June 3, 1999---FVC.COM today introduced V-Station, the first integrated high-performance video networking room system on the market that delivers both high quality H.321 videoconferencing and MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 streaming video. V-Station is designed to complete an enterprise video networking solution for education, government and business applications that use video content in many forms-live interaction, stored clips, and live streamed programming.
A breakthrough in simplicity, flexibility, quality and value, the system has powerful videoconferencing features, variable audio features and data collaboration support, making it ideal for applications such as distance learning, distance meetings and telejustice.
Harrisburg School District in Pennsylvania has selected 38 V-Stations, as well as other FVC.COM products, to deliver interactive and streaming video for distance learning over their advanced ATM network. The district is using V-Stations as both room systems and as roll-about workgroup systems for distance learning experiences such as interactive remote classes, virtual field trips, and the viewing of streamed programming from diverse sources.
To facilitate easy setup, V-Station comes with all components integrated and pre-installed. V-Station components include a Zydacron Z240+ CODEC; a pan-tilt-zoom camera; a multimedia PC; a 29-inch VGA monitor with integrated speakers; a wireless keyboard; a balanced microphone; a roll-about system cart; MOS software; and all cabling, manual and instructions. A comprehensive phone book, automatic audio and data controls, voice call capability, and the integrated microphone and speaker system make V-Station easy to operate. Users simply stack the monitor and PC on the cart, connect the cables, turn the unit on, and assign an ATM address. The V-Station is then ready to deliver networked video.
This network-attached system uses commonly installed cabling, eliminating the cost of monthly ISDN charges and special wiring. When used in conjunction with a video gateway, V-Station can call any ATM, IP, or ISDN videoconferencing end point.
V-Station supports video rates from 128Kbps to 1920Kbps, and can simultaneously play broadcast or stored MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video from the network at speeds up to 15Mbps.
"As the leader in enterprise video networking, we commit ourselves to offering complete video networking solutions to our customers," said Allwyn Sequeira, vice president and chief technology officer of FVC.COM. "V-Station is the most full-featured end point on the market with both interactive and streaming video delivery in the same unit. The price point is attractive for any room system, especially one with this dual capability."
V-Station is available immediately at a list price of $16,500. Future versions of this product will support direct IP (H.323) videoconferencing capabilities as well as its current ATM (H.321) capabilities, maintaining FVC.COM's lead in multi-standard support.
About FVC.COM
FVC.COM (Nasdaq: FVCX) founded in 1993 by technology pioneer Ralph Ungermann, is the world leader in enterprise video networking. FVC.COM manufactures and supports a broad family of interactive video, streaming video and multi-service access products designed for high-quality video delivery. Integrated with voice and data, these products enable applications such as distance learning, corporate communications, virtual meetings and telemedicine to be delivered over broadband IP and legacy networks.
FVC.COM's OEM, distribution, and system integration partners include Bell Atlantic Network Integration, British Telecommunications plc, EDS, FORE Systems, France Telecom, IBM, Lucent Technologies, NEC, Nortel Networks, Telstra and other leading companies worldwide.
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