Dramatically Improved Audio, Collaboration Tools Support Further Increase in Video Adoption

Taking a major step to improve how video communication is experienced, TANDBERG has re-engineered its product line with a powerful new technology called MXP. This critical innovation takes visual communication into the future, introducing the industry’s highest quality audio, superior video quality, state-of-the-art collaboration tools and advanced multiple-site capabilities. MXP is based on industry standards and is SIP-ready to protect customers’ investments in video

TANDBERG is focusing on enriching the visual-communications experience at a time when a new wave of users is discovering that video systems are no longer simply a boardroom luxury, but a practical and affordable tool for increasing productivity throughout the business process. Video systems are also increasingly used to bring both participants and rich media into an environment of productive collaboration.

The new MXP technology delivers:

• Digital audio technology with true CD-quality sound and the dynamic experience of stereo. MXP embraces the MPEG4 AAC-LD standard ratified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• SIP-readiness to take advantage of future IP Telephony applications and infrastructure, extending the enhanced feature set of IP PBX solutions to video. With MXP the foundation is in place to work with leading IP PBX vendors as their SIP, H.323 or proprietary technology develops to ensure a streamlined user experience.
• H.264 support for high-quality video on lower bandwidth when sharing rich media while maintaining face-to-face communication, when keeping a call secure and when collaborating among multiple sites.An expanded embedded multipoint capability that enables up to eleven audio and video participants in a single call. All participants can link to the call at the highest quality supported by their video systems.
• Advanced display technologies to fully leverage digital displays and projectors. The preferred layout of participants and rich media on a single monitor can be selected with the touch of a button. Additionally, a digital video interface provides for accurate imaging.
• An easy on-screen menu is designed for first-time video users and to simplify adding additional participants and multimedia to a video call.

The MXP technology can now be found on TANDBERG’s portfolio for medium to large groups, including set-tops, rollabouts, portables and codecs. Additionally, MXP is supported by the new large multipoint control unit, TANDBERG MPS.
“MXP represents a critical breakthrough in video communications,” said Andrew Miller, TANDBERG’s chief executive officer. “Sustaining industry growth and driving customer adoption calls for a dramatically improved user experience. MXP makes video communication even more true-to-life through the best audio in the industry and the energy of real-time collaboration.”
In addition, TANDBERG introduced MXP on two new products that allow video to be accessible in new environments:

• TANDBERG Maestro turns projectors and large screen displays into interactive video systems. The Maestro, equipped with camera and menu display, offers true CD-quality audio, stereo and Digital NAM.
• The 3000 MXP delivers state-of-the-art features with a flexible codec for integrating video into diverse applications. The 3000 MXP is available as a codec, in portable and rollabout versions and has wireless capability.

Advancements in Scalable Infrastructure and Management Tools
TANDBERG also added a gatekeeper to its Internet Protocol (IP) offering, completing an end-to-end solution that includes a gateway, multipoint control units, video system endpoints and management software. As a rack-mount appliance, the TANDBERG Gatekeeper provides reliability and security. This scalable gatekeeper is built on MXP technology and supports up to 200 concurrent calls and 1000 registered devices. TANDBERG Gatekeeper works with all other standards-based MCUs, gateways and H.323 video systems.

The TANDBERG Management Suite (TMS) 9 has been expanded to support TANDBERG Gatekeeper and the MXP product line. The scalability and reliability of the new version of TMS makes it easier for administrators to manage and maintain their entire video-communication network as that network grows.
With these announcements, TANDBERG is set to transform visual communication through a complete portfolio that enables a rich user experience supported by reliable, standards-based and scalable infrastructure. All solutions, as well as those announced in June, were delivered July 12, 2004.