Polycom the world’s leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today introduced the Polycom VSX™ 8000 series, the most powerful video conferencing systems for the needs of systems integrators. Based on the award-winning Polycom VSX architecture, the VSX 8000 series offers a small, rack-mountable solution that includes expansive options for integrating video communications into large conference rooms, educational settings or other integrated custom-room environments. The Polycom VSX 8000 series ships with VSX software Release 7.0 announced today (see related announcement today titled: “Polycom Delivers First “Surround” Stereo, Conference Phone/Video Integration and SIP Video for Award-Winning VSX Line”)

“The Polycom VSX 8000 offers exactly what we were looking for - incredible audio and video quality, professional connector capabilities, a small form factor, and integrated high-resolution data sharing capabilities for custom-room environments,” said Jerry Connolly, technical engineer with SPL Integrated Systems, a national systems integrator. “The flexible system works great out-of-the-box and the integration with Polycom SoundStation VTX 1000™ conference phones enables truly unique telephone dialing that is simple and intuitive for users. Polycom has impressed us once again with this new best-in-class system.”

“The VSX 8000 is an impressive system that represents a quantum leap for video systems in terms of quality, ease of use and overall performance,” said Dave Horn, conferencing services manager with Entergy. “The professional connector capabilities make the system easier to integrate into larger rooms and the customizable interface is great for adapting the system to the specific needs of users. We are a Nortel Networks shop and the SIP support for the Nortel Networks Multimedia Communication Server systems is also an important consideration for our future planning and development.

”Polycom VSX 8000 series – the most powerful video conferencing systems. The Polycom VSX 8000 series is designed based on integrator requirements with unique features including professional video connectors and Phoenix audio connectors with balanced line-level input, and industry-first integration options with Polycom Vortex® installed-room voice systems, Polycom SoundStation VTX 1000 wideband conference phones, and leading conference room control systems such as Crestron and AMX controllers.

“The VSX 8000 sets a new standard as the most powerful, feature-rich system for the needs of systems integrators,” said Ed Ellett, senior vice president and general manager of video communications at Polycom. “We listened to customers and delivered a system that is receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who have tested it. The VSX 8000 also delivers unprecedented investment protection. It is designed with ample horsepower, which combined with the underlying Polycom VSX architecture enables us to continue to deliver unrivaled performance, integration and convergence with solutions from Polycom and our leading technology partners.”

Polycom VSX 8000 system capabilities include:

• Highest audio quality available –Patent-pending 14 KHz Polycom® StereoSurround™ technology for wideband stereo sound that delivers greater intelligibility and multi-dimensional sound for the most natural conference experience.
• Highest video quality available – ProMotion™ 60 fps full-motion video, H.264 video for higher quality over lower bandwidths.
• High-resolution data collaboration – H.239 People+Content™ enables users to send and receive high-resolution content during a video call. Users have a choice to directly connect a laptop to the VSX 8000 or connect through a tabletop ImageShare™ device.
• Multipoint features – Supports up to 20 video and audio participants in a call with the proper configuration. Interoperable with Polycom MGC™ and other standards-based conference bridges for broader multipoint scalability.
• Multi-network capabilities – Support for IP and ISDN networks with a unique internal network bay that supports Quad BRI, PRI and Serial (V.35/RS-449/RS-530) network interface modules.
• SIP support – The VSX 8000 currently supports SIP interoperability with Microsoft Live Communication Server and Nortel Networks Multimedia Communication Server (MCS) 5100 and 5200 products.
• Professional-grade connectors - System includes professional connectors (i.e. Phoenix) for audio, video, Vortex, microphones and IR terminal block connections; as well as XGA input and output to drive flat-panel displays, second monitors and high-resolution content; and voice add-in capabilities through POTS or ISDN connections.
• Industry-first voice and video integration – VSX 8000 series systems are available with bundle options for instant integration with Polycom Vortex installed-room voice systems, or Polycom SoundStation VTX 1000 wideband conference phones, which enables users to dial video calls from the phone or add voice participants.
• Off-the-shelf controller integration – The system features two serial data ports for AMX or Crestron control panels, Vortex voice products integration, auxiliary camera control or as a communication port for serial data (i.e. medical devices).
• Investment protection – The VSX 8000 series is equipped with added processing power to support future functionality and system expansion to ensure continued leading-edge performance.

• Polycom VSX 8800 – Polycom’s most powerful videoconferencing system includes video codec and remote, H.239 People+Content with ImageShare, PowerCam™ Plus camera and a high-fidelity speaker kit and two VSX microphones for optimal quality audio with Polycom StereoSurround.
• Polycom VSX 8400 – A powerful videoconferencing system with numerous rear panel connectors includes video codec and remote, H.239 People+Content with ImageShare, PowerCam camera and VSX microphones.
• Polycom VSX 8000 – A video codec designed for integrators – includes a handheld remote control.

• Polycom VSX 7800 – Polycom’s most advanced set top videoconferencing system includes mixed IP/ISDN multipoint capability; high-resolution H.239 People+Content with VisualConcert™ VSX, Second Display Adaptor and a high-fidelity speaker kit and two VSX microphones for optimal quality audio with Polycom StereoSurround.