OKI Unveils Latest Version of its Video Conference System, "Visual Nexus®"
Offers the system at approximately half the cost of other systems
TOKYO, October 15, 2008 -- Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE: 6703) today announced it has enhanced video functions of its video conference system "Visual Nexus®" and unveiled "Visual Nexus ver4.0." OKI improved the video resolution four-fold and increased the video synthesis function to synthesize up to 16 screens when using the conference server. Though functions are enhanced and improved, the price is the same as previous versions, significantly improving cost performance.
"Video conference system is useful for companies seeking to reduce their travel costs for meetings," said Atsuhisa Suzuki, President of Visual Nexus Company at OKI. "Our 'Visual Nexus ver4.0' enables high-definition video conference calls, responding to such demands as company IP networks to become broadband. OKI can offer video communication that is closer to a real face-to-face conversation, and it can be offered at approximately half the cost compared to other systems in the market."
The "Visual Nexus ver4.0" can be used not only for ordinary meetings, but also for meetings that require specific visuals, such as for evaluating designs by checking product components and operation. It can also be used for remote education training, interviews, consultations, etc. "Visual Nexus ver4.0" includes the conference server (MCU) alone or with the PC client. The system can also connect with non-OKI video conferencing systems, enabling companies using different manufacturers' products to easily install OKI's system.
OKI will continue to offer its Visual Nexus video conference solution to companies seeking to improve their high-definition location-to-location communication and business efficiency.
Visual Nexus ver4.0 will be showcased at the "ITpro EXPO 2008 Autumn," which will be held from Oct. 15 at Tokyo, Japan.
[Reference] About the new functions
- Compatible with high-quality (4CIF) video resolution
The Visual Nexus ver4.0 increases video resolution to the 4CIF size (704 x 576 pixels), which is up four-fold compared to conventional video resolution which operates at a maximum of CIF 352 x 288 pixels. Thus, users can see objects more clearly and in detail, which is useful when displaying, for example, component-level and technical drawings of devices. The system can also be used for situations where intense and clear communication is required.
Conventional CIF size → Latest version for 4CIF size - Enabling a maximum of 16 screens in video synthesis
When using a conference server, the system can now synthesize up to 16 shots of the participants into one screen. More participants can be displayed on a single screen, offering more effective interaction. The new version includes functions to make multi-location conferences easier by adding "speaker emphasis" function, in which the video of the person speaking is outlined in an orange frame, and the "text-in-picture" function to include location or names in the picture.
Synthesizing up to 16 screens
Speaker emphasis and text-in-picture functions
- A screen writing function for sharing data on a video conferencing terminal
When annotations and diagrams are written on the data screen appearing on the PC, they will be forwarded to the video conference terminal. This enables users to share and see the same data on a PC or a video conferencing terminal.
When information is written on the data screen, it also appears on the conference terminal
[Reference] Sales price
- Minimum system composition (server + client): From approx. $22,000 (USD) to five locations
- Standard system composition (server + client): From approx. $90,000 (USD) to 30 locations
- Conference server standard (server only): From approx. $57,200 (USD) to 30 locations
- <Reference> Conventional general conference server*: From approx. $100,000 (USD) to 30 locations. (All prices mentioned above do not include tax)
*Source: Seed Planning, Inc.'s Market update and trend of video conference system of 2008
[Reference] Sales goal
- Sell about 1500 licenses a year
About Visual Nexus
Visual Nexus is OKI's video conference system designed to enable high-quality voice/video/data communication over IP networks using a PC. By installing Visual Nexus, users can communicate whenever, wherever with whomever they wish, in a secure manner. This helps users achieve agile decision making and information sharing among offices that are spread out over a wide area. The system is compliant with the international standard, H.323, and offers high interoperability with third-party video conference devices.
http://www.visualnexus.com/en/index.htm
About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1881, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is Japan's first telecommunications manufacturer, with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. OKI provides top-quality products, technologies and solutions to its customers through its info-telecom system business and printer business. All businesses function as a collective force to create exciting new products and technologies that satisfy a spectrum of customer needs in various markets. Visit OKI's global web site at http://www.oki.com/.
- Visual Nexus is a registered trademark of Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. in Japan.
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Phone: +1-408-737-6279 - For Asia and Other Areas:
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- * Information in the press releases is current on the date of the press announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.