Polycom VSX 7000 Installation and operation manual

Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
Product Reference Guide
Polycom VSX 7000
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
Table of Contents
1. VSX 7000 Product Release Highlights .......................................................... 3
2. VSX 7000 Positioning .................................................................................... 4
3. Product Description ....................................................................................... 6
3.1. Basic Components ............................................................................... 6
3.2. System Input/Output............................................................................. 9
3.3. Network Interfaces ............................................................................. 10
3.4. Optional Components and Features .................................................. 11
4. Technologies ............................................................................................... 11
4.1. People+Content ................................................................................. 11
4.2. Video Compression............................................................................ 13
4.3. Audio Compression............................................................................ 14
4.4. Echo Cancellation, Automatic Noise Suppression and
Gain Control..................................................................................................... 15
4.5. Far-end Camera Control .................................................................... 15
5. Systems Management ................................................................................. 15
6. Languages ................................................................................................... 16
7. Product Software Release History............................................................... 16
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
1. VSX 7000 Product Release Highlights
•What’s being announced?
oPolycom VSX 7000 - The best quality, most advanced video conferencing product
available at the Entry Level! This set-top appliance provides great quality audio and video
with a new, user friendly interface.
•When is it being announced?
oWorldwide announcement October 6, 2003 (8:30 a.m. EST US)
•Where is it being announced?
oIt is being announced globally via Press Release
•When is it available?
oOctober 6, 2003
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
2. VSX 7000 Positioning
Group
ViaVideo II
Desktop Entry
ViewStation
FX
SOHO/SME Executive
VSX 7000
iPower
Executive
VS4000
PerformanceMainstream
ViewStation
Classic
Business Quality Video Conferencing
Business Quality Video Conferencing
From the Desktop to the Board Room
From the Desktop to the Board Room
iPower
9400/9800
ViewStation
EX
NEW!
NEW!
Product Positioning
•The VSX 7000 is a compliment to the current Polycom video product line and extends the Polycom video
product offerings to deliver new levels of price/performance at the Entry Level.
•The VSX 7000 will be launched in the ENTRY category
•The ViewStation Classic systems (ViewStation SP products, and ViewStation H.323,
128, 512 and MP) are positioned in the SOHO/SME category
•The ViewStation EX/FX are in the MAINSTREAM category
•The VS4000 and iPower 9000 series are in the PERFORMANCE category
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
VSX 7000 Overview and Messaging
For the first time, the best quality, most advanced video conferencing
is now available at the Entry Level
Polycom’s latest entry-point system offers no-compromise video and audio performance. Just some highlights:
•Near-CD Quality, Crystal Clear Audio
oPolycom delivers, unparalleled audio as crystal clear and powerful as being in the same room,
with Siren 14 - 14 kHz fidelity audio, and new Subwoofer.
•TV-like Video
oUsing the most advanced technology, Polycom delivers exceptionally natural, smooth motion
video with H.264 and Pro-Motion
•Innovative Ease of Use
oNew graphical user interface designed and customizable for “easy-to-use” everyday
videoconferencing, and manageability, including: Polycom Dual Monitor Emulation; Polycom
Kiosk mode, and Customizable Camera Icons
•Ultimate versatility
oExpandability options enable the VSX 7000 to be configured for any application
•…And an integrated part of The Polycom Office.
Target Customers
VSX 7000 is targeted to any person who needs to work with others, to share ideas and to get things done. This
includes:
•Traditional videoconferencing users who want the very best video and audio quality
•Users who want to broaden and deepen their use of technology and multimedia to be more efficient in
increasingly geographically dispersed organizations
•Potential new users who demand systems that will support the way they want to communicate at a
distance
Examples of applications of videoconferencing that are good candidates to use VSX 7000:
•Enterprises and Organizations that find the following features especially attractive:
oQuality of the video and audio – delivering the best experience ever
oEase-of-use of Polycom’s user interface – anyone knows how to use it
oPeople+Content™ – gives users a natural feeling of being there, and seeing the material to
present and discuss topics
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
•Healthcare Applications
oQuality of the video and audio for the most demanding applications
oPeople+Content™ for showing high resolution documents and images
•Educational/Distance learning applications:
oQuality of the video and audio – delivering the best experience ever
oCustomizable camera source selection icons
•IT departments like VSX 7000 because of:
oRobust management capability with Polycom Global Management System™ and built-in Web
server
oAlarms allow administrators to be pro-actively aware of problems with keyboard/remote battery,
microphone, camera, directory, gatekeeper, etc.
