Polycom Expands Video Communication Capabilities With New Software For ViewStation FX and VS4000.New Software Provides Four-Monitor Support, Improves Audio and Video QualityAnd Supports Robust Collaboration Capabilities Beyond Simple Presentations New Polycom ARENA API and Partner Relationships Accelerate Custom Room Deployments MILPITAS, Calif., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Polycom(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM PLCM Product Life-Cycle Management PLCM public long code mask PLCM Public Land Code Mask ), a worldwide leader in the convergence of interactive voice, video, and data communications data communications, application of telecommunications technology to the problem of transmitting data, especially to, from, or between computers. In popular usage, it is said that data communications make it possible for one computer to "talk" with another. , today announced the preview of its version 4.0 software for its industry-leading ViewStation(TM) FX and VS4000 video communication systems. Polycom will demonstrate its ViewStation 4.0 software at Telecon Expo, beginning today through Thursday, October 25, 2001 at the Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim Convention Center is a major convention center in Anaheim, California. It is located across from the Disneyland Resort on Katella Avenue. Much of the Anaheim Convention Center has been renovated in recent years with state-of-the-art facilities. (Booth #1201). ViewStation FX 4.0 software enables ViewStation FX and VS4000 systems to support Polycom's new Visual Concert(TM) family of collaboration products See collaborative software. . The software also includes a patent-pending enhancement to Polycom's IPriority(TM) Quality of Service (QoS) initiative that maintains audio and video quality over packet-switched networks when packet loss occurs. It also offers improved audio and video through the implementation of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU (International Telecommunication Union, Geneva, Switzerland, www.itu.ch) A telecommunications standards body that is under the auspices of the United Nations. Comprising more than 185 member countries, the ITU sets standards for global telecom networks. ) G.722.1 and 60 fields per second (fps) standards. In addition, the new software features Polycom's Application Real-time Enabling Network Architecture (ARENA) applications programming interface (API) for custom-room deployments. "Polycom continually strives to improve the value it offers to customers though its video communication products," said Craig Malloy, senior vice president and general manager of video communications for Polycom. "Our latest enhancements like advanced collaboration support, cutting-edge audio and video enhancements and support for custom-room environments all help our customers get the most out of the investment they've made in video communications." Polycom Video Error Concealment for Improved QoS over IP networks An industry first, the patent-pending Polycom Video Error Concealment (PVEC PVEC Polycom Video Error Concealment PVEC Phase Velocity Equalization Curve ) technology maintains the quality of video communication calls over error-prone IP networks by immediately recognizing and taking action on video packet loss due to intense network activity. Before PVEC, video packet loss rates as low as one percent could render video communication unusable. PVEC, in conjunction with Polycom's new error-resilient G.722.1 audio, makes video communications possible even when packet loss rates reach 10 percent. This functionality is programmed into the 4.0 software and works automatically and transparently, resulting in reliable video communications irrespective of network packet loss and congestion The condition of a network when there is not enough bandwidth to support the current traffic load. congestion - When the offered load of a data communication path exceeds the capacity. . ARENA API and Partner Program The 4.0 software includes the new ARENA API with over 200 commands that give custom-room integrators tremendous flexibility and reliability for building custom boardrooms, classrooms and auditoriums. Leading third-party peripheral vendors such as touch-screen panel providers like AMX AMX American Motors Experimental AMX Aeromexico Aerovias de Mexico (ICAO code) AMX Air Mobility Express AMX Amberjacks (FAO fish species code) AMX Alabama Motor eXpress and Crestron have become ARENA partners to ensure interoperability with their products. Polycom OneDial(TM) Polycom OneDial, a feature of the Polycom PathNavigator, enables users to easily place video calls and instantly initiate multipoint conferences. This feature processes all of the complicated numbers, prefixes, codes, network choices and steps behind the scenes, transparent to the user. Polycom OneDial is made possible by the Polycom Accelerated Communication Architecture, the enabling force behind Polycom's complete end-to-end solution. Dual Stream Support for Collaboration ViewStation FX 4.0 software includes dual stream support for the latest collaboration products in Polycom's Visual Concert family, the Visual Concert FX and Visual Concert DC. Visual Concert FX adds even greater functionality and flexibility to Polycom's ViewStation FX and VS4000 video communication systems by allowing users to display live PC or Macintosh content during video calls. Visual