Sony Enters the U.K. Telepresence Market With a 3-D HD System

18 September, 2007 01:20 PM EST
Sony Enters the U.K. Telepresence Market With a 3-D HD System
Posted By: Rich Costello, Research Director - Gartner

http://blog.gartner.com/blog/comminn.php

Sony, in conjunction with videoconferencing distributors Imago and Teleportal, recently announced the launch of Sony 3D Telepresence for the U.K. market. The Sony Telepresence solution is described as utilizing three-dimensional (3-D) technology to display participants as life-size in appearance, live, within an apparent 3-D environment. The Sony HD Video Communication (PCS-HG90) system's built-in MCU provides true high-definition (HD), two-way communication in real time between up to four sites. The PCS-HG90 supports H.264 HD over standard IP networks up to 8 Mbps to deliver high-quality, HD video 1280 x 720 resolution at 30P and 60P. The system also offers wideband stereo sound. The price tag on a single, HD roll-about system with a 50-inch screen (available now) is about US$60,000. Sony Telepresence room configurations, specifically designed for the high end of the telepresence market, are expected to become available in fall 2007. No word yet on availability beyond the U.K. market.

Sony is a late-comer to the telepresence market, joining vendors such as Cisco, HP, Polycom, Tandberg, Telanetix, Teliris and others, but it could make a significant impact based on its high-visibility brand name and great reputation for technology. If it can also deliver the Sony Telepresence solution at a lower price point than the competition - an issue for many video customers who feel that the cost of telepresence in general is an inhibitor to adoption - that could be a key differentiator for the company's success in the telepresence market (see "The Gartner View on Enterprise Video", "Toolkit Tutorial: Buying Into Video Telepresence", and "Hype Cycle for Enterprise Communication Applications, 2007".