Arrival of PCS-XG80 system heralds new era in high performance, high quality and affordable visual communications

Videoconferencing capabilities have today reached a new milestone with the introduction of the industry’s first 1080i HD videoconferencing system - the Sony PCS-XG80.

Combining 1080i high resolution and a high frame rate of 60 fields per second, the PCS-XG80 promises unrivalled live video quality for a very natural alternative to face-to-face meetings. Thanks to its backward compatibility, users have the flexibility to choose to connect with HD video quality through the growing number of affordable high bandwidth connections or with their older, SD legacy systems over IP and/or ISDN. In an industry first, this product also features BrightFaceTM, Video Annotation, and RF Remote functionality.

The PCS-XG80 is an expansion of Sony’s current HD PCS group systems lineup, and incorporates PCS-HG90 functions and features. From PowerPoint and animations to live DVDs, users can also seamlessly share PC data in HD at 30 frames per second. With the dual stream functionality this means that users can actually send two separate streams of live, HD information in parallel. Both live camera view and for example animated PowerPoint can be displayed in HD on two different screens or projectors at the remote site.

Featuring 6-site multipoint conferencing, users can call up to five other remote sites to simultaneously meet and multi-language support for 20 different languages means users can easily navigate through the menus. Wide band stereo audio also enhances the overall meeting experience for users with crisp and clear sound.

“We have drawn on more than 25 years of High Definition leadership in the broadcast industry to design a High Definition videoconferencing solution that is affordable and flexible, yet delivers an unparalleled user experience,” said Kees Hoogstraate, European Marketing Manager, Videoconferencing, Sony Europe. “We believe that the PCS-XG80 delivers the best available video and audio quality on the market for those large corporate organisations as well as SMEs, healthcare institutions, education establishments and government bodies that are looking for cost-effective, best of breed and proven communication technologies.

“In addition to the high quality and great performance of the PCS-XG80, we have also designed it to offer an unrivalled collaborative environment, where people can engage face-to-face, without incurring the financial, environmental and human costs of what is essentially unnecessary travel in today’s global business environment.”

The PCS-XG80 will be available for shipping from spring 2008, at a list price of approximately €7000 (exclusive of VAT).