OKI Upgrades Features on "Visual Nexus®" Video Conferencing System
Expanding the interoperability for video conferencing systems with support for seminar/lecture features and high-definition audio
TOKYO, September 30, 2010 -- OKI today launches "Visual Nexus Ver. 4.2," a video conferencing system that augments the functionality of "Visual Nexus®" to further expand the potential uses of video conferencing systems. Improvements in this release include the addition of "Lecture Mode," which facilitates seminars and lectures over video conferencing systems; interoperability with various manufacturers' video conferencing endpoint using high-quality audio, and HD video conferencing endpoint using video, audio, and data sharing.
Video conferencing systems have traditionally been widely used for conferences between remote offices, and, more recently, also for staging seminars and lectures, but there have been numerous requests for new features such as functions specifically suited to running seminars and lectures, and for compatibility with video conferencing endpoint supporting high-definition video, which is growing increasingly standard.
In response to these requests to increase the opportunities for using video conferencing systems, this new product includes "Lecture Mode," which provides an ideal screen layout and facilitates question-and-answer sessions for seminars and lectures. It also features the MPEG-4 AAC-LC (MPEG-4 AAC)(*1) and Polycom® Siren 14/G 722.1C (G 722.1C)(*2) high-quality audio encoding systems for producing CD-quality audio, enabling high-quality audio connections with video conferencing endpoint from other manufacturers such as Sony, Polycom, and LifeSize.
"Functionality and compatibility comparable with high-definition video conferencing endpoint is also achieved for all aspects of video, audio, and data sharing with the addition of the H.264(*3) video encoding system, which has become the current standard for high-quality, high-definition video conferencing endpoint, enabling use with the H.239 data sharing system of 'Visual Nexus'," says Hidetoshi Saigou, General Manager, Info-telecom Systems Division at OKI. "The improvements in this latest release further expand our flexible software-based system solutions and increase pricing advantages in the market. OKI will continue to offer solutions to improve communications between offices and increase business efficiency using 'Visual Nexus' video conferencing systems that support high-quality video, audio, and data sharing."
The addition of "Lecture Mode" enables video conferencing to be used for "1-to-n" lecture-type communication scenarios, and opens up possibilities for other uses for video conferencing systems in addition to traditional uses such as for seminars, lectures, and CEO instructions. Compatibility with MPEG-4 AAC, G 722.1C, and H.264 achieved through the use of OKI's software technology improves the level of quality in all aspects of video, audio, and data sharing. This is sure to meet the needs of corporate users who are considering adopting remote video conferencing while attempting to minimize initial system costs.
New Features
1. "Lecture Mode"
"Lecture Mode" provides different screen layouts for the lecturer and the lecture attendees, enabling the lecturer to see attendees at multiple locations while presenting the lecture, whereas the lecture attendees see only the lecturer on screen. The lecturer can assign permission to speak to individual attendees during the lecture via the web-based admin screen (Visual Nexus Online), and the screen viewed by attendees then automatically switches to show the person specified by the lecturer. If attendees use the "Visual Nexus" PC client, they can request to speak by clicking the "Raise hand" button on the screen. The lecturer can allow multiple attendees to speak simultaneously, and attendees can participate in question-and-answer sessions while viewing the lecturer and attendees speaking on the screen.
2. High-quality audio support
MPEG-4 AAC and G 722.1C are high-quality audio encoding formats which support audio signals in the range 50 Hz to 14 kHz, providing CD-quality sound. This technology is incorporated in "Meeting Server," allowing communication with high-quality audio during video conferencing between multiple locations.
MPEG-4 AAC is used in Sony and LifeSize video conferencing endpoint, and G 722.1C is used in Polycom and LifeSize endpoint, expanding the connection compatibility between the "Visual Nexus" system and other video conferencing endpoint.
The "Visual Nexus Endpoint" PC client for Visual Nexus is also scheduled to support these audio formats in the future.
3. H.264 added as data sharing format
The H.264 format, which allows the sharing of high-definition data, has been added to the video encoding format used by the H.239 data sharing format used during video conferencing between multiple locations. H.239 is a standard for sharing data between video conferencing terminals, and H.264 is now widely used in video conferencing endpoint supporting high-definition systems as the video encoding format for converting shared data to video. The latest version allows data sharing using H.264 at the Meeting Server, improving connection compatibility with high-definition video conferencing endpoint.
The "Visual Nexus Endpoint" PC client for Visual Nexus is also scheduled to support data sharing using H.264 in the future.
Sales plan
- Retail price
- High-definition system configuration price (server + client)
From 4.63 million yen (excluding tax) for installation at 10 locations - Sales target
- Licenses for 3,000 locations annually
- Retail start date
- September 30, 2010
Characteristics of "Visual Nexus"
"Visual Nexus" is a video conferencing system designed to enables IP communication using high-quality audio, video, and data on a PC desktop. "Visual Nexus" supports information sharing and rapid decision-making between remote locations by enabling audio, video, and data based communication "anytime, anywhere, with anyone, and securely"-not just within an office, but also from home or from an external location. It complies with the H.323 international standard for video conferencing, ensuring excellent compatibility with users' existing third-party video conferencing endpoint.
For more information, visit "Visual Nexus":http://www.visualnexus.net/
Glossary
- *1 :MPEG-4 AAC-LC
A broadband audio encoding format standardized in ISO MPEG. Signals are encoded in the 50 Hz to 14 kHz audio bandwidth, allowing compression and playback of CD-equivalent high-quality audio. This audio technology is used in portable music players and mobile phones, and by music distribution services.
- *2 :Polycom Siren 14/G 722.1C
A broadband audio encoding format developed by Polycom Inc. in the USA. Signals are encoded in the 50 Hz to 14 kHz audio bandwidth, allowing compression and playback of CD-equivalent high-quality audio. This audio technology is primarily used in video conferencing systems.
- *3 :H.264
A video encoding format standardized by ITU-T. It is claimed to offer double the compression rate of the MPEG-2 format used in DVDs and terrestrial digital TV broadcasting, and is one of the video encoding formats approved for use under the Blu-ray Disc standard.
Notes
Support for the H.264 video encoding format used with H.239 is provided only in "Visual Nexus Meeting Server" in the Ver.4.2 release of Visual Nexus.
About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1881, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is Japan's leading telecommunications manufacturer. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, OKI provides top-quality products, technologies, and solutions to customers through its info-telecom systems and printer operations. Its various business division function synergistically to bring to market exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various sectors . Visit OKI's global website at http://www.oki.com/.
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