Today we will be talking about the applications for videoconferencing – more than just talking heads – audio, video, data, multimedia and full PC capabilities – all at your fingertips.  From traditional videoconferencing through IP-based communication and into broadband utilization, VTEL has been and continues to be the technology and applications leader. Based in Austin, Texas, VTEL Products is committed to providing the best and most complete selection of PC based and application driven videoconferencing systems in the industry.

VTEL’s history began in 1985 when the company was founded as San Antonio Digital Labs in San Antonio, Texas. In 1986, the company name changed to VideoTelecom and relocated to Austin, TX where it remains headquartered today. A series of acquisitions between 1996 and 1999 expanded VTEL’s service offerings, video technology, and networking products. 1996 – VTEL acquires Peirce-Phelps, a systems integrator, which added the capability for break-fix service, system integration, custom system and room design, and consulting services. 1997 – VTEL acquires CLI (Compression Labs, Inc.) and industry leading video coding and compression technology. 1999 – VTEL acquires Vosiac and with it, the Video and Audio streaming technology seen in VTEL’s current product, TurboCast. 2000 – VTEL China Operation becomes a Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise in China 2001 – VTEL Corporation forms VTEL Products Strategic Business Unit (SBU) to focus solely on the design, manufacture, and sale of full-featured, PC based videoconferencing systems for key market segments.  This exciting move resulted in an invigorated, fresh approach to producing VTEL’s feature-rich, PC-based videoconferencing systems. 2002 – VTEL Products Corporation officially formed on January 24, 2002.  VTEL Products Corp is dedicated to the continued manufacture of PC-based videoconferencing systems specialized for multiple applications such as distance learning, enterprise communications and training, and state, local and federal applications.

VTEL Products has long been the leader in product and technology innovation in the videoconferencing industry.  VTEL Products focuses on producing powerful and flexible PC-based videoconferencing systems that adhere to industry standards of operation and interoperability while meeting customers’ specific application needs.   1986 – releases XX videoconferencing system.  A LAN-based set-top form-factor analog videoconferencing device. 1989 – first PC-integrated videoconferencing system in the industry  (product name??) 1992 – MediaMax system released.  MediaMax a standards based videoconferencing system with a Windows® operating system.  MediaConferencing was made possible with the MediaMax.  MediaConferencing included full interactive annotation capabilities, collaboration, pc file and application sharing, file transfer.  Line speeds of up to T1 allowed users to enjoy optimum video quality.  Icon based graphics tablet user interface rapidly became a favorite among distance learning customers. 1993 – MCU II videoconferencing multi-point server released.  The MCU II was a H.320 standards based videoconferencing server. 1996 – Enterprise Series Architecture (ESA) Videoconferencing system and Smart Features.  ESA was based on an open architected pentium PC allowing customers maximum flexibility in meeting their application needs.  The operating system was Windows 95 providing a familiar, industry standard interface for customers.  VTEL also introduced Smart Features along with ESA.  Smart Features were designed to allow the customer to interact with the system much as they would in a traditional face-to-face environment.  SmartView functioned much as an overhead projector would by allowing the customer to place a document or object directly under the document camera.  Due to the open PC architecture, VTEL was able to integrate motion detection software that would detect the document or object, take a snap-shot of it and automatically send it to the remote location.  This allowed the customer to focus on the content of their meeting or class while still delivering supplemental information – all without having to interact with the system to switch cameras, capture an image, etc.  SmartBoard is an electronic white board that worked on the same principles as SmartView.  SmartBoard allows customers to use regular dry erase markers on a familiar white board surface.  Annotations on the board are automatically transferred to the monitor for all conference participants to view leaving the presenter free to concentrate on the content, not the technology. 1997 – SmartVideoNet Manager (SVNM) was released.  SVNM is based on the industry standard SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and used the PC base of the VTEL systems to allow for remote management of the videoconferencing systems on a network.  SVNM was an industry first and allowed organizations to proactively manage their video resources and maximize the resources of their support personnel. 1998 – Galaxy videoconferencing product-line released.  Galaxy was H.320 and H.323 dual mode operable.  Galaxy ran the industry standard Windows 98 operating system and included all the ease-of-use Smart Features customers had come to expect from VTEL. 1999 – TurboCast Video Streaming Technology was introduced.  TurboCast technology was acquired in the Vosaic acquisition.  TurboCast runs on VTEL’s PC based systems and as a java-based application, requires no additional software making is easy to use and versatile.  Video can be streamed live or stored for on-demand playback. 2000 – VTEL deployed many large-scale H.323 networks gaining valuable expertise and experience.  Some of these networks included:  State of Oregon, Jackson Public Schools, (What else??) 2001 – VTEL released the VTEL Command Center (VC2).  VC2 included the latest version of SmartVideoNet Manager with expanded capabilities and a new feature that customers had been asking for:  remote software update (RSU).  RSU allows customers to simultaneously update the software running on their VTEL Galaxy systems without having to physically load a new version.  Because VTEL’s products are PC-based, multiple software updates are produced every year giving customers the latest in functionality and performance while protecting their investment.  RSU allows customers to quickly and efficiently update all VTEL systems at once and save valuable resources. 2002 – VTEL releases VISTA ST.  A full-featured, powerful and flexible PC-based videoconferencing system in a set-top form-factor.  VISTA features a new remote control designed for optimum ease-of-use and functionality.  VISTA is value priced at under $10K.