3. Product Description
The following are the components and software options of the VSX 7000:
Base Components Set-top unit
Subwoofer
Microphone
Remote control
Optional Network
Interfaces
QuadBRI ISDN
Serial/V.35
Optional Components Additional Display Adaptor Kit
Additional Microphone Kit
People+Content (Visual Concert VSX)
Multipoint Software License
AES (encryption) Software License
All systems also include basic cables (audio out, video out, power) and a documentation package (details later in
this document).
3.1. Basic Components
The VSX 7000 is a set-top system with innovative design and function. The set-top unit itself includes the
camera, integrated mid-range speaker and the basic I/O of the system. The companion subwoofer allows for
great sound and is responsible for power and ISDN connectivity, allowing simplified cabling to the set-top unit.
Every system includes the ability for video calls over IP (H.323). In addition, there are two network interfaces
choices for H.320 calls: Quad BRI or Serial/V.35.
The following sections describe the main components and software options in more detail.
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Polycom VSX 7000
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Camera/Set-top Unit
The main unit includes a mechanical pan-tilt-zoom camera, an integrated mid-range speaker for conference audio
and the input/output described in a later section of this document.
Combined with the subwoofer, the integrated mid-range speaker guarantees that good audio rendition is available
at every installation, eliminating the possibility that poor quality speakers in the conference room would lower the
quality of the customer’s experience.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is included with every VSX 7000, and serves the source of power for the set-top unit and is the
source of the optional network interface modules. The subwoofer is especially useful in rendition of vowel sounds
(lower frequencies) that make up good speech reproduction.
With a single cable connecting it to the main unit (including audio, power and ISDN signals), the subwoofer
eliminates problematic cabling that would otherwise have to run all the way up to the set-top.
The subwoofer can be disabled if the installation calls for specialized audio in a conference room.
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Microphones
The VSX 7000 microphone is a sophisticated device designed specifically for videoconferencing applications; it
electronically locates the person speaking anywhere within a full 360oradius. It also includes Polycom’s
exclusive mute control, with serves as a button to mute the audio as well as an indicator of the system’s mute
status.
Up to 3 microphones can be used with a VSX 7000.
Remote Control
VSX 7000 debuts a new Polycom remote control, which includes several buttons frequently requested by
customers, including: “Directory” key, “.” for IP addresses, and “Camera” for easy access to video sources.
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Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
Documentation Set and Software Media
The following documents are available for the systems:
Document: Available in: For use by:
Installation instruction
poster
Printed, Web Individual performing installation or adding
peripherals, etc.
Administrator’s Guide Web System administrators seeking more information on
configuration options, etc.
Getting Started Guide
(User’s Guide)
Web Reference guide for end users – good tool for
learning how to use system before going into
conference room
Software Release
Bulletin
Web Individual performing installation or upgrading system
– contains important information and tips on each
software version
3.2. System Input/Output
Video Input
The following are the video inputs available on the systems:
Input Connector Type
Main camera In set-top People
Video content
(for document
camera, etc.)
4-pin mini DIN People
PC/laptop
input on
Visual
Concert VSX
15-pin D sub Content
VCR RCA People
Video output
The systems’ main monitor is an NTSC/PAL display. In addition, an Additional Display Adaptor Kit is available,
allowing for a dual monitor set-up on NTSC/PAL or SVGA/XGA.
The following are the video outputs available on the systems:
•Main display: NTSC/PAL (4-pin mini DIN)
•Dual display: NTSC/PAL (4-pin mini DIN) or SVGA/XGA (15-pin D sub)
•VCR output (RCA)
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
Audio Input
The following are the audio inputs available on the various systems:
Input For Connector
Microphone
connection
(Polycom digital
interface)
Microphone Polycom-
provided
Laptop audio input
(on Visual Concert
VSX)
Laptop/PC 3.5 mm phono
VCR VCR playback 2x RCA
Audio Output
The following are the audio outputs available:
Output Connector
Built-in speaker and
Subwoofer
N/A
Alternative line out 2x RCA
Peripheral Connections
VSX 7000 systems provide for very flexible configuration of peripheral devices. The following table lists how
various devices can be plugged in to the systems:
Device How to plug it in?
