| Recommended models: |
| The following Polycom units are recommended when purchasing a new
codec to provide maximimum compatability with WA-K20 Videoconference
Services. We have selected models that
have a wide variety of features and add-ons available to meet the
needs of most of your videoconference users. |
| WA-K20 has incorporated new Polycom
Multipoint Control Units (MCU or "video
bridge"). Although the new MCUs will support other codecs, the
Polycom codecs will be the most compatible. As
codec
software upgrades become available, the codecs need to stay compatible
with the MCUs, and vice versa. Upgrades are more synchronized within
the same manufacturer. At the NCESD, we have several Polycom units
to use and test.
Our technical support staff are more familiar with these units which
is important when they are troubleshooting with your site. |
- Integrated or Fixed Classroom:
- Viewstation
4000 (VS4000) is a rack mounted appliance designed for integration
into a classroom. It has multiple inputs and outputs
for interfacing with classroom cameras, monitors and control
systems and supports People+Content (video plus XGA graphics
sharing).
- Roll About:
- ViewStation
FX is similar to the
4000, except it is a TV set-top appliance which includes
one camera. The codec system can be purchased separately and used with an existing s-video enabled TV and cart or
the whole package with cart and TV.
- VSX 7000 is a great entry-level model from Polycom. It
has options that supports H.264, People+Content and multipoint
built-in. It does not have options for audio call add-on
or streaming.
- Desktop:
- ViaVideo
ll is a personal desktop
unit (works with your PC or laptop), displaying video and the
controls on your screen.
This system is not designed for classroom-size conferences,
it is best used for 1-2 people.
|
| |
| "Appliance" codecs (such as the
FX and the 4000) can be a smart choice: |
| These codecs do not run on Microsoft Windows™ and tend to
not be targeted by Internet viruses and worms. This fact alone saves
unmeasurable staff time. Polycom does have endpoints that work on Windows,
such as the iPower series. These are fully functional systems, but
like any PC operation with Windows, do need constant patching and
virus scanning. They also use IIS web server which has been the target
of some attacks. Non-appliance endpoints really need a firewall upstream,
which adds to the challenges of using H.323. See Firewalls |
| Consider the
faster reboot time of an appliance compared to a Windows-based codec.
Every minute, every second counts when you are waiting for a codec
to reboot. |
| |
| On the horizon: |
| It will be good planning to purchase new codec models that are
able to fully support the new video coding standard "H.264".
See more info on H.264. |
| According to Polycom, the VS4000 and the FX will support H.264
video encoding with a software upgrade in Q1, 2004. ViewStation 128's
will NOT be upgraded to H.264. |
| |
| New codec prices: |
| Here are some ball park prices for the following
models (price may vary between vendors, also subject to change). |
- VS4000 (rack mount, not including integration or peripherals):
$8,400
- ViewStation
FX (with
camera, microphone and remote control): $8,400 (Roll-about packages
are also available)
- VSX
7000: $4,200
- ViaVideo (personal
desktop system): $400
|
| |
| Vendors to contact: |
| Consult these vendors for details and other Polycom equipment and
peripherals: |
|
|
|
| ~Exerpts for the material on this
page have been graciously contributed by Wisconsin VCS Videoconference
Services |