VTEL Products Corporation is a privately-held, employee owned company with principle locations of Austin, Texas and Beijing, China.  VTEL Products achieves the highest productivity in the industry at $400K/employee.  There are approximately 150 employees world-wide - 115 employees in the United States and 35 in China –each with an average VTEL tenure of 6 years.  VTEL Products has reseller sales model for distribution of its products with resellers located domestically and world-wide. There are over 35K VTEL videoconferencing systems installed world-wide, with 20K of those in classrooms.  VTEL Products has traditionally the Distance Learning market by providing videoconferencing products that are specialized for the needs of instructors and students. 

Introducing VTEL’s new Vista line of media stations -- from the settop size of Vista MX to scalable power of Vista PRO -- all models feature an integrated PC with VTEL’s trademark tools of creating, capturing, annotating, sharing, and sending images.  The Vista line is not intended for just talking-heads video.  These systems include what you need to collaborate visually in the classroom, conference room, or board room -- in or out of a video call. The Vista family consists of three models:  Vista MX (a high-value, portable media station with integrated camera), Vista VX (a rack-mount version of the Vista MX), and Vista PRO (a full-function, highly scalable videoconferencing system with lots of power and flexibility). All Vista products include a integrated PC, capable of running Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.  All Vista products are Windows XP ready, and are capable of XGA (1024 x 768) display capability (with VCS 3.2 software).  All Vista products come standard with the new wireless, hand-held remote control (RCU). Every day, it seems, the PC industry comes out with another new USB device.  The Vista MX includes three USB ports, which customers can use to add USB peripherals, such as Disk on Key, a floppy disk drive, or a wireless LAN network interface card.  And many more.

Vista MX is a powerful PC-based videoconferencing unit but in a portable, settop size.  Like all Vista products, Vista MX is Windows XP ready and works with VTEL’s new QuickTouch remote control.  It can be used with 1 or 2 monitors (either S-video or VGA/XGA). Many customers use the Vista MX for video calls over the public Internet, where it has garnered kudos for exceptional stability, even when the IP network connection has high jitter and packet loss.

Remove the integrated camera, convert the form factor to rack-mount size, add a few features, and you have the Vista VX media station.  This system makes an ideal replacement for most VTEL MediaMax and ESA systems.  Users of videoconferencing systems from several years ago probably are ready to upgrade to H.323/IP capability, 1024 x 768 graphics resolution, and a modern PC operating system.  While the Vista line boasts 1024 x 768 graphics resolution, Vista products also support dual S-video monitor configurations for customers who have two S-video monitors.  They can upgrade to 1024 x 768 by replacing an S-video monitor with an XGA monitor at their convenience.

When the full range of features and the highest performance are needed, there is Vista PRO. Vista PRO sports a total of 4 camera inputs, three direct microphone inputs (plus audio line in), and the full complement of WAN network interfaces:  Quad BRI, PRI, DDM, ATM, as well as IP. Vista PRO is the platform to use in full-featured classroom or conference room systems that use several cameras and monitors, many microphones, and peripheral devices (such as electronic whiteboard, graphics tablet, e-Control, camera control system).

The new Remote Control Unit is normally used as it appears on the left.  The buttons are placed so that the most common functions are prominently positioned and easily reached.  The primary functions are Call, Hang-Up, camera controls (pan-tilt-zoom), volume, audio mute, and one-button selection of video source and camera presets.  The six camera preset buttons are labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F and are colored green, to distinguish them from the four blue video source selection buttons. The “Alert” button, to be implemented in the future, will send a message to SmartVideoNet Manager™ that the user has detected a problem and is requesting assistance.  This could further be used to page a technician for immediate help. The “Profiles” button, when implemented in the future, will allow easy access to stored user profiles, so that different users, who may even use the product in different rooms, can quickly pull up the operational preferences (profile) they prefer. When the top cover of the RCU is opened, the PC keyboard is exposed (figure on the right).  During keyboard operation, the RCU would normally be turned so that it is in the horizontal position.  The RCU includes a button (the large blue one) for mouse control, and smaller blue buttons for left-click and right-click operations.

This is the current plan for shipping hardware and software to customers.  Specific features of each software release are shown in subsequent slides.

Today, VTEL is transitioning from our Galaxy™ product line to our new Vista™ product line. With the new Vista product line, VTEL introduces a new Windows XP/2000-ready hardware platform, which has the flexibility to serve as the base of a low-cost,  portable, PC-based videoconference unit (Vista MX media station), and also as the base of a full-featured, premium-performance system (Vista PRO).  This Vista VX is a rack-mountable version of the Vista MX, and makes an excellent replacement product for VTEL MediaMax or ESA users who want H.323/IP capability, 1024 x 768 display resolution, or support for a modern PC operating system. “VCS” is VTEL Conferencing Software.  With VCS software, each release runs on all VTEL hardware platforms.  The VCS 3.x series introduces the Vista product line, and provides support for new features such as 1024 x 768 display resolution, Series 2 network interface cards, frame grabber, and e-Control.  With VCS 4.0, VTEL products run under Windows XP/2000. This coordinated development approach for hardware and software allows rapid development of new products, while minimizing risk.  It also protects your investment in VTEL products, by allowing existing products to be upgraded to new systems.

