Sony Expands Family of HD Videoconferencing Solutions

January 13, 2010

Source: Sony Pro Video

New PCS-XG55 System Delivers High Performance, High Quality, Flexible and Affordable Visual Communications

Sony is unveiling its newest high-definition videoconferencing technology, the PCS-XG55 system, designed to bring flexible, high-quality and affordable visual communications to a range of commercial applications, including corporate, education, healthcare and government.

The new system delivers up to 720p/60 fps resolution for superb live video quality and a very natural alternative to face-to-face meetings. It includes the PCS-XG55S HD codec unit, the PCSA-CXG80 HD camera unit, PCS-A1 microphone and PCS-RF1 RF remote commander.

“This newest HD system delivers high-quality video and audio for corporate organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, or any organization looking for cost-effective, proven communication technologies,” said Aleta Moeller, marketing manager for Sony Electronics’ videoconferencing group. “This technology allows people to engage ‘face-to-face,’ without incurring the financial and personnel costs of business travel.”

It provides backward-compatibility with current models in Sony’s videoconferencing line, and also offers users a range of unique features.

The new system has the ability to deliver higher image quality and smooth video motion by using innovative BrightFace™ camera technology. The system’s high-frame rate and high-resolution codec (1280x720 60fps/30fps) includes a newly developed real-time adaptive contrast optimization technology that uses brightness information in each pixel and optimizes the contrast in an image’s bright and dark parts separately. This is a key factor in creating clear pictures and optimal color tone for a range of room environments, including low-light and back-lit situations.

The system also offers more effective collaboration tools, with H.239 dual stream capability. As a result, both video and presentation data can be transferred smoothly at 30fps, and users can send H.264 720/30p and H.264 XGA/30fps streams simultaneously. Both live camera view and animated PowerPoint data, for example, can be displayed in HD on two different screens or projectors at a remote site.

A “Video Annotation” function allows users to clearly point out specific parts in an image by simply writing on a tablet (requires an optional third-party pen tablet input device). Advanced audio capabilities deliver clear and natural-sounding stereo audio (MPEG-4 AAC-LC and AAC-LD Stereo 22kHz for AUX input; MPEG-4 AAC-LC and AAC-LD Stereo 14kHz for MIC input). It also supports embedded stereo and mono echo-canceling functions, and enables remote communication play-back of high-quality formats such as Super Audio CD.

Other features include easier operation with “one-touch dialing” from the RF remote commander, dual- and single-monitor modes and an intuitive GUI with a translucent cascading menu architecture. In addition, Intelligent QoS™ control greatly reduces video artifacts caused by packet loss regardless of transmission distance by applying three methods adaptively in accordance with network conditions: adaptive FEC (forward error correction); real-time ARQ (automatic repeat reQuest); and ARC (adaptive rate control).

The PCS-XG55 system will be available in April, at a suggested list price of $5,899.

The system will be available in the United States through Spire Global, Sony Electronics’ distributor and servicer for its IPELA line of IP-based video conferencing endpoints and accessory products in the United States.

Spire Global can be reached at 888-807-7473, by email, info@spireglobal.com or by visiting www.spireglobal.com.

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