Concert DC is a high-resolution document camera that allows users to display 3D objects, fine print or detailed graphics, and even motion during a ViewStation video call. Additional ViewStation 4.0 Software Enhancements Four-Monitor Support -- ViewStation 4.0 software allows end users to view four sites during a multipoint call on four separate monitors, enabling each of the end points to be shown full screen. In addition, a VGA monitor can be added to display high-resolution graphics. New ViewStation FX/VS4000 Web Interface -- ViewStation 4.0 software features a redesigned interface for remote management capabilities through a web browser The program that serves as your front end to the Web on the Internet. In order to view a site, you type its address (URL) into the browser's Location field; for example, www.computerlanguage.com, and the home page of that site is downloaded to you. . The interface still incorporates all of the familiar ViewStation features and functionality, but the new design makes it easier to navigate and makes the menu selections clearer. Enhanced Audio and Video -- The version 4.0 software implements the ITU's G.722.1 standard for wideband audio, allowing users to allocate less bandwidth for audio but still achieve exceptionally high sound quality. This leaves the extra bandwidth free for improved video transmission. Users can leverage this excellent audio quality in video calls at speeds as low as 56 kilobits per second (unit) kilobits per second - (kbps, kb/s) A unit of data rate where 1 kb/s = 1000 bits per second. This contrasts with units of storage where 1 Kb = 1024 bits (note upper case K). (kbps). The ViewStation 4.0 software also highlights Polycom's continuing commitment to open standards by implementing the ITU's new 60 fps standard for TV quality video. Pricing and Availability Polycom's ViewStation 4.0 software is scheduled for availability in November 2001 through Polycom's web site at www.polycom.com. Pricing to be announced To be announced (TBA) A contract for the purchase or sale of an MBS to be delivered at an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools or precise amount to be delivered. upon software availability. About ViewStation FX and VS4000 ViewStation FX and VS4000, the rack-mounted version of the FX, are the first interactive video communication systems to deliver TV-quality video implementing 60 fields per second interlaced video encoding for lifelike interaction and higher video resolution. In addition, Polycom has enhanced its market-leading audio technology for maximum clarity in large rooms. For easy, on-demand multipoint conferencing, the ViewStation FX and VS4000 contain an embedded multipoint control unit (MCU (1) (MicroController Unit) A computer on a single chip. See microcontroller. (2) (Multipoint Control Unit) A device that is used to moderate a videoconference of three or more end points (users at computers or groups of users ) to enable users to easily make multipoint video communication calls at the touch of a button. Another industry first for the systems is the ability to call up to four sites at 384 kbps or three sites at 512 kbps, in a full-motion business-quality video call. The systems also have the ability to cascade multipoint calls, adding up to ten video sites and four audio sites in one session, all through the built-in MCU. Voice-activated switching, continuous presence, chair control and one-button address book dialing make the ViewStation FX and VS4000 powerful yet simple-to-use video communications systems. About the ARENA Program Polycom's ARENA program enables developers and integrators to establish a technical partnership with Polycom to facilitate custom integration of Polycom products. Integrators can become Polycom ARENA partners by contacting Polycom at polycomarena@polycom.com. About Polycom Polycom, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality, easy-to-use and affordable voice and video communication endpoints, video management software, multi-network gateways, and multi-point conferencing and network access solutions. The Polycom Accelerated Communications Architecture provides the integrated solution that enables business users to immediately realize the benefits of integrated video, voice and data over rapidly growing converged networks. For additional information, call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycom.com. NOTE: Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and ViewStation, Polycom OneDial and IPriority are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the availability and market acceptance of ViewStation 4.0 software. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including potential fluctuations in results and future growth rates Growth Rates The compounded annualized rate of growth of a company's revenues, earnings, dividends, or other figures. Notes: Remember, historically high growth rates don't always mean a high rate of growth looking into the future. , the market acceptance of the company's products, possible delays in the development and shipment of new products and risks associated with changes in general economic conditions. Further risks are detailed from time to time in Polycom's SEC reports, including the Form 10-K, for 2001, and subsequent Form 10-Q filings. MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X86650187 |
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