Archive notice: This article was originally published on October 7, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
TANDBERG introduced its new high-end Telepresence T3 system, designed to make participants feel as though they are sitting at the same table. It offers seamless interoperability with standards-based videoconferencing systems. New certified services and a new Telepresence Server complete the offering.
Tim Cureton, Head of Telecommunications at HSBC, said the bank already used two TANDBERG telepresence rooms alongside around 1,000 other TANDBERG videoconferencing systems. He highlighted the T3’s ability to integrate standards-based systems, improve cost efficiency, reduce business travel and support HSBC’s carbon-neutral goals.
TANDBERG developed the T3’s meeting environment with a social anthropologist and selected users, analysing preferred designs, colours and room layouts. Blue background walls and coordinated lighting make speakers and surroundings appear natural and almost three-dimensional, while wood panelling and aluminium and glass elements provide an exclusive atmosphere.
The technology operates unobtrusively in the background. Full-HD 1080p codecs, three 65-inch Full-HD LCD displays and eye-level PrecisionHD 1080p cameras enable direct eye contact. Three touchscreens built into the table control the system, call other endpoints, and send or view presentations. Full-duplex audio provides clear CD-quality stereo sound.
The T3 is compatible with standards-based PC, desktop and room systems, including HD systems. Users can connect with participants regardless of location without depending on a particular system, network or bandwidth.
Frost & Sullivan chief analyst Dominic Dodd said the T3 moved beyond the current generation by combining interoperability, services, networking and bandwidth with extensive endpoint connectivity. TANDBERG Central Europe managing director Thomas Nicolaus said conventional video systems could be included immediately, enabling experts, suppliers and field staff to join meetings from any location.
The TANDBERG Telepresence T3 will ship from January 2009.
New TANDBERG-certified Total Service
TANDBERG Total Service combines partners, processes and technical equipment to provide globally available but locally adapted solutions. Certified managed-service providers offer full system management or hosting. Support covers:
· Analysis of local conditions
· Review and adaptation of existing networks
· Design and installation of the telepresence room
· Full management or hosting of telepresence systems
· Maintenance support for video systems at other locations
Andrew W. Davis of Wainhouse Research said certified services let customers outsource video-system and collaboration-infrastructure management to trained specialists and focus on their core business.
External service providers must be able to manage systems fully or provide hosting through a Video Network Operations Center. Certified providers will offer connection services, web and telephone reservations, help-desk support, proactive testing and monitoring before, during and after conferences, IP and ISDN gateway service, universal bridging, event recording and streaming, and ad-hoc VNOC services.
Several leading partners were undergoing certification, with successful partners due to be announced by year-end. Further information was available at http://www.tandberg.de.
