Anytime, anywhere
For Ohio State research engineer, value of ViaVideo is ability to make quality video calls whenever you want.

Dr. Bob Dixon, the chief research engineer for Ohio State in the office of the CIO, was invited by Polycom to participate in the beta testing of ViaVideo, the world's first integrated desktop video communications appliance that delivers business-quality, interactive video and voice communications from a desktop or laptop PC with a broadband connection. The appliance simply plugs into a desktop or laptop PC via the universal serial bus (USB) port.

Polycom approached Dr. Dixon because of his video communications expertise and his knowledge of networking and technology. In addition, Polycom wanted to test ViaVideo in an education environment like Ohio State University with its myriad of applications and opportunities for video communications.

Ohio State uses other Polycom video communications systems for applications such as telemedicine with great success. Its Department of Surgery sends real-time video to classrooms and other hospitals so students can observe, learn and in some cases assist with medical procedures. The university also uses videoconferencing for collaboration, allowing geographically dispersed students and advisors to meet regularly despite being located in different states.

"ViaVideo," Dr. Dixon says, "will be especially helpful to professors and advisors who can now use their PCs and laptops to hold conferences right from their offices or on the road."
 

After testing ViaVideo for two months, Dr. Dixon believes the appliance, which began shipping worldwide in September 2000, is a wonderful new addition to the market.

"The new USB approach like ViaVideo's offers something totally new to video communications," Dr. Dixon says. "Other systems require that you take apart your PC and install a card, but the average person is just not willing or able to do that. All you have to do with ViaVideo is plug it in and place it on top of your monitor. The quality is fantastic and it costs less than any USB product on the market. It's the smallest, the least expensive, and the only one you can hold in your hand." In addition to high performance, ease of use and a low price point, ViaVideo represents a key technology breakthrough by enabling business-quality, two-way video and audio communications from a desktop or laptop PC with a broadband connection.

"Now you can hold a videoconference from anywhere in the world," says Dr. Dixon. "All you need is ViaVideo, a PC and a high-speed Internet connection like DSL (digital subscriber service) or a cable modem. The Internet lets you do it yourself without any special set-ups or networks. Like a telephone, ViaVideo is a tool you can use whenever and wherever you choose."

Small enough to fit in a person's hand, ViaVideo's breakthrough design combines a high-performance multimedia processor and camera into a compact, single unit. To make the device even easier to use, ViaVideo works by simply plugging into the USB port, and requires only a basic software installation and connection to a high-speed broadband network, such as DSL, cable modem or LAN. ViaVideo also features an integrated microphone and Polycom's state-of-the-art, full-duplex Acoustic Clarity Technology™ (ACT), giving the video calls crystal-clear voice quality with echo cancellation. The product sells for a manufacturers' suggested resale price (MSRP) of $599.

Dr. Dixon, who travels to universities all over the country giving lectures on video communications technology, demonstrated ViaVideo at a recent workshop. Afterward, he reports that audience members were so impressed and excited that a number of them wanted to buy it on the spot.

"I demonstrated the product as the newest device for the Internet," says Dr. Dixon. "They all thought it was wonderful. It's so inexpensive and easy to use that they are ready to start using it now."