Polycom Announces HD Telepresence Solutions

Polycom Announces HD Telepresence Solutions with Cinematic Views and HD Surround Sound for an Unparalleled Experience

Polycom RPX(tm) HD only standards-based telepresence solution that can work with the million-plus video systems already installed

SYDNEY, Australia - February 20, 2007 - Polycom, Inc. [NASDAQ: PLCM], the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced new high definition telepresence solutions that enable people working at a distance to communicate as if they were all in the same room. The Polycom RealPresence(tm) Experience High Definition (RPX(tm) HD) telepresence solutions provide an immersive collaboration experience unlike any other with unique features, including full 2.4 metres or 4.87 metres HD cinematic views, Siren(tm) 22 kHz StereoSurround high definition sound, and EyeConnect(tm) technology that puts the camera at eye level for more natural face-to-face interaction. Polycom's standards-based HDX(tm) 9000 high definition video systems are at the core of the RPX HD, making it the only telepresence solution able to call the million-plus video systems already deployed on desktops and in conference rooms worldwide. The Polycom RPX HD solutions also deliver the finest detail and nuance of expression in voice, video and content - all over lower bandwidths.

RPX HD solutions provide intimate and effective communication and collaboration with enhanced clarity. RPX HD telepresence solutions are ideal for business applications where the details are important, including merger and acquisition negotiations, executive management of internal teams and outsourced vendors, hiring and training, customer and partner negotiations, research and development activities, etc. High definition telepresence is valuable to a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare/medicine, judicial, financial services and government.

"Walking into an RPX HD telepresence room is like being instantly transported to another location--the experience and collaboration capabilities are second to none," said Robert Hagerty, chairman and CEO at Polycom. "Polycom RPX HD systems erase the distances between teams, making them highly efficient and productive. Polycom RPX HD provides video conferencing customers with an interoperable telepresence solution that uses bandwidth efficiently, adds value to their existing investments, and a solution that can call the million other video conferencing systems in use today."

"Business relationships are increasingly global, but a workforce trapped on a plane is neither cost effective nor productive. The goal of telepresence is to create a sensory experience that communicates the full range of human interactions in a live meeting, which can address some of these challenges," said Nora Freedman, senior research analyst of enterprise networking at IDC. "Vendors can influence the value of telepresence solutions with HD technology and by enabling interoperability with traditional conference room and desktop video conferencing solutions."

The Most Life-Like Remote Meeting Experience Available
Polycom RPX HD telepresence solutions provide a "same room" meeting experience just like being there where remote participants are lifelike in size and audio and visual clarity. The RPX HD family of solutions comes in six variations accommodating four to 28 people. Each room is symmetrically designed and offers immersive collaboration where everyone can be seen and heard.

Features:
* Unrivaled cinematic views
* High definition surround sound quality
* High resolution content sharing through personal monitors
* Unmatched flexibility through Polycom UltimateHD(tm)
* 24/7 hosted services

Unrivaled cinematic views
While other telepresence solutions feature multiple 16:9 displays that appear as letterbox "windows" into another room, Polycom solutions feature large, integrated, and contoured video walls (eight feet or 16 feet wide) with seamless transitions. These walls deliver full cinematic views of the other room with up to a 48:9 continuous image which span the screens in true 720p HD resolution (up to 3840 x 720 at 30fps). This unique video experience is enhanced by a holistic room design in which Polycom technology blends the images from multiple HD cameras to create a single view. The miniature HD cameras (3 CCD) are strategically embedded in the screens using EyeConnect technology, a unique feature that allows people to look directly at the person they are speaking to for more natural interaction.

High definition surround sound quality
Polycom RPX HD telepresence solutions also feature immersive sound enabled through integrated ceiling microphones, acoustic wall paneling, high-fidelity stereo equipment and Polycom Siren22 (22kHz) StereoSurround sound technology, which delivers Polycom patented high definition sound quality in stereo for people speaking as well as for shared content that includes audio. With StereoSurround sound, when people on one side of an RPX speak, the sound replicates their position in the room, just as it would in real life, to the receiving suite.

High resolution content sharing through personal monitors
Also unique to the Polycom RPX HD solutions is the ability to send and receive all types of multimedia content in high resolution, as well as simultaneously sending both that content and video of the people in the room. Content is shared through personal content monitors integrated into the tables in the room, which allow each participant to view and share computer content with other participants in the meeting.

Unmatched flexibility through Polycom UltimateHD(tm)
Polycom RPX HD solutions are based on the Polycom UltimateHD architecture which is the standards-based foundation for the industry's only integrated and complete HD video collaboration offering, including video systems, video multipoint control units (MCU), HD recording, streaming and playback systems (for both video and content), integrated Polycom HD Voice endpoints, and related HD services. The Polycom UltimateHD architecture gives customers the quality, scalability, backwards compatibility and end-to-end integration they require.

24/7 hosted services
Polycom also offers RPX HD services in conjunction with its certified channel partners. Those services include RPX HD Video Network Operations Centers (VNOC), installation and maintenance services. The RPX HD VNOC provides a complete hosted management of a customer's RPX HD solution via a staff of telepresence experts. This concierge-level service includes complete call scheduling and suite reservation services, call management (including unlimited customer RPX to RPX multipoint calls), remote monitoring, and monthly reporting. The service ensures that a customer's telepresence meetings are always connected on time and the technology is transparent to participants.

Pricing and Availability
Polycom RPX HD rooms come fully equipped with technology, equipment and furniture. They are available for order today in North America, Europe, CALA and select Asia Pacific countries through qualified Polycom channel partners worldwide. Complete room solution pricing starts at AUD$369,000 ex GST NZD$419,000 ex GST for a Polycom RPX HD 204.

About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-355-355 or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at www.polycom.com .

Ends

© Scoop Media