What are your favorite makes/models?

[jaybird]

:ph34r: What are your favorite makes/models of VC systems that are IP compatible? We are using the old PicTel Venue 2k's and would like to move into using IP (mid-large size rooms).

I'm currently looking at Polycom, Tandberg, and Sony.

[burt]

I am currently using The Polycom VS 4000 in 20 different locations and feel that it is one of the best codec's .

[CallOne]

I use the VS 4000 and the Sony PCS-1 more frequently than anything else. They are defintley my two favorite units for IP use.

[pbraatelien]

I will also add my 2 cents. I like both the Polycom and Tandberg units but have heard a lot of customer complaints about the reliability of the VS4000 (you will also see it here on the forum). Not the FX mind you, just the VS4000. Otherwise, given the choice, I like them both-you pay a little more for the Tandberg, but feature function seem to be almost identical. Ooooh one more thing. If you are going to be doing much presentation I much prefer the Tandberg.

[Entropy3XD]

TANDBERG! TANDBERG! TANDBERG!

[Toney]

And TANDBERG!!!
A little more seriously, depends on what you're going to be using it for (room system or desktop system). Anyway, I love the Tandberg 1000 for it's simplicity but my absolute fave is the Tandberg 6000 pizzabox codec. The 6000 can be integrated in just about any scenario (in conference rooms, auditoriums etc).

[Entropy3XD]

I'm agree with Toney. The 6000 is probably the most versatile codec out there.

[Granitboy]

We replaced old Picturtel by Polycom and we haven't any other kind of systems. Only 512 and FX.

Maybe Entropy3XD could send me a TANDBERG for a trial period! :D

[Granitboy]

We replaced old Picturtel by Polycom and we haven't any other kind of systems. Only 512 and FX.

Maybe Entropy3XD could send me a TANDBERG for a trial period! :D

[JoeAggie]

I'll just have to agree with everyone else. Although, regarding VS4000's, we've been running 4 of the Polycom VS4000's as gateways for the past three years and they have been extremely reliable.

I do tend to shy away from any PC based system. We seem to have problem balancing protecting the systems from virus' and keeping them open enough for viable H.323 connections.

Joe

[tom9933]

I run a pretty much all Polycom shop because I got tired of the vendors pointing at each other when a problem popped up. Realistically though most of the major players have really good equipment and most of the everyday stuff works well across the board. The biggest issues are when the new standards come out and it takes a while for everyone to get their systems up to snuff. H.264 is a great example of this.
Oh yeah and connecting to the legacy stuff is sometimes quite interesting, especially when you get those people that don’t know what the word update means. I’ll get off my soapbox now :)

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by Granitboy@May 6 2004, 02:19 PM
We replaced old Picturtel by Polycom and we haven't any other kind of systems. Only 512 and FX.

Maybe Entropy3XD could send me a TANDBERG for a trial period! :D
I am still kicking myself. I actually missed the bid on a Tandberg 6000 on ebay this weekend. It went for $690 (US)!!!! The seller was even local, so I could have arranged to test it in person before I handed over the cash. Oh the missed opportunities!!! The Polycom 512 and FX are great units as well.

[Morgan81]

Is the T6000 all that different from the 2500. I've never used the 6000 but I've got plenty of 2500's all over the place and never had a problem, except how to get a CTG mic to work with it's XLR connectors.
Anybody know the main difference? or is it just more inputs/outputs?

[MACC the AVCOtek]

More inputs (5 video and 6 audio) and outputs (5 video and 3 audio) and higher bandwidth (3Mbps IP, 2Mbps ISDN) supported. The 2500 has 5 video inputs and outputs (like the 6000) but only 4 audio inputs and 3 audio outputs. Bandwidth for the 2500 is 1.5Mbps IP and 384Kpbs ISDN.


I agree with all the other TANDBERG supporters. I think the TANDBERG solution is just better all around - more robust, more integratable, less 'Nintendo'. :D

[oleg]

More precisely to answer it is required to know what you need.
For example, my favourite car is ferrary :), but I have no money at present to buy it and it can't go there where I should go sometimes.

Therefore first of all will determine better:
1. How much money is planned to spend for it.
2. What will be required from it (only conference or something else - presentations, slides...)
3. What devices will connect to? Though tandberg6000 is great device but if you connect to Polycom that will buy polycom better

And all reasonings on that Tandberg better, Polycom better... looks like as
- My daddy is stronger. - No, my daddy is stronger.
- And my daddy runs faster .... and so on
If all was so simply peoples buy only Tandberg or only Polycom or only Sony .....

[vtjoe]

Ever get a chance to play with Tandberg Director?

http://www.tandbergusa.com/images/products/tandberg_director_detail.jpg

Web Site Tandberg Director (http://www.tandbergusa.com/products/video_systems/tandberg_director.jsp)

The integration on this system is awesome.