Document camera NTSC or PAL document camera can be connected to
the back of the system via S-video.
Extra microphones Up to 3 microphones can be connected to a VSX 7000
system.
Laptop or PC Laptops or PCs can be connected to Visual Concert
VSX via video (VGA) and audio (mini-phono)
connectors.
VCR/DVD players VCRs and DVD players can be connected to the back
of the systems for playback via RCA cables for video
and audio.
3.3. Network Interfaces
Interface Maximum
video rate
IP – 10/100BaseT
Ethernet
2 Mbps
ISDN QuadBRI
S/T
512 kbps
Serial/V.35 2 Mbps
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
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3.4. Optional Components and Features
People+Content (Visual ConcertVSX)
This includes software and a table-top pod designed to allow users to connect their laptop to the
videoconferencing system during a call and present high-resolution graphics, live motion and audio.
Multipoint Software License
The internal MCU allows the user to dial a mix of IP and ISDN or IP and V.35 endpoints using the internal
bridging capabilities of the VSX. This feature also allows a participant to dial into a call that is already in progress.
This ability is made secure by the option of adding a “dial-in” password. Four total participants can be in the call
at any one time.
In addition to standard people video, the internal MP supports People+Content functionality, which allows any of
the sites in the call (not only host site) to present content and have full capabilities.
People+Content is only available when other systems in call support People+Content with software version 5.0 or
higher.
4. Technologies
4.1. People+Content
Polycom’s patent-pending technology called People+Content is a radical departure from the traditional talking
heads type of videoconferencing. With People+Content, Polycom addresses the overall concept that people and
content need to be handled differently.
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
Four key elements describe how People+Content revolutionized the collaboration experience:
People+Content Traditional Videoconferencing
Experience
Resolution and Frame
Rate
People+Content ensures that the
appropriate resolution and frame
rates are used for content and for
people. Example, in a meeting
where participants need to view
content (like a financial
spreadsheet) as well as the other
people in the meeting, it is best to
view the content at the highest
possible resolution and to view
people so that motion is handled
smoothly.
Traditional videoconferencing
systems work within the bounds of
the standards for the quality of
people resolution at the far-end.
The result is that the resolution is
tuned for people and content is
compromised and often unusable
for participants.
Dual Images/Dual
Streams
With Dual Images, users can see
both the people and the content
live images simultaneously.
Traditional videoconferencing
systems will transmit either the
people view (main or auxiliary
camera) or a content view
(document camera, laptop, etc.)
Dual Display
Configurations
With People+Content, participants
have the option to see people on a
dedicated people display and
content on a separate high
resolution content display.
In a videoconference call, content
is viewed on a high-resolution
display (XGA) as is normally done
in a conference room. This means
that companies can integrate their
existing meeting tools (like an
InFocus projector) into the
experience.
In a dual-display configuration
people and content are treated the
same. They are displayed on the
main monitor. Therefore
participants see either remote
people or content on the main
monitor, not both. The second
monitor is used for viewing
snapshots or the near end. This is
awkward, not only for the far-end
participants, but for the sender
who has no way of knowing what
the far end is seeing on the
second display.
In a videoconference call, content
is displayed on a TV monitor
versus an optimal projector
display.
Single Focus on
Content (also known as
“What you see, they
see”, synchronized
content)
People+Content displays only one
content source at a time. All
locations see that content:
Imagine a point-to-point video call
between ABC Co. and XYZ Co. to
finalize a contract. With
More than one content source can
be viewed at the same time by
different participants. Imagine the
same two companies negotating a
contract. During this point-to-point
video call, both have their version
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
People+Content Traditional Videoconferencing
Experience
People+Content, each company
views the same version of the
contract. When ABC Co. sends
their version of the contract, both
ABC Co. and XYZ Co. see it. If
XYZ sends their version of the
contract, both parties see it. The
entire group sees whatever is last
sent, always focused on a single
content source.
