The Scopia XT5000, a new video conferencing solution just announced by RADVISION, will incorporate many of the design principles of the company’s iPhone (News - Alert) and iPad apps while ensuring bandwidth efficiency and quality images even in unpredictable environments.
“It's the only system available today to combine such powerful technologies from 1080p/60fps HD quality to network efficiency to the overall design and user experience,” said Video Business Unit general manager Roberto Giamagli. “We're delighted to be the first to offer this unique feature set to the market.”
The XT5000 offers two channels of video conferencing at HD resolutions of 1080p and speeds of 60 frames per second. While the HD quality of the XT5000 is formidable, viewers may not notice a distinct difference in quality over 720p until they utilize screens 32 inches or more wide. Bandwidth efficiency is increased by H.264 video compression formatting, which delivers higher quality in a smaller file size. Other technologies that use H.264 include the iPod and the Sony PSP.
RADVISION’s rollout also includes scalable video coding technology, which allows video conferencing devices to receive layered video transmissions. Transmissions are composed of a base layer that is enhanced by additional layers to improve quality, frame rate and resolution. SVC is designed to minimize the effects of packet loss when compared with standard H.264 video.
The XT5000 is enabled for multi-touch control via the iPad to provide an intuitive interface that will necessitate minimal training. RADVISION also promises that Scopia’s new flagship product delivers 20 kHz audio quality. Additionally, mobile users can join video conferences with the XT5000 via Scopia Mobile. Future upgrades will include a nine-way multi-party multipoint control unit.
Initial reviews of the product have been positive overall. “With the introduction of the XT5000, RADVISION has reset the bar for high quality, fully-interoperable video conferencing,” said Wainhouse (News - Alert) Research co-founder and senior analyst Andrew W. Davis in a statement. “It brings room functionality to a whole new level.”
Giamagli calls XT5000 a top-of-the-line room system at an “amazing” price point. While RADVISION has not yet disclosed that price point, the company has said that the unit will be available for sale in Q1 2012.
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Jacqueline Lee is a TMCnet contributor who produces web content, blogs and articles for numerous websites including wikiHow.com. Her background is in business and education.Edited by Jamie Epstein