It is a fully loaded Tandberg 6000 (standard MultiSite) integrated with a Crestron DVP4 and a SmartBoard 3000i (67" rear projector). You can also use a Crestron iSys TPS-5000/6000 touch panel with system. You can control vcr, Doc Cam, cameras, etc,-- with the Tandberg AudioScience microphone in the mix and there is almost nothing you are missing.

If you don't care for the SmartBoard 3000i in a videoconference or need a larger image, Tandberg also sells the "presentation module" which is the Tandberg 6000 and DVP4 combined with a Crestron touchpanel. This system can hook up with an XGA projector (just make sure the lumens are high for front screen projector).

By the way, it is not cheap. However, if you were to buy the individual parts and do the programming yourself you'd find out that it is a real bargain.

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by vtjoe@May 27 2004, 03:52 PM
Ever get a chance to play with Tandberg Director?

OH YEA!!! This is one of the coolest VTC toys I have ever played with. You are right about the high cost. It is a good deal if you consider everything that goes into it.

[tonyi]

Well My personal favorite is of course the 6000, But My favorite product in the market has got to be the TANDBERG Director! hehe

[Honka]

I am currently using The Polycom VS 4000 in 20 different locations and feel that it is one of the best codec's .

I have to agree with Bert I'm a big fan of the VS4000, but I wouldnt rule out the FX.

[richhubb]

I agree with Tonyi, the Tandberg 6000 get my vote. The unit is very user friendly and diagnostics page(s) is easily accessible for troubleshooting.

[Glen Sykes]

best codec is T6000 by a country mile. T6000MXP looks to wipe the floor with everything.

From the feature set, to the user interface, to the way it's built, to the way it connects to external devices, it is superior in every way.

Build: Standard 19" Rackmount. Only moving part is the fan!

User Interface: Clear, concise, easy to navigate and Quick Keys are brilliant.

Feature Set: First to Downspeed, First for H.263, First for Dual Streams, First for Dual Streams in embedded MCU, First for H.264 (not H.26L Polycom fans), the list goes on!

Connections: 3 x XLR's are a godsend for room integration. Everything you need is on the box, not on several seperate boxes required to be added with a mass of different cables.

Only the IPower comes close to this awesome peice of engineering.

[jaybird]

Thank you all for your input! I didn't expect to receive but two or three responses.

I now have a vender trying to sell me on Polycom's new VSX8000. Has anyone run into this by chance? I'm going to look over the specs to see how it differs from the VS4000. As for the Tandberg 6000...it looks as if it was replaced by the 6000MXP. That may be a little more than I was looking for.

[Morgan81]

We use Tandberg 880 in all rooms without integrated equipment and could not be happier with the results. Just about everything I have to be better than hoped for. If you are looking for an integrated system, we use the 2500 (same basic codec as the 6000, just with one less BRI and mic input). That might be a better/cheaper alternative.
We've taken a look at a few VSX's (not the 8000 however) and have not been impressed. They are cheaper up front, but you get what you pay for, and I haven't found "sorry, but it was cheaper" to be a good way to explain why the VP's meeting has to be over audio.

[tom9933]

Jaybird,
We currently use the Polycom VS 4000 units and have been very happy with them. The only hardware problems I’ve seen at this point have been power supply related and are to date a very small percentage of the local population (all covered under warranty). The reason we went with the Polycom units over the Tandberg units was due to price (both upfront and maintenance), the end to end solution concept (this was before Tandberg had a bridge or gatekeeper) and most of our users liked the GUI better. While I agree that Tandberg makes an excellent unit I haven’t seen a noticeable difference in Audio or Video quality when placing calls with them. If you have the time I would attempt to look at the entire solution before buying a large quantity of codecs. I only say this because in the “old days” vendor interoperability was a big problem, today it’s much better, but there still exist some issues.
As for you questions about the 8000, I have a unit in my office and would be happy to answer any specific questions, but here are a few of the key differences. NOTE: I’m using a unit with the recently announced ver. 7 software.
Since the 8000 uses the new VSX architecture its interface is exactly the same as the VSX 7000. Other than the interface and the smaller form factor you will also see that this codec has all the latest bells and whistles like H.239 content, SIP, and Stereo Siren 14 audio. In addition to the built in VGA inputs and outputs the unit also uses a card slot for V.35, BRI and PRI connectivity (no more bricks). BTW I’ve also noticed that this unit uses temperature controlled fans so when operating normally the unit is noticeably quieter than the VS4000.
Hope this helps

[nirav thakker]

In low range whether Polycom Viewstation is better or Tandberg 550 , where customer wants only single point.

Also inform us how polycom viewstation is better than tandberg 550

[ITV-U]

I work in Distance Learning and we support units that are anywhere from 30 miles to a few hundred miles away. Our primary system both on our main campus and off-campus sites are Tandberg 2500's. Another department is using Tandberg 770MXP's. We also own or directly maintain Polycom VS's, including FX and 4000's. We use Tandberg's TMS to connect all of our classes and rarely have a connection issue.