When a user selects content, the
content is seen on all content
displays including the local display
eliminating the need to select the
local preview button. This feature
simplifies content management.
of the contract. If ABC Co. sends
their version, XYZ Co. will view it.
If XYZ Co. then sends their version
of the contract, ABC Co. will view
the XYZ contract. Now XYZ Co. is
viewing ABC Co.’s version of the
contract and vice versa.
Participants are never sure what
the other location is viewing. The
group doesn’t have one contract
on which to focus at a time.
When the presenter sends content
to the far end, the near end
doesn’t see it unless the speaker
takes the added step of pressing
the near-end preview button.
People+Content is supported on Polycom’s VSX 7000, ViewStation EX/FX/VS4000 and iPower
videoconferencing endpoints, as well as MGC multipoint servers.
4.2. Video Compression
Video compression is a critical technological component of videoconferencing. Under People+Content, VSX
7000 systems use different priorities for handling people video versus content video. The general rule is to focus
on motion for people and to focus on resolution for content.
The following table describes the protocols used for video compression on the systems:
People Content
Protocols H.264, H.263, H.261 H.263
Resolution QCIF, CIF (352x288),
SIF, 2x CIF/SIF (under
Pro-Motion)
For PC/laptop (with
ImageShare): XGA
(1024x768), SVGA
(800x600), VGA
(640x480)
Frame rate Up to 60/50 fields of
interlaced video (under
Pro-Motion) at 512kbps
and above
Best possible at given
resolution
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Product Reference Guide
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H.264
H.264 is the 3rd generation of video algorithm standard being ratified by the ITU-T standards organization. This is
advancement from the previous H.261 and H.263 video algorithms. The standard is applicable for H.320 and
H.323 calls.
The main benefit of this new standard is that it provides very sharp video images even at low bandwidth calls.
H.264 is especially effective at rates up to 384 kbps. At higher bandwidths (512 kbps and higher) H.263 with
interlaced video (Pro-Motion) will continue to provide higher, more natural motion with great resolution.
On all Polycom systems, the appropriate video algorithm is chosen automatically. User does not have to manually
set this before a call. In a multipoint call with MGC v5.0, the profile of the conference will define what video
algorithm is used.
Pro-Motion
Pro-Motion is a trademark name for Polycom’s implementation of interlaced video under the H.263++ video
standard. With interlaced video (a.k.a. 60 fields per second), both odd and even fields of a 30 frames per second
(in NTSC, 25 in PAL) of a live camera image are transmitted and rendered at the far end. This results in an
image with higher spatial resolution and better motion rendition, which is optimal for “people” views. The
alternative traditional 30 fps view produces some effects users typically perceive as “unnatural” video.
Pro-Motion on VSX systems can be activated as low as 512 kbps and produces a full screen image, rendering on
the far-end the entire image captured by the camera.
4.3. Audio Compression
VSX 7000 supports a large set of audio compression algorithms in the industry. In addition to a full complement
of ITU-T standards algorithms, VSX 7000 supports Siren™ 14, a new algorithm with a frequency response of 14
kHz.
The following table lists all algorithms supported:
Algorithm Frequency response Bandwidth Supported in
Siren 14 14 kHz 24 – 48 kbps H.320 and H.323
G.722.1 7 kHz 16 – 32 kbps H.320 and H.323
G.722 7 kHz 48 – 56 kbps H.320 and H.323
G.728 3.4 kHz 16 kbps H.320 and H.323
G.711 3.4 kHz 56 kbps H.320 and H.323
Siren 14 is the latest audio compression algorithm, delivering 14 kHz of audio response at bit rates of between 24
and 48 kbps. Polycom is the only company in the industry to offer such “super-wideband” audio capabilities,
which provides incredible audio quality approaching that of CDs and MP3, while maintaining a modest network
bandwidth requirement. With 14 kHz audio in a videoconference call, participants can better hear and
understand each other, while eliminating the fatigue often associated with longer duration calls under inadequate
audio quality.
Siren 14 is supported on Polycom’s VSX 7000 and iPower videoconferencing endpoints, as well as MGC
multipoint servers.
