Videoconferencing: Introduces the PictureTel 550 Desktop Videoconferencing System for Windows NT - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 23, 1998

PictureTel Corporation, the world leader in visual collaboration, Wednesday announced the introduction of the PictureTel 550 desktop videoconferencing system for PCs with Windows NT operating systems. The PictureTel 550 is an H.320 and H.323 standards-based system that delivers robust videoconferencing performance of up to 30 frames per second of video at 384 Kbps of bandwidth.

The PictureTel 550 also offers T.120-based data collaboration via full Microsoft NetMeeting integration. The PictureTel 550 supports ISDN videoconferences with an on-board ISDN basic rate interface connection and local area network conferences through the PC's network interface card.

Key features of the PictureTel 550 also include: * high-quality audio performance, including full duplex audio, echo cancellation and automatic gain control;

* operates in eitherH.320 or H.323 standards modes;

* software upgrades for future enhancements;

* PictureTel WorldCam composite camera, with both NTSC and PAL functionality;

* dynamically sizeable video window up to full screen (640x480);

* comprehensive phonebook and speed dial capability, enabling easy dialing of frequently called numbers; and

* voice-only calls to any standard telephone when PictureTel 550 is in H.320 mode.

"Businesses have a greater need than ever before to communicate and collaborate within the organization and with customers, suppliers and partners around the world," said Gary Bond, group vice president of product management and engineering for PictureTel. "The PictureTel 550 is an extremely feature-rich and flexible desktop videoconferencing system that delivers high-quality performance over both H.320 wide-area networks as well as IP-based H.323 local-area networks. It is a powerful solution for customers who want H.323-based videoconferencing system for the Windows NT operating system."

Pricing and availability The PictureTel 550, which will ship within the next 30 days, has a U.S. list price of $1,495.

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.