Videoconferencing: PictureTel Introduces PictureTel MedLink, Its First Videoconferencing System Designed for Use in Clinical and ER Environments - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 2, 1998

PictureTel Corporation, the world leader in visual collaboration, Tuesday announced PictureTel MedLink, an interactive telemedicine workstation featuring the industry's highest quality audio and video. Designed for operating rooms, critical care units and emergency applications, PictureTel MedLink enables specialists to remotely treat patients from anywhere in the world.

PictureTel MedLink, an easy-to-use, standards-based videoconferencing unit, sits on an ergonomic, mobile cart in a sealed environment that protects the equipment from liquids commonly found in clinical settings. It has a high-resolution monitor with near-television quality broadcast rates of up to 30 frames per second and a wireless microphone that enables hands-free operation and natural speech. The system integrates output of multiple medical devices and transmits separate or simultaneous medical data, such as patient records and tests. PictureTel MedLink further enhances communication by providing on-screen annotation. Health-care professionals can use PictureTel MedLink to remotely interview patients, conduct physical examinations, present interactive grand rounds and enable administration to negotiate medical supplies contracts. Initial customer feedback on MedLink is very positive. "PictureTel has a long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality visual collaboration tools to the health-care industry," said Tony DeFrancesco, manager of health-care marketing for PictureTel. "With PictureTel MedLink, we've taken the unique needs of this important market and created a robust, customized solution for telemedicine applications." Based on PictureTel's Venue 2000 Model 50, PictureTel MedLink is network independent and is compatible with all PictureTel visual collaboration systems and all other standards-based systems. It operates over ISDN, T-1/E-1 and local-area networks. MedLink is available now worldwide with a U.S. list price starting at $45,000. For more information contact the nearest PictureTel sales office or reseller. PictureTel Corporation is the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing a full range of visual- and audio-collaboration solutions. The company's systems meet customers' collaboration needs from the desktop to the boardroom. PictureTel also markets network conferencing servers and a comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-wide services. Additional PictureTel information is available on the Internet at www.picturetel.com. PictureTel collaboration products and services eliminate the barrier of distance, enabling people to be Anywhere Now.