Tele-Presence Solutions for Businesses

In this article we would be introducing a few Tele-Presence solutions one can

use but before that let us explore how telepresence is different from

conventional videoconferencing. The only difference between these two

technologies is the feel factor. Tele-Presence is more near to in-person feel

than conventional videoconferencing. Now the question arises what are the

factors that have evolved videoconferencing into Tele-Presence? The answer to

this question lies in technological advances. Here are some of the factors

responsible for emergence of telepresence :

High-quality audio and video



While video technology has moved from standard definition to high

definition, audio has moved from low bandwidth to stereo sound. These are two

important pillars of Tele-Presence. There is a continuous need for jitter free

video feed with adequate resolution plus there is high quality audio feed free

of noise. Multi-channel audio used in Tele-Presence gives directional cues

making it possible to differentiate who is speaking in a meeting. Other aspect

is non-recognizable delay between audio and video.

Simplicity



Not everyone using video conferencing is comfortable with technology. Most

of the time spent in setting up a video conferencing call involves complex

steps. On the other hand, using Tele-Presence solution is relatively easy to

use. Other important aspect of high end Tele-Presence solutions that gives a

real life feel is that technology is hidden, making everyone concentrate on the

meeting.

High reliability



One can do with poor audio or video quality but if there is an important

meeting in progress, loss of connection can have very negative effects.

Tele-Presence solutions are engineered in such a way that reliability is

guaranteed.

Environmental factors



In high end Tele-Presence solutions, besides feeds and reliability,

environmental factors also play an important role. Furniture of room along with

lighting is done in such a way that a person sitting at different geographical

locations gets in-person feel of attendees. Video cameras and mikes are hidden

and placed appropriately to give directional cues.

Besides these factors, availability of bandwidth and high definition display

screens has made people ask for more than conventional videoconferencing

solutions.

Tele-Presence solutions from Polycom



Polycom has categorized their telepresence solutions into three categories. Here
is a brief introduction of these solutions. Price varies from US$ 9,000 to US$

500,000.

Personal Tele-Presence



As name suggests this is a Tele-Presence solution for individuals and small

teams. Features of this product that differentiate it from other Polycom

Tele-Presence solutions is its portability, making it easy to move around with.

The unit usually is a screen capable of displaying high definition images with

attached high definition cameras. Polycom HDX 400 Series falls under this

category that gives you HD video, HD audio and HD content on your desktop. HDX

400 series comes with a 20.1 inch screen that delivers true HD video at

1280x720(720p) resolution. Besides this there is capability to share content

that includes CAD drawings, movies, etc and HD audio experience.

Room Tele-Presence



One notch above personal telepresence solution this series is meant for

meeting rooms and lecture halls. Polycom HDX 9000, 8000 and 7000 series falls

under this category. These solutions along with HDX Media Center provide high

quality conferencing experience. Key features include 22KHz audio in surround

sound, Lost Packet Recovery technology for enhanced experience on public network

and HD video.

Immersive Tele-Presence



This is the most expensive solution but at the same time closest to

in-person experience. A lot of emphasis is given in hiding technology from users

and showing participants in true dimensions. Besides this, the environment is

built in such a way that one feels the other person is sitting across the table.

Polycom RPXHD 400, 200 series and TPXHD 306M fall in this category. We were able

to experience RPXHD 400 series solution and found it very involving and

state-of-the-art. Though one can get best experience only if there is immersive

setup on both ends, even a connection with personal telepresence from an

immersive setup was reliable and effective.

Telepresence solutions from Tandberg



Similar to Polycom, Tandberg also categorizes their Tele-Presence solutions

into three categories:

Personal Tele-Presence 1700 MXP



This is a desktop Tele-Presence unit with 20 inch screen and inbuilt HD

video camera. Installation of this unit is very easy and it took few minutes to

set it up, just give a public IP and power supply and you are done. This unit

comes with easy to use remote control device further enhancing ease of

operation. To make a Tele-Presence call just press a button and put public IPs

or URLs of other participants. This unit also allows connection to your computer

making it possible to share presentations with single button click.

Immersive Tele-Presence T1



Using this solution, meant for small rooms, one can communicate using a 65

inch LCD screen with a HD resolution up to 1080p. Along with HD quality display,

this solution also comes with HD audio and HD content sharing capabilities.

Immersive Executive Tele-Presence T3



This solution from Tandberg is closest to in-person feel. Besides three 65
inches screens, it also includes system, table, three personal touch

collaborative screens and ceiling-mounted lighting to give better experience.

Room packages are also included to enhance environment around the room. One

point to note here is interoperability of different solutions. The solutions

covered in this article run on open standards so we were able to connect to

Tandberg's Personal Tele-Presence 1700 MXP using Polycom's room Tele-Presence

solution without any difficulty.