Tandberg Launches New Varieties

TANDBERG has launched three personal videoconferencing products – a videophone that makes voice and video calls, comes with a handset and can receive presentations and multiple video calls simultaneously; an integrated video monitor/PC monitor that automatically accepts video calls while a user is working on his or her PC: and a new system for small meeting rooms and offices.

One of TANDBERG’s clients, Heinz, is now beta testing these products in the UK. It asys it sees IP as enabling widespread deployment of personal video technology across its organisation.

‘The TANDBERG 150 brings video communication to the masses. It’s no longer just an executive tool,’ says Allan Jackson, European voice manager for HJ Heinz.  ‘Since we moved to IP, not only are calls free, but the user experience is so good that people are knocking on my door asking for more video across the organisation.’  

Among other uses, Heinz employs dozens of video units for its global brand teams to collaborate regularly.  ‘Already we have remote employees enabled with IP technology, so personal video conferencing in the home offices isn’t that far away,’ Allan adds..

The systems being launched are the 8.4in screen TANDBERG 150, the desktop TANDBERG 1500 MXP, and the TANDBERG 2000 MXP small meeting room system.

The 150 runs on an IP network capable of integrating voice and video. Users can place IP voice or video calls at up to 512 kbps and the system allows face-to-face communication and viewing of presentations. Featurs include an optional handset and headset. 

The 1500 MXP features a 17 in integrated LCD screen and can handle 2 Mbps video calls as well as CD-quality stereo audio. Executives can share documents and connect to multiple sites. It is also wireless capable.

The 2000 MXP is based around a 23 in video screen on a dedicated stand.

Both the 1500 MXP and 2000 MXP will support multi-protocol environments that include H.323, SIP and SCCP. TANDBERG adds that it ‘intends to leverage its partnership with Cisco Systems to further extend the functionality of the 150′. Currently all of its personal products are SIP-ready and in early 2005 TANDBERG plans to make SIP available.

http://www.tandberg.net/