June 2001 (Znews.com / Newstream) -- Leveraging its expertise in audio, video and information technologies, Sony Electronics has formed a new "conference network" designed to collaborate with videoconferencing set-top systems to generate more practical and efficient communications with local and remote meeting participants.

The centerpiece of the "conference network" is a "plug-and-present" system from Sony called E-conference that brings new levels of participant interaction, document sharing and videoconferencing exchanges to the table via the Intranet, accelerating the flow, pace, connectivity, interactivity and productivity of meetings.

The software graphical user interface (GUI) links users and devices through wired or wireless access points to local and remote sites. The key elements of Sony's solution include:

• New IP addressable videoconferencing set-top and audioconferencing products, which will function with the E-conference system, as well as traditional standards-based conferencing environments.
• The E-conference technology, combined with videoconferencing, allows remote meeting participants in multiple rooms to present PowerPoint and other files on a display device such as projector or diagrams from a document stand.
• Smart Management Solutions(TM), a web-based tool to schedule conference rooms, cater meals and drinks, generate reports and bills, as well as activate and service videoconferencing systems remotely through the Intranet.

"We're focused on offering the flexibility and choice of products and services that can serve the meeting and collaborative needs," said Walter Sebastian, vice president of videoconferencing at Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Company. "What makes Sony the trendsetter in the videoconferencing arena is this new total solutions package."

IP Addressable Videoconferencing Systems

A recent research study conducted by Frost & Sullivan predicted that IP would be the answer to universal deployment of affordable videoconferencing solutions.

Sony is now offering two new videoconferencing models, the PCS-6000IP and PCS-1600 set-top products. Both systems are IP addressable, which means they can communicate with other devices on the client network.

At INFOCOMM 2001, Sony previewed to its dealer and key customer base the PCS-6000IP, a high-end system with multi-network functionality -- T1, IP, ATM and ISDN connections.

The model is capable of connecting six sites -- an industry first -- without the need for an external bridge. With a detachable camera head, the PCS-6000IP unit is suitable for larger rooms and flexible enough to mount to rest on the top of flat panel monitor. This model will be available late second quarter at a suggested list price of $14,500.

Also, making inroads with Fortune 1000 customers is the Sony PCS-1600 videoconferencing system, the smallest set-top product on the market today featuring high-quality video, a simple user interface and flexible network configurations. It also includes the added dimension of incorporating pictures and files via Sony's Memory Stick® digital media technology for vertical market applications. The PCS-1600 unit is now available at a suggested list price of $4,995.

Conference Control System Creates Clearer Communications

Continuing the trend of AV/IT convergence, the new SX-M10 Conference Control System delivers superb sound quality with the impact of live video. Designed for one touch conference control, the SX-M10 unit signals the videoconference camera to automatically zoom in on the first speaker. The unit then advances the camera to the next speaker in the order that they pressed the "MIC ON" button.

The Sony Chairman/Delegate Units, the SX-C100A/D100A, provide optimum speech pick-up for clear, crisp audio communication. These built-in microphones produce excellent sound quality and eliminate all extraneous noises. The Priority Switch function on the SX-C100A allows the chairperson to temporarily mute all delegate microphones.

The SX-M10 Conference Control System is now available at a suggested list price of $2,000.

Videoconferencing Communications To Multiple Rooms

The centerpiece of Sony's AV/IT strategy is Sony's E-conference system. Through the Presenter(TM) software GUI and Communicator(TM) network hub, videoconferencing set-top systems with the IP addressable PCS-1600 and PCS-6000IP enables room-to-room video interaction.

The use of IP addressable videoconferencing and audioconferencing equipment also provides two-way connectivity for remote operation, setup and servicing.

Meeting participants simply drag-and-drop presentations using the E-conference(TM) Presenter(TM) GUI directly to the videoconferencing icon on the desktop and the information is displayed in each of the connected rooms. In addition, the camera can be used to digitally record presentations to the Creator(TM) hard disk.

"Our E-conference solutions strengthen our position in the market as we are the only provider who can offer the entire networked conference solution - from video and audioconferencing solutions to PCs and laptops, document camera stands, projectors, flat panel plasma monitors, TV monitors and video printers," Sebastian said.

Sony Software Addresses Time Management

Also, keeping a handle on conference room availability, scheduling videoconferencing time, billing and reporting, servicing and procuring additional A/V equipment, catering the meeting and notifying participants in medium- to large-size corporations is a full-time job today.

The answer to help manage these functions is Sony's Smart Management Solutions(TM) (SMS), a web-based software systems time management tool. Through the network, administrators can schedule, notify, and automatically launch videoconferencing connections in each location at the designated hour.

SMS also empowers administrators to monitor the network, view a video session, control and repair equipment, and manage centralized address books.

Sony's Smart Management Solution software is now available. The suggested list price starts from $999 and depends on the number of licensed sites required.

For more information about Sony videoconferencing systems, visit the company's web site at www.sony.com/professional.