Polycom VSX Video Conferencing & Collaboration Wins 9 out of 10 Review from CNET; Outperforms Competition in Video/Voice Clarity.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- CNET on Polycom VSX 7000: "Should Be at the Top of Your Product List"

Polycom(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the latest recognition and test results for the flagship VSX video conferencing and collaboration platform. Since its introduction the VSX platform has awards from Communications Convergence, Video Conferencing Insight, Internet Telephony and Network Computing for the VSX 7000 group video and VSX 3000 desktop video conferencing systems.

The latest honors are the result of a CNET review published on the TechRepublic website June 29th for the VSX 7000, which rates the system 9 out of 10 for its "superb picture and sound quality," as well as from the testing of VSX systems that Polycom commissioned from VeriTest, a division of Lionbridge (NASDAQ:LIOX) and the world's leading independent testing firm with labs in the U.S., Asia and Europe. The VeriTest report found the Polycom VSX 7000 and 8000 video systems "performed better" and were "preferred" in 161 test cases, while Tandberg was selected as performed better or preferred in only 19. The Polycom systems generated the best clarity and volume in five out of seven audio tests. VeriTest focused on recreating a real world environment including how the systems performed during a simulated 2 percent packet loss, a normal condition in large networks.

TechRepublic Reviews Polycom VSX Platform

TechRepublic recently completed an overview of Polycom video conferencing systems for business. In addition to the 9 out of 10 rating given to the VSX 7000, TechRepublic rated the VSX 3000 all-in-one executive desktop system and the PVX desktop video conferencing PC software application at 8 out of 10. Common to all three reviews were the comments regarding "excellent" or "superb" video and sound quality.

TechRepublic reviewed the VSX 7000 as a great solution for medium-sized conference rooms saying it "should be at the top of your product list ... Video was clear and fluid and well-synchronized with the audio ... offering the best echo cancellation of any VC system we've tested to date." The review also notes the simplicity of set up, configuration and management. "The VSX 7000 delivers the excellent video and sound quality you expect from a conference room VC system and offers several nice features, including remote administration and management, multipoint call handling, and the ability to integrate with Polycom's SoundStation VTX 1000 telephone."

In the case of Polycom's PVX desktop video conferencing PC software application, "it can allow you to make a video connection that is good enough to actually justify using video conferencing. Because of its use of H.264 compression, the video quality ... exceeded the other desktop video conferencing software that we tried ... We were especially impressed with the combo of Polycom PVX with the Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 camera (providing) a very good video conferencing solution for less than $250." Overall they declared, "Polycom PVX software makes desktop video conferencing work."

The VSX 3000, ideal for executive offices and small conference rooms, is an all in one video conferencing system with a display that doubles as an LCD monitor for PC display. Once again superior echo cancellation, sound quality video/audio synchronization, ease of set up and web-based remote administration were cited. "The VSX 3000 is an excellent video conferencing end-point for a senior executive's office or a small conference room ... the unit is easy to install, configure, and manage."

VeriTest Results

VeriTest conducted an independent user evaluation of four video conferencing endpoint systems. The systems included the Polycom VSX 7000s and VSX 8000 (with Version 8 of the VSX software -- see release issued July 13, 2005 entitled "Polycom Completes Award-Winning VSX Video Conferencing Line with New Systems & Enhancements") and the Tandberg 880 MXP and 6000 MXP.

Polycom and VeriTest developed the test methodology in the study, which was conducted in the VeriTest lab facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The test methodology covered a wide spectrum of real user product capabilities and VeriTest evaluated the video and audio streams on identical 48-inch plasma television screens with stereo speakers. The tests were divided into four sections: hi-end product comparison, mid-range product comparison, audio test and ease-of-use test.

Regarding the Polycom VSX 8000 comparison, VeriTest found Polycom was strongly preferred in video clarity, color banding, edge definition, shadow detail, person clarity, motion resolution, and background picture clarity. Polycom's resolution was better and the system was preferred for audio, video, and content clarity during the 2 percent packet loss testing. Thirteen test scenarios used various frame rates per second, bandwidth settings and camera focusing settings to evaluate motion and sharpness. In all, the Polycom 8000 "performed better than the Tandberg 6000 MXP and was preferred in 52.7 percent of test cases, while Tandberg was preferred in only 8 percent."

The Polycom VSX 7000s was tested against the competitor using six test cases and eight discrete test scenarios for each test case. The VSX 7000s was preferred during the resolution chart test as "noticeably better" with more blurring occurring on the Tandberg screen. In addition the Polycom body image was clearer and the background detail better. The Polycom content image "resolves quicker and is clearer" and the content could not be displayed on a full screen on the Tandberg system. In all, the Polycom 7000s video "performed better than the Tandberg 880 MXP and was preferred in 60.9 percent of the test cases, while Tandberg was preferred in only 1.4 percent."

The audio test evaluation consisted of a 12-second wave file played from seven different locations in a conference room from a single speaker. The VTX 1000 served as the Polycom microphone attached to a VSX 7000s, the Tandberg 880 MXP was attached to an Audio Technica AT871R microphone. Both microphones were placed together at the end of a conference table while the speaker moved to seven locations within the room while the test wave file played. From 8 feet and from 14 feet, both from behind and at the far reaches of the room, the Polycom audio "generated the best clarity and volume."

For more information on the CNET reviews go to www.techrepublic.com. For more information on the VeriTest report entitled, "Polycom: Video Conferencing Endpoint User Evaluation" go to http://www.veritest.com/clients/reports/polycom.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or 408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at www.polycom.com.

Polycom and the Polycom are registered trademarks and VSX, PVX, and VTX, are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.