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
4.4. Echo Cancellation, Automatic Noise Suppression and Gain Control
In addition to providing industry-leading technology for audio compression, VSX also delivers several audio
enhancement technologies that truly help to simulate the experience of being in the same room with the far end.
These technologies include:
IDEC
With Integrated Dynamic Echo Cancellation (IDEC), true full-duplex audio is provided, so that interruptions and
doubletalk are possible without any of the echo and cutoffs heard on typical speakerphones and
videoconferencing products. IDEC continually updates its model of the room environment, so if the microphone
moves or the room is reconfigured, IDEC will quickly adapt and continue to offer full-duplex audio.
ANS
Automatic Noise Suppression is a technique that reduces the noise level found within the audio channel. The
ANS algorithm can detect the difference between a true audio signal (such as speech) and the background noise
caused by vents, fans, etc. Using the noise model that it constructs for these sources, ANS is able to eliminate
the noise even when speech is present. ANS can produce virtually noiseless audio for most meeting
environments.
AGC
Automatic Gain Control is another algorithm that greatly enhances the audio pickup system of VSX 7000
systems. AGC intelligently normalizes speaking volumes so that persons seated further away from the
microphone sound as loud as those seated close to the microphone. By using sophisticated intelligence, AGC
will keep the volume of a whisper low enough to stop it from being accidentally picked up by the far end, and will
allow a loud speaker to sound as forceful as desired to get his or her point across.
4.5. Far-end Camera Control
Far end camera control is provided via the graphical user interface and in the remote controls. Different
technology is used depending on the network communication protocol:
•In H.320 calls (ISDN and V.35), the system uses the H.281 protocol for far-end control. H.281 uses a low
speed data channel (under H.224) for the transmission of camera commands.
•In H.323 calls (IP), the system uses H.323 Annex Q whenever the far-end supports it. If the far-end does
not support Annex Q, the system will use a modified version of the standard which is compatible with the
ViewStation, ViaVideo and (in limited) cases other manufacturers’ product lines.
5. Systems Management
Two types of management can be combined in any given environment:
•Browser-based – through WebRemote an administrator can have access to any system on the network simply
via a web browser.
•Polycom Global Management System – allows administrators to manage their videoconferencing deployment
with a leading edge management tool.
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Polycom VSX 7000
Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
Browser-based management
The system’s Web server allows administrators to have access to the management functionality of the system via
a web browser. Any system can be managed in any of the 11 languages supported in VSX 7000 – for example,
an administrator in France can manage system in German in French, even though the system’s local user
interface is in German.
Complete system management via Web browser, including:
•Call control and Call Summary information
•System configuration
•System state
•Detailed call statistics
•Alarms
Polycom Global Management System
The Polycom Global Management System is an intelligent web-based system management software solution for
IT professionals to manage your enterprise-wide video communications network. Global Management System
has several components including: System Management, Global Directory, Software Update, Provisioning, and
Reports. Global management System now has the ability to manage the VSX 7000 products in addition to the
iPower, ViewStation®, ViaVideo™, Polycom PathNavigator™, WebCommander and any other third-party video
communication products with an embedded web server.
For more information, please see Global Management System’s pre-sales information.
6. Languages
User interface, remote control, documentation, remote control and audio keypad confirmation are all translated
into English (American and UK), Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Korean, Traditional
Chinese and Simplified Chinese. Norwegian translations are available in the user interface, the web browser and
the audio keypad confirmation.
7. Product Software Release History
Release 5.0 of VSX 7000 (October 2003)
•Initial release of VSX 7000
Release 5.1* of VSX 7000 (planned for November 2003)
•Optional AES encryption software license*
•Availability of Serial/V.35 interface module*
•Audio and Video Error Concealment*
•Conference on Demand*
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Product Reference Guide
October, 2003
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© 2003 Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications and information are subject to change without notice.
Polycom, the Polycom logo, ViewStation and Vortex are registered trademarks and VSX, iPower, ViaVideo,
People+Content, Polycom WebOffice, Global Management System, PowerCam, PowerMic, Siren and Polycom
PathNavigator are trademarks of Polycom, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective companies. * Polycom's application of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAAP) requires disclosure that availability of this feature is subject to change or cancellation