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Polycom VSX 7000 Frequently Asked Product Questions
What happens when the VSX 7000 calls a system that does not sup-
port Siren 14 audio?
The VSX 7000 will automatically negotiate to the highest common audio
standard. For example, if both systems support G.722.1 at 128kbps, both
systems will use that audio specification.
Video
What, exactly, is H.264 and why is it important to the user?
The H.264 is an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) video coding
standard and represents the newest visual technology in video communica-
tions. It is identical to the MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard.
Polycom was the first in the industry to deliver the benefit of this cutting
edge technology with our iPower™ and MGC products and is one of a
select number of companies to hold intellectual property in the standard.
The H.264 video compression enables video conferencing users to experi-
ence either significantly improved video quality at the same bit rate, or
current quality at approximately half the bit rate required previously. For
example, the high-quality H.263 encoded video that users are accustomed
to at 768kbps is achievable using H.264 at 384kbps. That translates to
a bottom line benefit: More efficient use of an existing communications
infrastructure and an increase in the accessibility and cost-effectiveness
of business-quality video conferencing.
When will H.264 be used in a call?
The VSX will auto select rates at which H.264 looks the best. If the
endpoint that is being called does not support H.264, the call will revert
to the H.261 or H.263 video standard and the associated standards
based Annexes.
Is H.264 the same as PVEC?
No. PVEC (Polycom Video Error Concealment) is an algorithm that is
designed to alleviate the negative affects data loss which may occur
on an IP network with heavy traffic.
What are the specifications of the integrated PTZ camera?
The PTZ camera has a 65˚ Field of View, 12 x Zoom, f = 4.2 to 42 mm,
F = 1.85 to 2.9 mm, auto focus, automatic white balance, pan range
+/- 1000 (left/right), tilt range +/- 250 (up/down).
Does the system allow users to program presets for the camera?
Yes. The system can accept up to (10) user-defined preset positions for the
local site and (10) user-defined preset positions for the far end camera.
User Interface
Why isn’t the UI the same as the ViewStation product?
Over the course of time, end users have frequently requested the ability to
customise their own user interface. The UI can go from simple to sophisti-
cated. Many requests came from video network and IT administrators who
wanted to minimise the controls and options available to their end users.
This design is provided in an effort to maintain greater manageability and
control, while still offering the full functionality of the product. With this
new UI, we have answered those requests.
What are some of the most significant changes to the UI?
The user has a choice of starting from the “Main Screen” in ViewStation
Classic mode or from the ”Place a Call” screen with optional themes. The
new “Place a Call” screen is like picking up a telephone and dialling a num-
ber. The address book is still readily accessible and has extensive search
capabilities. The colours and icons of this new UI are a blend of
ViewStation, Microsoft
®
Windows
®
, Apple
®
Macintosh
®
and other graphi-
cal interfaces that appeal to mainstream computer users. Menu items can
be selected at the touch of a number and are arranged in a top-down layout
for consistent, easy navigation.
Will this UI be migrated to current products?
The VSX 7000 offers the user a selection of (7) different “Colour Themes”
for the UI, one of which is “ViewStation Classic”. Throughout the menu
navigation, users will notice a similarity of settings and selections from the
well-known ViewStation UI. While Polycom has made improvements with
the introduction of the new VSX 7000 UI, there are no plans to change the
UI on ViewStation products.
How is this UI an improvement?
The UI has cell phone-like functionality, giving the user the ability to navi-
gate through screens by simply pressing a number key associated with their
selection. We’ve also taken away some layers of navigation by moving the
most commonly accessed features nearer the top of the hierarchy. At any
time, a user knows the depth of menu navigation by the page number indi-
cation on the screen. A user will always know they are in a call by the
Persistent Preview on each menu page.
Can the original ViewStation remote control be used with the
VSX 7000?
Yes, all buttons on the ViewStation remote control will work with the
VSX 7000.
Can the VSX 7000 remote work with the ViewStation?
Yes, all buttons on the VSX 7000 remote control will work with a minimum
of ViewStation 7.5 and EX/FX/VS4000 5.1* releases.
What’s new about the VSX 7000 remote control?
The buttons are grouped by function and a new colour-coding system is
designed to make operation easier for new users. For example, green but-
tons represent dialling functions (the same as the ViewStation remote), red
buttons represent directional movements of the cursor or camera (the same
as the ViewStation remote), new blue buttons represent camera viewing
options and new orange buttons represent audio functions.