New hardware platform, still PC-centric, but with new video/audio processing chips that will improve video and audio quality and enable exciting new features

e-Control is a new color touchpanel control and display based on the Viewpad device from Viewsonic.  This device is actually a LAN-connected Windows CE computer, which means it can be easily programmed for a variety of applications.  It can be connected to a LAN through the docking platform shown in this slide, or, more typically, it can be operated wirelessly by using a RF LAN card (complies with standard 802.11(b)) in the display device.  It can also connect to a VTEL videoconferencing system in “ad hoc” mode, through a Wireless USB Adapter or Wireless LAN network interface card. This device can be used to control VTEL endpoints -- not just the one in the same room, but any VTEL endpoint connected via the LAN -- on a different floor, or in a different building, or across continents.  Video sources, local or remote, can be displayed on the touchpanel. The e-Control will come with several VTEL-provided user interface templates.  An optional template creation tool will permit end-users to define and create their own user interfaces. As a future enhancement, VTEL’s e-Control will feature whiteboard capability.  A user can annotate on any image (PowerPoint slide, image captured from document camera, etc.) right on the touchpanel.  This annotated image can be displayed on the remote endpoint(s) in the conference, and saved for future use. The e-Control is about the same size as a standard 8-1/2 x 11” piece of paper, and is about 1” thick.  It can be used on its docking stand (which includes LAN connection and re-charger), or undocked with the wireless LAN card.

VTEL’s new e-Control combines the functions of the keyboard, remote control, and graphics tablet with the convenience of wireless operation and programmability.

The function controls are grouped logically, and the graphical icons make it easy to understand how to perform the function you want. VTEL also offers a programming tool, which allows you to easily develop your own custom templates -- for specific users or custom applications.

An industry first from VTEL, SmartVideoNet Manager is a video network management and configuration tool.  SmartVideoNet Manager uses SNMP Protocol and the VTEL system’s IP address for effective remote management.  SmartVideoNet Manager is a proactive video network management tool that enables your precious support resources to work in an efficient way. VTEL also offers the ability to update all your IP-connected VTEL systems (running VCS 2.2 or later software) from a central server with Remote Software Update.  You can schedule software updates to occur right now, or at a later time of your choosing.

Like most H.323 videoconferencing products, VTEL’s systems use the RADVision software stack, which is the acknowledged standard of the industry.  While RADVision is the pioneer in H.323 technology, VTEL pioneered the deployment of large IP video networks, including several state-wide networks, beginning in 1999. Since 1998, VTEL has partnered with RADVision for networking products too.  VTEL is an OEM partner of RADVision, and we re-sell the entire RADVision networking product line.  VTEL and RADVision engineers work together to ensure interoperability between the product families. VTEL and RADVision are also working together to develop new network connectivity products exclusively for VTEL customers.  The first example of this collaboration is the 6-port H.323 MCU, a VTEL-exclusive product, which sets a new bar of performance/price for MCUs.

Manufactured exclusively for VTEL by Radvision, the leader in H.323/IP networking products and technology, VTEL’s MCU VI connects up to six endpoints at 384 Kbps.  The MCU VI is the perfect entry-level H.323 MCU:  affordable, easy to set up, easy to use every time.  Since the MCU VI is an independent network resource, not tied to a particular endpoint, it can be used without tieing up any particular endpoint.  The MCU VI includes a quad-split Continuous Presence layout (with one voice-activated quadrant), Radvision’s embedded Gatekeeper software, and a built-in audio transcoder.  And all at a price that sets a new bar in the price-performance spectrum for an independent MCU.

MINDS is the Multimedia Instructional Network Delivery System.  Accessible over the Internet from VTEL systems, MINDSconnects provides VTEL customers with a directory of videoconference content providers (museums, orchestras, zoos, government agencies, universities, other schools) and a collection of eLearning resources for professional development in the fields of education, medicine, and law. A one-year registration to MINDSconnects Basic is included at no extra charge with all VTEL systems shipped for use in the United States. A premium version of MINDSconnects is optionally available.  The premium version adds access to MINDS TV, which consists of  live and stored webcasts.

Providing PC-based videoconferencing systems, so that you can use the same powerful PC tools and applications in your videoconferences that you use at your desk – in a videoconference, or not. Making our user interface and peripheral devices so easy to use, that it quickly becomes second-nature.  You don’t have to think about it; you just do it naturally, so that you can concentrate on meeting, sharing, creating, teaching, learning -- whatever your videoconferencing application may be. Allowing the customer to use whatever control devices, displays, and peripherals are most suitable for the task at hand. Choices for the customer – so that VTEL products are a transparent tool in the classroom, conference room, board room or office.