.

Polycom has also announced a new Executive Desktop solution.
  • All-in-one offerings that essentially add video conferencing capabilities (camera, microphone, speakers / sound system, and video codec) to a PC display.
  • 27" wide-screen display, is less than one inch thick, includes a touch control interface and privacy handset
  • Supports up to HD1080p60 video and content resolution, and HD stereo audio.
  • Dual-stack system supporting both AVC and SVC calling.
  • High Profile Support (AVC & SVC)
  • VisualEdge Polycom Unified Touch Controller or BYOD
  • Bluetooth for private headset
  • Native Microsoft Lync, Cisco TIP, Avaya, Sametime, Open SIP (Asterix, Shoretel) etc 
New! Polycom RealPresence Desktop 2.0


Here you can find the RPD 2.0 datasheet.
http://bit.ly/RoPEmI

RealPresence Desktop 2.0 is a new video collaboration software client
 
  • For Windows and Mac
  • Polycom's new user interface, corporate directory search for video users,
  • Share a desktop or specific application
  • Far end camera control, enhanced NAT / firewall traversal
  • Support for both AVC and SVC calling.
  • Available as a Free Trial (30 days) using in Basic Mode* (SIP/H.323).
  • When you Register to RP Resource Manager (RPRM) you will get Professional Mode with Centralized Provisioning, Corp Directory, Simplified Dial Plan, FW Traversal, Centralized Reports (CDRs)
  • Requires Virtualization Manager (DMA) as the H.323 GK & SIP Registrar
  • External Mobile access requires VBP or Realpresence Access Director
*Basic Mode is missing all the Professional features its a basic H.323/SIP video conference client
New! Polycom RealPresence Mobile 2.0
Here you find a small video about Smartpairing.http://bit.ly/OYnrrt

RealPresence Mobile is Polycom's video collaboration solution for tablets and smartphones.
  • Support for SVC for users on iOS and Android devices
  • Polycom's new user interface
  • SmartPairing support for iPad users
  • Available as a Free App from Apple or Play Store in Basic Mode (SIP/H.323).
  • When you register to RP Resource Manager (RPRM) you will get Professional Mode with Centralized Provisioning, Content Send/Receive, FW Traveral, Corp Directory, Simplified Dial Plan.
  • Requires RP Virtualization Manager (DMA) as the H.323 GK & SIP Registrar
  • External Mobile access requires VBP or RealPresence Access Director
New! Polycom HDX Series v3.1 Software Update


Polycom also announced the release of software version 3.1 for HDX video endpoints.

Here you will find more information.
http://bit.ly/OzH0Vq

New features include: 
  • Includes SmartPairing(TM)
  • Embedded Real-Presence Whiteboard capabilities
  • Support for standard touch screens, support for mouse control
  • Support for sharing Mac content (using PPCIP) through Touch Control
  • Touch Control Management via a web interface.
  • Simutaneously collaborate between multiple whiteboard spaces using standard's based H.239 content (In practical you pass it along to each other...)
  • Lync 2010 Qualification
  •  






New! Polycom RealPresence CloudAXIS Suite






Here you can find more information
 
CloudAXIS is a software suite that runs on the RealPresence Platform and is designed to empower enterprise-grade B2B and B2C video conferencing. From the user perspective, CloudAXIS is a browserbased client that allows the user to see the availability (presence status) of his contacts on Skype, Facebook, Google Talk, and other presence / messaging engines in a global address book integrated directly into the application.

 
From within the CloudAXIS user interface, a user can invite any of those users to a video meeting by simply dragging the person's icon into the top area of the screen. The invited users then receive an automatically generated IM or email request, including the URL to join the meeting. For example, if a user is logged into Skype, he would receive a Skype IM message including the meeting URL. Once the invited user clicks on the URL, the CloudAXIS client is automatically launched within any standard browser and the call connects.



CloudAXIS calls leverage the Polycom RealPresence Collaboration Server (RMX video bridge), and as a result each user should receive the best experience his device and network connection will support. CloudAXIS supports HD720p30 video resolution and content sharing, and meetings can include up to 40 participants. Standardsbased video systems in conference rooms can also participate in CloudAXIS meetings by dialing into the video bridge.



