Newbie Question

[menorpro]

I'm considerring buying a used Viewstation 512 for use mostly to single point destinations.
Is there any special considerations I should look out for?
Does this unit work over an ISDN line without any special adaptors?
If not, what is needed to make it work over a ISDN line?
Thank you! :-)

[mazzarak]

welcome to the forum Menorpro! When you get the Viewstation it should come with a Quad BRI box (IMUX), and you plug the ISDN lines into the box at one end, and the floor at the other. You can also plug a LAN cable in for IP calls, and it will let you choose which you prefer.

hope this helps for starters. Viewstation 512s are good little systems!

Andy

[CamSys]

I have to recommend that, if at all possible, use IP-based connections instead of ISDN. You're going to save a load of money that way.

If you need help, email me.

CamSys
cmhutch@gmail.com

[vtjoe]

menorpro, depending on where you are, IP might not be an option. Don't plan on IP working until you have tested it on your network or talked to your network admin. Also, don't plan on IP working for who you are connecting to. We are still in an ISDN world. There are only a few people who can do all IP and be happy all of the time.

The 512 is an old model if you have the cash, you should look at something like the Polycom VSX or the Tandberg 880 MXP. Specifically, you want to look at the Dual Video stream feature (also called H.239, Dual Video, DuoVideo, People+Content). This feature is great for sendig a PC image (like PowerPoint) and motion video (People) at the same time. Also, the newer models have VGA in/outputs. However, if you only want talking heads, then the 512 will work great.

[Sean Lessman]

...Specifically, you want to look at the Dual Video stream feature (also called H.239, Dual Video, DuoVideo, People+Content). This feature is great for sendig a PC image (like PowerPoint) and motion video (People) at the same time.
It wouldn't be correct to refer to H.239 and P+C/DuoVideo as the same thing. While the features are similar they are not compatible. I would not recommend buying any product that only supports P+C or DuoVideo, unless there is a clear software upgrade path to H.239. You should be focusing on the standards based H.239 as your go forward feature.

Also H.239 is also useful for sending other content besides PCs. How about document cameras?

Sean

[vtjoe]

Thanks for clarifying - but for a newbie question I didn't want to kill with details. I just wanted to point out that the 512 was "last years" model.

So, yes, Sean is correct. Here are a few more details. You want to go with H.239 support - Polycom mixes the terms H.239 and People+Content, as a Tandberg sales person I've talked to- but they are distinct and different. And the great thing is manufacturers that support H.239 still have compatability issues. So for a newbie it can be confusing.

If you connect to a lot of legacy Polycom products that support People+Content, this puts you with the Polycom VSX product line - as the Polycom FX/EX does not support H.239, but the VSX support H.239 and People+Content. If you connect with a lot of legacy Tandberg systems, you are still safe with the Polycom VSX because the Tandberg systems can be upgraded to support H.239 if they support Tandberg's DuoVideo. So, buy Polycom, hope everybody else has Tandberg. However, if you want a better long term investment, go with Tandberg product line. I really like the Tandberg 880MXP (with NPP option). It is a great long term investment.

None of these features work (H.239, high res options), unless you buy the option. It will either be a hardware add-on or software release key depending on manufacturer and product ($1000 to $2500). Also, you will want an XGA display of some sort. Hopefully your dealer will inform you about these options.


Also H.239 is also useful for sending other content besides PCs. How about document cameras?

You can always buy an XGA document camera, especially with the money you save buying a Polycom over a Tandberg :cheeky: . Sean is indirectly pointing out that Tandberg supports H.239 (and DuoVideo) on any two inputs S-Video, Composite or VGA/DVI, but Polycom only supports XGA for second video stream. This is great for sending two cameras from a Tandberg or a camera and a doc cam. Yes, Tandberg wins on this one big time. We have XGA document cameras in most of our new rooms, but they are not cheap ($2,000 -$5,000) so we still have a few "older" style models.


Good luck!

[CamSys]

All,

I agree that IP may not be available everywhere, but I don't want IP videoconferencing ruled out for that reason. There are IP-ISDN gateways from service providers that can allow for communications from an IP endpoint to an ISDN endpoint. Its simple to use, and in the long run, much less expensive to use a gateway rather than a ISDN connection the whole time.

My 2 cents,
CamSys

[vtjoe]

All,

I agree that IP may not be available everywhere, but I don't want IP videoconferencing ruled out for that reason. There are IP-ISDN gateways from service providers that can allow for communications from an IP endpoint to an ISDN endpoint. Its simple to use, and in the long run, much less expensive to use a gateway rather than a ISDN connection the whole time.
Good point, I agree not to rule out IP, but be careful of service providers IP/ISDN gateway. If you use a service provider ISDN-IP gateway, you have to have a decent IP connection on your side to start - not only bandwidth but priortization for video. If you have that, then go for the service provider solution.


If you do enough videoconferencing and have enough systems, it is actully cheaper to buy your own gateway and PRI line - hundreds of conferences or more a month. If you do less videoconferencing, then the equation changes.