I entered this arena working with Polycoms and the first rule was to reboot the codec if there were any problems. It is rare that we have to reboot a Tandberg.

Also, all you Polycom users throw up a hand for everytime the web interface has crashed in the middle of working in it. I have yet to have this problem with a Tandberg.

I prefer the Tandbergs because of their use of Industry Standards in both their connections and protocols. Also, I pay a little more for my maintainence agreements on the Tandbergs than I do for the Polycom, but call by 10 and your replacement is there by 10 the next day. In my field, that is the assurance I need.

[bbaum]

I really like the Tandberg6000 - except for the price.

The new VSX8000 from Polycom is really nice - built in audio in and outs for interfaceing to the Vortex products.

The Polycom VSX7000 is a little wierd (it's OK for IP) but if you are doing a T1 or ISDN interface, you have to have room for the subwoofer that comes with the unit, because some crazy engineer put the ISDN/T1 cards inside the subwoofer!

[trapehzoid]

I really like the Tandberg6000 - except for the price.

The new VSX8000 from Polycom is really nice - built in audio in and outs for interfaceing to the Vortex products.

The Polycom VSX7000 is a little wierd (it's OK for IP) but if you are doing a T1 or ISDN interface, you have to have room for the subwoofer that comes with the unit, because some crazy engineer put the ISDN/T1 cards inside the subwoofer!

It was a cool idea to share the power supplies.. and finally get rid of all those freaking power bricks!! I hated the FX PRI systems we had for that fact alone. That is certainly a welcome feature of the VSX.

However.. the design really only works well in a fixed cart kind of situation. I've yet to see anyone 'gracfully' place the sub anywhere. And since its not optional.. makes life kinda tough.

[Gannan]

If you do order a Polycom VSX8000 system... Make sure you order a microphone as the basic VSX8000 system does not come with one. (go figure)

[MichaelG]

Did the PicTel Concorde 4500,Venue 2000,Polycom and even MediaPro RSI 384
( So user friendly but cable messy )

Tandbergs still have my vote. Cant wait to play with the MPX :smoker:

[bbaum]

if you are using a VSX8000, you are usally using a Vortex or Clear One with some nice table or ceiling mics so the missing mic pod (That doesn't work that great anyway) isn't usally a problem.

[11B-33T]

Cut my teeth in VTC ops using both Tandberg & Polycom units but overall I'd have to go with Tandberg. BTW, we operate our codecs around the clock and the Polycoms seem to need power cycling quite often to clear glitches, hang-ups and gremlins where my TB 2500 has been up and going for at least 60+ days w/out a single reboot...

[Entropy3XD]

60+ days with no reboot? That is outstanding with any codec. Must be a record.

[Gary Miyakawa]

Unless it's a Concorde :ninja:

Gary Miyakawa

[11B-33T]

I need to clarify that the aforementioned TB 2500 was not actually in a call for 60+ days (imagine the ISDN bill :eek: . During that period we used her in H.320, H.323 PTP and bridged calls. The rest of the time was in standby/sleep mode.

[djackson]

Tandberg 6000 MXP. Best codec, worst remote.

[robertk]

Tandberg 6000 MXP. Best codec, worst remote.

I would say:

TANDBERG MXP: Best Codecs, Best Remote, Messy meny-system but still the best on the market... and I'm sure it will improve during the years to come.

//Robert

[trapehzoid]

I think Sony owns the 'worst remote' crown.. followed by the iPower remote :)

the MXP remote seems clumsy when you want to get all geeky.. but seems fine when you just want to sit down and make calls. I find my biggest problem with it is 'finding' things in the menus (settings wise) not the remote or its call usage.

[Entropy3XD]

We replaced old Picturtel by Polycom and we haven't any other kind of systems. Only 512 and FX.

Maybe Entropy3XD could send me a TANDBERG for a trial period! :D
I'll tell you what.......You fly me to Switzerland to hand deliver it, and you have yourself a deal. I spent some time in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel a few years ago. Beautiful.......just a beautiful country and the best croissants in all of Europe.

[MACC the AVCOtek]

Tandberg 6000 MXP. Best codec, worst remote.

You obviously are unexperienced with the Sony remote.... :cheeky:

[vtjoe]

Ok, so the worst remote is probably a three or four way tie.

On the flip side, I will give the Tandberg Educator MXP the award of Best User Interface.

[ITV-U]

I liked the "Classic" Tandberg remote. Sure it was long, but it worked well. Our users use more than two sources in a conference, so it makes it more difficult to search for the source instead of the button. I wish Tandberg would listen to the customers on this one...Come out with the old style remote option for the MXP's.