Dedicated Rooms high-definition video conferencing from Ultra Active Technology

According to Danny Ng, senior sales manager of Ultra Active Technology Limited, senior executives and board members of multinational corporations are demanding dedicated, integrated, high definition, and multiparty video conferencing rooms with connections for four to eight locations to conduct their global enterprises efficiently and economically. And they are demanding the highest quality technology at 720p resolution capacity and full-motion 30 frames per second.

Ultra Active Technology Limited (UAT) in Hong Kong offers just such a solution. It's partnership with US-based Polycom, Inc., the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions by market share, brings to Hong Kong Polycom’s HDX 9000 Series, which offers the ultimate video solution for nearly any application.With its HD 720p display, fully 10 times higher resolution than the standard video conferencing system, and the 30 frames per second for full-motion capability that gets rid of any delay, the Polycom HDX 9000 Series offers a new level of video service for global companies around the world.

The system includes high-definition video, high-definition voice and flexible audio integration, high-definition multi-media content for presentations and simplified integration with Polycom's Vortex Audio systems and AMX or Creston control devices for complete system control. PC presentation content can be easily shared as well. Once a company builds the dedicated rooms in several locations, realistic face-to-face video conferences enhance the overall viewing experience and eliminate meeting fatigue, in addition to allowing the company to respond more quickly to customer demand, solve support issues, react to market opportunities and battle competitive threats.

First immersive environment with EyeConnect™ technology for a RealPresence Experience

Sensitive to the environment of the conference, Polycom RealPresence™ Experience High Definition (RPX™ HD) realpresence solutions provide an immersive collaboration experience unlike any other with unique features, including full eight or 16-foot HD cinematic views, Siren™ 22 kHz StereoSurround™ high definition sound, and EyeConnect™ technology that puts the camera at eye level for more natural eye-to-eye interaction. Polycom RPX suites makes meeting participants feel they are truly sharing the same table in the same room and the experience of reality is intensified. The embedded multi-point bridge allows for greater flexibility for larger conferences in several different locations.

Polycom's standards-based HDX 9000 high definition video systems are at the core of the RPX HD, making it the only telepresence solution able to call the million-plus video systems already deployed on desktops and in conference rooms worldwide. The Polycom RPX HD solutions also deliver the finest detail and nuance of expression in voice, video and content - all over lower bandwidths.

RPX HD yields higher productivity because it allows key executives and team to be "right down the hall” from their counterparts worldwide, accelerates the speed of business and shortens decision times, and reduces time in transit and out of the office. The RPX HD system can improve customer relations as well, by making business more personal to improve customer loyalty. RPX HD video conferences are easier and quicker to schedule and can be done on an ad hoc basis with the push of a button.

The most life-like meeting experience available

Ng said that the HDX 9000 Series with RPX is offered in several configurations to allow maximum flexibility, such as four-to-eight person set ups with two-to-four seamless display screens, flexible and adjustable audio, and training room configurations allowing seating for up to 28 people. A state-of-the-art training facility comes with the ability to record each high-definition video training session for future use and evaluation. In addition, computer control panel, multiple camera input and high-definition content are easily integrated into most configurations.

"Once executives experience the HDX 9000 Series video conferencing with the RealPresence Experience, they do not want to look back. The near life-like display makes the whole feeling very human for all parties participating in the video conference," he said. "Employees who are normally excluded because of travel budget constraints can be included in these conferences, enriching the experience and adding a higher level of productivity for a team or project,” he added.

He said that because of increasing globalisation of companies, increasing travel expenses, longer wait times that make travelling more uncomfortable, and the need for greater productivity across several time zones, Polycom’s HDX 9000 solution stands out. He said, "The HD format is already here in Hong Kong, the bandwidth is here, and the LCD display improves the video quality enough for businesses to rely on this level of high-definition video conferencing system."

Manufacturing, law, medicine and education all benefit from high-definition video conferencing

The applications for this type of system include manufacturing, law, medicine and education. Especially in the garment industry, where sharp details are crucial for buyers, the viewer can see even the smallest details of the stitching, seam and fabrics, and make design changes on the spot. Manufacturing research and design departments also benefit from being able to share drawings, videos and presentations in precise high-definition video, and share PC blueprints and graphics.

For legal depositions and negotiations, participants can see facial expressions in real time and hear the slightest verbal clues from the client or defendant. Lawyers can have access to witnesses without either one having to travel.

Health care providers can use remote specialist consultants with confidence because the doctor can see the MRI or X-Ray clearly and give an informed second opinion. Doctors and health care providers can also examine the patient's symptoms closely enough to give a suitable opinion on the best level of care, and share cutting-edge surgical techniques over a long distance. HD video also allows medical students to view every detail of a live surgery without having to be in the operating theatre.

Education is a growing market because the standard video conferencing system does not provide the level of detail for the distance learner who needs to see the blackboard or projected slides, and hear every word the professor speaks very clearly in order to benefit from the lessons or classes. Musical training is especially suited for distance learning and the two-way nature of the video conferencing allows the teacher to focus on a student and vice versa. Art also lends itself to video conferencing, with teachers and students, and artists and curators sharing cultural artifacts, paintings, sculptures, multimedia presentations and photography with no loss of detail or resolution for the distant viewers.

Danny Ng, senior sales manager

Polycom's RealPresence Experience
High Definition (RPX HD)