News - Polycom High-Definition (HD) Video Conferencing

Polycom Global Partners and Networld+Interop attendees first to see high definition video in action.

PLEASANTON, Calif. – April 26, 2005 – Polycom®, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM), the world’s leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced that it is demonstrating high definition video this week at the Polycom Global Partner Conference being held in San Diego, Calif., and next week at the Networld+Interop conference in Las Vegas (booth #2348). The high definition video technology will be demonstrated on Polycom VSX, the company’s flagship video communications platform. Polycom is also announcing its current VSX 8000s and MGC multipoint video bridges will be field upgradeable to H.264 standards-based high definition video. Pricing and availability will be announced in fourth quarter 2005.

"We are excited to announce this breakthrough technology as a further demonstration of our leadership and commitment to the investments our customers are making in the VSX platform," said Ed Ellett, senior vice president and general manager of video communications at Polycom. "Polycom has a long history of pioneering technologies that become industry standards – most recently with Polycom’s Siren14™ super wideband audio algorithm, which is now known as ITU standard G.722.1 Annex C. HD video is yet another example of our ability to deliver the ultimate communications experience."

High definition video conferencing offers an experience that is life-like in resolution. Today, Polycom VSX systems can deliver TV-like quality at rates of 30 frames-per-second and 60 fields of interlaced video, known as Polycom ProMotion™ video. TV quality is available at data rates as low as 512 Kbps, which is available in most home office and business environments. HD video conferencing typically requires data rates of 1 Mbps or higher. The VSX 8000 is designed for high-performance video conferencing applications and includes professional audio and video connections that make it ideally suited for these types of applications. As more meeting rooms install HD video-capable displays, Polycom will continue to improve upon the technology to offer HD video for more mainstream applications.

"It’s clear after today’s demonstration that Polycom continues to be the leading innovator in video communications technology," said John A. Rodella, CEO and president of RoData, Inc. "HD video will clearly enhance the user experience and will further advance the adoption of video as a mission critical business tool. With the combination of Polycom HD video technology, voice solutions, and networking infrastructure, Polycom continues to be the smart choice for unified collaborative communications."

What is HD?

HD is a logical step for Videoconferencing

• Usually referenced as 720p (1280 X 720 lines)
• Accomplished using baseline H.264 standard
• Should include higher resolution data sharing for complete HD experience
• Enhances the video and data streams of a videoconference

Video Resolution Comparison

QCIF	CIF
Pro-Motion H.264	~ 10 CIF

HD Enriches the Visual Experience

Higher Resolution

• Better Picture Quality = less fatigue
• Maintain attention and focus in meeting

Enhanced Clarity with Motion

• Crisper Images
• Ideal for Large Groups, Classrooms, Hand Motions

Colours are sharper and more true to life

• Critical when colour is a key determining factor
  • Education Content Providers
  • Medical Diagnosis
  • Manufacturing (textiles, raw materials)

More diverse types of content

• High resolution photographs (blueprints) and richer content

What is needed for a high quality HD Videoconferencing Experience?

• HD Video Codec  ideally with matched HD camera
• HD Display  minimum of 720 lines horizontal resolution
• HD capability at all sites participating in the conference
• HD MCU for multipoint calling
• HD Devices (Visualiser, Projector, DVD etc.)
• Bandwidth (Min. 1Mbps for Video, 2Mbps if data sharing)
  • Really will want 1.5 Mbps+ for best experience
• Quality of Service (QoS) for High Bandwidth calls

Polycom HD Endpoints

Complete Solution Developed by Polycom

• HD Codec, HD Camera, microphone, remote control
• Designed for industrys best overall HD experience
  • Highest performance Audio, Video and Content Sharing

HD Upgrade for Current VSX 8000 Users

• Ensures Investment Protection
• All Hardware (HD Camera), Software and Cables available as a single purchase
• Available in 2nd half of 2006

Polycom is committed to the entire HD experience

• End-to-End solutions including endpoints and MCU
• HD solutions for vertical markets
• HD content providers for education coming online in late 2006

Polycom MGC HD Multipoint

The Polycom MGC multipoint conference units support HD TODAY

• First to market with HD technology
• Supported on ALL MGC platforms
• MGC supports all types of conferencing , including HD (no dedicated MCU required)

The only true scalable solution available

• MGC-100 can support up to 90 HD ports over IP

No new or additional hardware required

• Software upgrade only from Version 7.03 and up

Enables all customers to be "HD Ready" for future applications

Polycom are sole provider of End-to-End HD solution

HD capability already available across MGC line

• The only real scalable HD videoconferencing solution in the industry

Protecting the installed base of video endpoints

• The HD experience will be available for VSX 8000 customers

Polycom will ship multiple HD solutions in 2006 and beyond

Polycom HD solutions are standards based for interoperability and optimised for end-to-end performance

Polycom is trusted today and will be the world leader for HD Video, Bridging and Management

HD Summary

Today Polycom delivers the best end-to-end family of videoconferencing solutions in the market

• Most complete, highest performing

Polycom will maintain market leadership position with complete end-to-end HD offering

• Designed to work together for optimal performance
• HD videoconferencing systems  complete with HD camera
• HD multipoint services
• HD services (i.e. content provider list)
• HD upgrade capability for current VSX 8000 users
• HD migration path for current MGC users

Bottom Line: Polycom remains the smart choice for HD videoconferencing