1. Polycom Video Communications Division
UltimateHD™
Polycom Video Communications Division

2. High Definition is typically limited to the discussion of video resolutions and frame rates. A discussion of UltimateHD refers to a much higher state, the combination of very best voice, video and content sharing during a conference. UltimateHD delivers the entire high definition experience, from initial delivery and control to ongoing service and support as desired.

3. Adoption of High Definition
High definition viewing started in theatres or professional arenas and included not only exceptional video, but also a complete high-end experience including Dolby THX audio, large 16x9 ‘widescreens’, high def projectors and an entire high-end atmosphere (lighting, seating, etc.).
As the cost of producing HD displays goes down, those displays become available for a wider audience, like consumers for their “media rooms” or organizations for their high end board rooms. Home theatres were less expensive but many included similar attempts for en enhanced experience with larger HD monitors and Dolby SurroundSound audio systems…
Eventually, HD displays will be everywhere – from small units to watch TV in a kitchen to the larger monitors in homes and conference rooms. Eventually, you would be hard pressed to find a non-HD display!

4. Adoption of High Definition Conferencing
The adoption of high definition video conferencing will follow a similar pattern. True HD video conferencing will be installed by A/V integrators into larger managed rooms (e.g., board rooms, C-suite, training facilities, auditoriums) – or into video conferencing venues that demand the highest quality A/V experience available (telehealth, medicine, distance learning, higher ed). Along with the HD codecs and cameras these applications will require greater available bandwidth and a network with solid QoS. These installations will typically require a higher level of IT focus because of the high visibility of the application and the requirements/demands of the participants using them.
Not only will the HD video conferencing system need to be installed, but the right audio experience is critical and appropriate ambiance in the room (lighting, furniture, etc.) will need to be created.
As technology becomes available to deliver this experience at a lower cost, smaller conference rooms, executive desktop systems, and other meeting spaces that are considered more mainstream will be enabled.
Eventually, all video conferencing systems will be HD capable, driving increased demand for HD video conferencing and easier access to high quality bandwidth so that those calls can be made from any conference location.
Right now – the industry is still at the higher end of the adoption curve.

5. Why Aren’t These Solutions Available Today?
Why? Why would we say that HD isn’t available in the Mainstream market now? Especially when some vendors are touting HD at those price points and for those types of rooms/users?
Because the raw performance to deliver true HD without compromise is not yet available. This includes: HD image resolution at frame rates high enough to deliver ‘business quality’ motion handling (30fps or higher), low latency (for natural conversation flow without unnecessary interruption) and enhanced content sharing required to deliver a true HD experience.

6. Business Quality HD Delivered Here
ATSC Requirements for True HD Video
Business Quality HD Delivered Here
The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) defines the basic formats for HD Video, including 720p and 1080i/p. In video conferencing, initial efforts will focus on 720p.
NOTE: 720p is NOT a video resolution. 720p is defined by delivering a specific resolution, 1280 pixels x 720 lines (progressively scanned) at a frequency 24-60fps (frames per second). ANY solution that does NOT deliver the minimum of 1280 x 720 with at least 24fps IS NOT ACHIEVING 720p.
Business quality HD is the basis for the video delivery in UltimateHD from Polycom. It guarantees the sharpest image resolution while delivering natural, lifelike motion handling that can NOT be achieved below 30fps.
1080p and 1080i are defined by delivering 1920 pixels x 1080 lines (progressive or interlaced) at 24-30fps.

7. Delivering UltimateHD
Another way of describing true HD without compromise – is UltimateHD. Let’s look at the components of UltimateHD.
HD Voice – Audio is considered by most users to be the most critical aspect of any video conference. If participants are seen clearly, but can’t be heard or understood, the video conference will most likely be shut down. HD voice includes all aspects of the audio experience and ensures that everyone in the room is heard clearly from any location in the room with minimal background noise and no voice echo. Audio latency has been eliminated so parties can speak back and forth, naturally, without unnecessary delays in conversation or overlap of speaking parties. And, and media played in the conference is integrated seamlessly into the experience in its highest quality format.
HD Video – HD video has been defined by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) as a minimum of 720p. Delivering 720p requires an image resolution of 1280x720 and a MINIMUM frame rate of 24fps (up to 60fps). HD Video uses the H.264 compression standard to deliver incredible image resolution and natural motion with optimal efficiency. But this isn’t the only video aspect that is important. Users need to be able to tale advantage of multiple HD cameras and other HD peripherals (HD doc cams, HD DVD, …) – and it all needs to be standards-based so that when the system is not in an HD call, it can call any other video conferencing system on the network
HD Content – for some applications, content in HD is even more critical than video. Examples include distance learning where the content is a space shuttle launch or tour of a museum, telemedicine where the content is a brain-scan, or x-ray, enterprise where the content is an intricate blueprint or piece of textile with specific colors and patterns. In all of these examples, the content being shared is critical and can only be shared at its highest level over video IF it is being shared in HD.
HD Infrastructure – a point-to-point HD solution will not provide an UltimateHD experience to the complete organization – the MCU and other critical components in the network also need to be able to handle HD traffic and work seamlessly with HD solutions. Recording HD calls will be very important in some applications like telemedicine, education and judicial arraignment – just to name a few. The ability to archive and show those recordings in HD is also important. HD streaming enables the organization to leverage the power of HD across a much larger population, enhancing the overall experience and increasing ROI.
And lastly – it is critical that any vendor creating and selling HD video conferencing solutions has a full suite of HD services including assistance with network planning and design, deploying and integrating HD solutions, servicing and maintaining those solutions, and training the end users on the features and benefits of those solutions.
…HD Without Compromise from Polycom

8. Polycom Delivers UltimateHD
Polycom is the only company that will deliver UltimateHD – combining the best of voice, video and content sharing with a full suite of infrastructure and professional service offerings. A complete end-to-end HD Solution.

9. Thank you!

10. “HD” Delivery Today

11. Invest in UltimateHD

12. Polycom: HD Without Compromise
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End-to-end HD solution – Polycom is the only one checked.

13. Landscape for HD Delivery
While Tandberg claims to deliver 720p – the truth is that they are delivering 1280 x 720 at less than 15fps, which is not 720p. 720p is specifically defined as 1280 x 720 at 24-60fps – and this is considered HD video quality.
Lifesize can deliver 720p, but does not have a complete HD solution.
Only Polycom will deliver UltimateHD now at 720p, 30fps and in the future at higher frame rates and higher resolution.