AV Technology - April 2009 - (Page 23)

the remote participants to appear to be sitting on the other side of a conference room table. To make the telepresence effect as real as possible, these systems tend to use high-quality audio and video subsystems and are often deployed in AVT_HB 3/27/09 10:23 AM Page 82 rooms where lighting and sound are carefully controlled. The telepresence Room-based systems can be either experience can be provided permanently installed or mounted onto by a multi-codec system or roll-around carts. Photo courtesy VFI. by a standard videoconferencing system, assuming that system is configured and installed with the right design elements. A number of technology trends are changing the videoconferencing industry. These include: IP Networks: Videoconference systems have been migrating from circuit-switched ISDN transmission to packet-switched IP networks. IP promises lower costs, easier management, remote monitoring and control, higher bandwidth calls that enable higher quality audio and video, and integration into the corporate information technology mainstream. Video Compression: Room video systems continue to improve along several fronts, including price, performance, and feature richness. Video compression schemes such as H.264 provide a 30 to 50 percent improvement in quality and enable TV-quality video on inexpensive networks. Firewall Traversal: ITU recommendation H.460 promises to make IP connectivity between different companies and different network providers easy and standardized. H.460 overcomes NAT and firewall issues that prevent many voice and video calls from connecting over IP networks; H.460 will break down one of the last remaining barriers to ubiquitous video calling. Data Collaboration: Now adopted by virtually all videoconferencing manufacturers, H.239 has standardized the way data sharing takes place over videoconferences, making it simple for users to see the presenter (people) and the presentation (data) at the same time. Having a collaboration session via an H.239 videoconference enables distributed teams to share PC-based documents while also enjoying visual communications. Video Integration: Desktop or personal conferencing is undergoing a rapid transition as new systems come to market that enable video to be integrated into the enterprise workflow. Desktop video is moving from being a stand-alone application to being a feature added on to PBX-based voice calls, instant messaging systems, and even frontline software applications like CRM and ERP. By bringing video into the enterprise workflow, integrated solutions promise to make video for the information worker more natural and easier to use. Wideband Audio: Wideband audio accompanying videoconferencing provides rich sound that goes far beyond what is possible on the standard telephone network. Videoconferencing systems now support AAC, the same algorithm used in MP3 music players, greatly increasing speaker intelligibility and reducing “meeting fatigue.” Streaming: Streaming and archiving functionality provide the ability to create, record, and distribute video content easily, allowing users access to the content they need at a time most convenient for them. 3G: Next generation wireless networks hold promise for video applications that require mobility, such as emergency response, site inspection, or staff who are often on the road, allowing users of 3G phones to connect in point-to-point or multipoint video calls. High Definition Video: Videoconferencing systems supporting high definition (HD) and enhanced image resolutions are already on the horizon, promising even clearer and more detailed video. Andrew W. Davis is managing partner with Wainhouse Research, a Duxbury, MA-based independent market research firm specializing in the Unified Communications and rich media industries. TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR AUDIOVISUAL INTEGRATION For over 60 years, HB Communications, Inc. has been the Northeast’s leading distributor and integrator of AV equipment. We provide custom audiovisual and communications solutions for universities, boardrooms, HD TV studios, auditoriums and more. Web: www.hbcommunications.com Toll free: 800.243.4414 1432 Main Street Waltham, MA 02451 781.890.6046 60 Dodge Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203.234.9246 1130 Globe Avenue Mountainside, NJ 07092 908.654.3600 With over 20 years of experience, HB Group provides rental equipment and staging services. GUIDE TO VIDEOCONFERENCE SPACES 23 Web: www.hbrentals.com Toll free 800.331.1804 http://www.hbcommunications.com http://www.hbcommunications.com http://www.hbrentals.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AV Technology - April 2009

AV Technology - April 2009 Contents Perspective: Lost in a Cloud Precedent Corporate: Seven Rules of Thumb for the AV Technology Manager Government: Collaboration Will Help Reshape Federal Agencies Education: Moving Day Managing Digital AV Content Audiovisual Untethered Irvine’s Mobile Command & Control Vehicle AV with a View Product Forum: Revolabs Fusion Wireless Mic System Product Spotlight: Network Test Equipment Tech Horizons: Ever Thinner New Products Ad Index AV MO: Power Consumption in AV Devices

AV Technology - April 2009

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