AV Technology - March 2008 - (Page 40)

The SOUND of HD CONFERENCING relayed to the other side where it is used in the audio output system (with multiple speakers) to give localization cues to the remote audience. This is very handy, for example, in a situation where five people are sitting around a conference room at the far end because it helps match the location of the voice to the location of talker within the video image, assuming the camera position is matched to the microphone position. AUDIO SELLS VIDEO While the move to high definition video is likely to excite many videoconferencing users, the evolution to wideband (14 kHz) audio is certain to have a more dramatic effect on more users in a shorter time period of time. In fact, analysts expect audio performance to be a strong determinant of videoconferencing user satisfaction moving forward. At this time, most vendors seem to be favoring the use of AACLD audio to accompany their HD video future, but these implementations are generally not interoperable. The ITU standard G722.1.C is a standard, and is supported by multiple vendors, and is interoperable. Independent testing by France Telecom in March 2005 found G.722.1.C to have a higher quality in speech applications than AAC-LD. Videoconferencing users can expect to see a steady stream of audio improvements, including intelligent muting to eliminate the sounds of typing and other background noises, audio error con- IF, DURING A CONFERENCE CALL, YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD TO UNDERSTAND THE REMOTE PARTICIPANTS, HAVE TROUBLE DETERMINING WHO IS TALKING AT ANY GIVEN TIME, OR HAVE TO SPEAK IN AN UNNATURAL CADENCE TO ACCOMMODATE SYSTEM DELAYS, YOUR BRAIN WILL TIRE QUICKLY. cealment to reduce the effects of network traffic congestion, and new algorithms to provide higher quality wideband voice in channels of 64 kb/s or narrower. Andrew W. Davis is managing partner at Wainhouse Research, LLC, a Brookline, MA-based firm providing market research, business planning, and marketing services for vendors, service providers, and end users of rich media conferencing and collaboration solutions. He can be reached at andrewwd@wainhouse.com. Extron AVTrac Extron AVTrac Low Proﬁle Cable Raceway System for A/V Connectivity ™ The ADA Compliant Alternative to Floor Coring and Trenching Extron AVTrac is an innovative, ﬂoor-mounted A/V and cable raceway system that’s designed for use in any environment where A/V devices cannot be placed near a wall or other areas where power, data, and A/V connections are traditionally located. Hundreds of Architectural Adapter Plates available to meet A/V, data, and power connection needs. 800.633.9876 www.extron.com/avtrac7 Cable & Hideaway Surface Enclosures Architectural Connectivity Plates Passive & Active Wall Plates http://www.extron.com/avtrac7

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AV Technology - March 2008

AV Technology - March 2008 Contents Precedent Corporate: Whose Job Is It Anyway? Education: There’s No Business Like Show Business Government: Technology and the New World Order Buying a Videoconference System They Will Actually Use AV After Hours The Sound of HD Conferencing Assembling the Design Team Concert Hall Acoustics on a High School Budget Audio Architecture Keeping a Watchful Eye Product Spotlight Tech Horizons Product Review New Products AV MO

AV Technology - March 2008

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