Note that CloudAXIS is not a typical software application that must be downloaded and installed on the user's PC. It is a browser plug-in that can be downloaded and installed quickly into HTML5-capable browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. Users only need to install the plug-in the first time they use CloudAXIS with a particular browser.


Enterprise managers will appreciate that CloudAXIS is a centrally managed application, so IT administrators can provision the system as they see fit. For example, the IT team can define what the users see on screen (features, branding, etc.), how the calls traverse the network, a range of security settings, call bandwidth settings, and more. CloudAXIS is expected to ship in two versions: one designed for large enterprises.


New! Polycom RealPresence Access Director



Here you can find the RPAD datasheet

Polycom also announced expanded firewall traversal with the new RealPresence Access Director solution.





  • SIP/H.323 combined support
  • Secure Scalability for Mobile Deployments
  • Firewall Traversal Solution for HDX, Group Series and Mobility
  • SVC & AVC support
  • Reduce the cost to scale – up to 1,000 simultaneous calls & 10.000 registrations
  • Tightly integrates with Realpresence Resource Manager and Virtualization Manager
  • The solution is dmz based like any other web, mail or file server behind Corp Firewall


New! RealPresence Resource Manager 7.1






 
 
Here you can find the RPRM datasheet
 
 
Polycom also announced the release of RP Resource Manager 7.1:
 
  • Support for New Endpoints & Environments
  • Scheduling & Provisioning of Polycom AVC and SVC Devices
  • Dynamic Provisioning Enhancements
  • Access Control List (ACL) for Mobile Devices
  • Requires RP Virtualization Manager for H.323 GK & SIP Registrar
  • Requires RP Access Director for Firewall Traversal



 








Wednesday 5 September 2012

Exiting news arround Polycom Realpresence Mobile .
Polycom has broaden his support to the latest Samsung, HTC and Apple Devices.
This mobile innovation is an important part to video ubiquity.
 
Click on the picture below to zoom.
 
Personally what I like is that Polycom with a 20+ year track record in voice quality and owning more then 600 Pattens build this proven quality into this free Realpresence Mobile App available in Apple and Google Play Store. Additionally when using Polycom Realpresence Platform the App opens Enterprise benefits like AES Encryption, Authentication (Active Directory), Content Sharing, Centralized Addressbook, Firewall Traversal (work anywhere) etc.

Monday 3 September 2012

 
It seems a lot of new developments are taking place in the Video Conference World. The one I would like to highlight is a new software release of CX7000 version 1.1 with some great exiting new features like O365 integration (Lync & Exchange), Hotdesking (switch user), additional languages, Polycom Ceiling Mic support etc.
 
See here a small video which highlights these new features.
 

There is a specific feature to mention and that is "Hotdesking" which gives the ability to temporarely login with your personal Lync account with access to your Buddies and Exchange Online meetings. The user experience is very common to a Lync user so easy to use and no training required in combination with Polycom HD Audio and Video.

 
You can find the new CX7000 1.1 software on Polycom support website (support.polycom.com). Please be aware that the minimum version to upgrade from is 1.0.2 and no upgrade key is required.

Saturday 25 August 2012

Collaboration comes along...

Collaboration becomes more and more very important and integrated part of Video Conference world. Below is a small video which explains the integrated collaboration options today with Polycom Video Endpoints. A highlight in latest release (3.0.5) is called Active Touch Application - only need a Mouse (via Bluetooth or USB) to activate -no extra license needed. This Active Touch App works in same room with multiple mouses, different colours - it can even be used on both Video Conference ends not the same time but just like talking you wont be drawing both at the same time to keep the meeting constructed and organized.... looking forward where this goes to future...  
 

Download here a User Guide of the Active Touch Application
https://t.co/PYhgj2Dr

Monday 13 August 2012

Blast in the past....

The road to video ubiquity started almost 40 years ago - first video's of the videophone where published 1 March 1974... now 40 years ahead with the current technology, devices, generation, quality, networks, etc are we getting there soon?

Video coming into tv programs...

Tonight I saw a tv program in Netherlands with no candicates in the show everybody was remotely available arround 90 people via a webcam in continous presence format (small stamps). The audio and video quality was not superb but it worked I think a great start moving into video ubiquity....