C Hear Ltd - Video Conferencing Specialists

		`the video conferencing experts`
a greener vision		home	links	contact us	site map

A 4MB point to point call with another HDX9004. There is no doubt that the video quality was exceptional.This was eagerly demonstrated by the detailing on the leaves of a plant, and close up facial imperfections available for all to see (certainly not a derogatory comment on our Polycom demonstrator). Yet this call was at 4MB, a bandwidth that in reality is not often achieved by the user, and furthermore it could be argued that the quality of a VSX8000 at 4MB would have been pretty comparable.

It would also be fair to say that the vast majority of videoconferences happen at speeds between 384kbps and 1MB. This infrastructure factor is something, which we as an organisation have touched upon, in past issues, and still feel will be an obstacle of some substance to overcome.

Anyway, back to the product and specifically its audio capabilities. The crystal clear audio provided by the system’s 22Khz was very impressive. The opening of a fizzy bottle of water, demonstrated on the “far side”,could have easily sounded like it was coming from the room we occupied. The striking multimedia capabilities of the unit were further endorsed through the presentation of a DVD whilst in a call. The product showed no sign of “chocking” on the fast paced video and diverse audio. You would be hard pushed to know whether the DVD was being played locally or through video conferencing. Very impressive!

The data presentation feature was also very crisp, but it was the People on Content™ element that really excited us. Using Green screen technology, the prospect of being “in your presentation”, providing Weather like presentations, sitting physically in front of your presentation, was an exciting one. In true demonstration style, Polycom did experience some issues in fully parading this feature, however, we saw enough to see the potential. Anything that can engage the audience further is a valuable tool.

Overall we would have to say that the HDX9004 is a very impressive product, a definite glimpse into the near future. There is still some way to go for organisations to fully embrace HD, hampered by cost and infrastructure implications, however, high definition videoconferencing is as inevitable as night follows day and Polycom will be at the forefront of this technology. Although they have entered the fray later than others, it is not always the first out of the traps that wins the race!

To view more form this issue of the Eye Newsletter, click here.


Polycom HDX9000 series
Polycom, the video conferencing market leader, has entered the world of HD conferencing with its HDX series of products. C Hear was invited to their European Head Office in Slough to see a demonstration of these exciting new systems. How would this product perform? What is the fuss all about? We took a keen interest in the products and can report the following. First things first, aesthetically the product is very impressive. The camera looks slick and coupled with two 50” HD Plasmas, the total package is very easy on the eye. The user interface front screen has similarities to the VSX range, but offers a nice touch with an overlaying of the menu options on top of the captured camera image. However, we were all keen to see the quality of the video call – that was the real point of interest! The HDX9004 jumped to life, providing us with our first experience of a HD video call from Polycom.
A 4MB point to point call with another HDX9004. There is no doubt that the video quality was exceptional.This was eagerly demonstrated by the detailing on the leaves of a plant, and close up facial imperfections available for all to see (certainly not a derogatory comment on our Polycom demonstrator). Yet this call was at 4MB, a bandwidth that in reality is not often achieved by the user, and furthermore it could be argued that the quality of a VSX8000 at 4MB would have been pretty comparable. It would also be fair to say that the vast majority of videoconferences happen at speeds between 384kbps and 1MB. This infrastructure factor is something, which we as an organisation have touched upon, in past issues, and still feel will be an obstacle of some substance to overcome. Anyway, back to the product and specifically its audio capabilities. The crystal clear audio provided by the system’s 22Khz was very impressive. The opening of a fizzy bottle of water, demonstrated on the “far side”,could have easily sounded like it was coming from the room we occupied. The striking multimedia capabilities of the unit were further endorsed through the presentation of a DVD whilst in a call. The product showed no sign of “chocking” on the fast paced video and diverse audio. You would be hard pushed to know whether the DVD was being played locally or through video conferencing. Very impressive! The data presentation feature was also very crisp, but it was the People on Content™ element that really excited us. Using Green screen technology, the prospect of being “in your presentation”, providing Weather like presentations, sitting physically in front of your presentation, was an exciting one. In true demonstration style, Polycom did experience some issues in fully parading this feature, however, we saw enough to see the potential. Anything that can engage the audience further is a valuable tool. Overall we would have to say that the HDX9004 is a very impressive product, a definite glimpse into the near future. There is still some way to go for organisations to fully embrace HD, hampered by cost and infrastructure implications, however, high definition videoconferencing is as inevitable as night follows day and Polycom will be at the forefront of this technology. Although they have entered the fray later than others, it is not always the first out of the traps that wins the race! To view more form this issue of the Eye Newsletter, click here.

the video conferencing experts

`the video conferencing experts`