Danvers, Massachusetts-based PictureTel Corp has launched two ranges of group videoconferencing systems and a family of videoconferencing servers. The high-end Concorde 4500 group system features ‘Look-At-Me-Buttons,’ LAMB, that pan and focus the camera on the holder’s pre-set position at the touch of a button; a wireless keypad, a wide-angle 60 degree camera; and voice-optimised speakers, co-developed with Bose Corp. In terms of performance, it is said to deliver video-like quality at 30 frames per second over 384Kbps lines, using H.320 algorithms. The system also incorporates GroupShare, PictureTel’s software for sharing applications and data between personal computers linked with its group or desktop systems, says the company. It lists for ú32,000. For the mid-range market, the company has released Venue 2000, which delivers 15 frames per second video over Basic Rate ISDN 128Kbps, connections, again using H.320. The system will also support connections at up to 2Mbps using ISDN Primary Rate. The package includes a 27 monitor, and optional extras include a 27 Super VGA monitor for high-resolution computer graphics display, the GroupShare software, and LAMBs. It is priced from ú18,000. On the server side, the Montage 5000 series is a range of multipoint n etworking systems that can be deployed in centralised or distributed network topologies, and are said to support T1 data rates, H.320 standards and the company’s own SG4 video-enhancing and PT724 audio-enhancing technologies. All the servers are upgradeable, and complement its M-8000 multipoint bridge family, which it will continue to support, says the firm. The entry-level offering is the 530, a four-point server; with the 550 supporting up to eight sites; and the 570 connecting up to 28 sites, with the ability to create larger conferences by cascading systems, says PictureTel. Prices start from ú26,000. All the new products are available immediately.
