Desktop videoconferencing challenge

Article Abstract:

Nine desktop videoconferencing systems are evaluated. AT and T's $5,885 Vistium 1300 provides both desktop videoconferencing and collaborative features. The Vistium is the most difficult of all the systems to install, both for hardware and software. Once installed, the interface is natural and friendly, and the features work well. Scoring highest overall is RSI's $4,495 Eris, a self-contained portable videoconferencing system for Windows and Macintosh. Eris supports both ISDN and POTS lines, offering real-time cross-platform file transfer and document sharing. Eris is an external unit that communicates via the SCSI port, and compression/decompression takes place in the unit itself, relieving the computer from the burden. Also scoring highly is PictureTel's $2,495 PCS 50, a PC-based H.320 system with high-quality audio and video. Picture quality is good, and users can select between better motion or sharper picture.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, AT&T Corp., T, PictureTel Corp., PCTL, Hardware multiproduct review, Telephone management device, Telephone management systems, Videoconferencing equipment, RSI Corp., RSIC, PictureTel PCS 50 (Videoconferencing equipment), RSI Systems Eris Personal Video Communications System (Videoconferencing equipment), AT and T Vistium Personal Video System 1300 (Telephone management device)

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Laying Internet pipelines

Article Abstract:

The adoption of cable modems has been considerably slow, with only 25,000 currently installed in the US. The problem can be traced back to both technical and market-related issues. One-way broadcast-based cable architecture has well-established limitations. Cable companies are still adapting to the new business of selling interactive communications, however the new Multimedia Cable Network System (MCNS) standard is expected to hasten things along. Another positive sign is Microsoft's $1 billion investment in Comcast, a cable system operator. Half of Microsoft's investment will go toward upgrading Comcast's cable systems. Telcos will provide the major competition in providing homes with high bandwidth. Cable companies anticipate that during 1998 they will sign up 100,000 to 200,000 new subscribers. Analysts expect there to be approximately 100 xDSL and cable modems in US homes by 2000.

Modems, 301-1200 bps, Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Cable modems, Market trend/market analysis, DSL modems, Cable Modem, DSL modem/multiplexer, DSL access multiplexers

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See you on the Internet

Article Abstract:

POTS-based H.324 and TCP/IP-based H.323 are the first standards to define methods for for transporting data, video and voice over the Internet. H.323, which appears to have the most momentum, allows LANs to implement videoconferencing without installing separate ISDN lines to each PC. H.323 will work from 14.4Kbps to 1.5Mbps and costs only $900 for a complete package. Intel's Internet Phone and Microsoft Net Meeting 2.0 currently support H.323. White Pine Software plans H.323 support for its CU-SeeMe. Apple, VDOnet, VocalTec and SEMS America are also planning on supporting H.323 in their products. Trial versions of most videoconferencing products can be downloaded.

Prepackaged software, Buyers Guide, Videoconferencing software, software buyers' guide

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