Interactive scorecard and NetResults: Videoconferencing
Every network is unique. This calculator lets you change the weights given to scores from our review to see which product might be best suited for your needs. Here's how it works: In each category, our reviewers rated the apps on a 1-10 basis. These ratings are then multiplied by the percentage weighting, and then added up to give an overall product score. Any score above 9 is considered "world class." For each category below, assign the percentage weight you think is most appropriate. The percent-o-meter box on the right will keep track of your weightings to let you know when you've reached 100%. When you fill in the last box, hit your enter key, and you'll see how the apps rate (along with our final scores for comparison).
NetResults
Conferencing Appliance Products
ViewStation MP
Polycom, Inc.
2584 Junction Ave.
San Jose, Calif. 95134-1902
(408) 526-9000
Fax (408) 526-9100
Web site
$11,999
Pros: Easy to configure and use; Optional software upgrade for multipoint conferencing over ISDN; Audio/video quality are highest of the pack
Cons: Requires a separate computer for data collaboration
Contact323 +3BRI option
Sony
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, N.J. 07656
Web site
$4,995 for PCS1500; $5,995 for Contact323; $9,995 for ContactME
Pros: Compact size; Easy to use; Optional multipoint conferencing on ISDN; Modular design.
Cons: Too many buttons on hand held remote interface; Awkward administration/configuration.
MC6000 v 2.01
VCON, Inc.
3001 Bee Caves Rd.
Austin, Texas 78746
(512) 583-7700
Fax: (512) 583-7701
Web site
$7,995
Pros: Multipurpose PC with advantages of an appliance type unit. Multicast capable.
Cons: Slow application loading; Poor video quality on full screen NTSC monitor.
Collaborative computing systems
MC8000
VCON, Inc.
3001 Bee Caves Rd.
Austin, Texas 78746
(512) 583-7700
Fax: (512) 583-7701
Web site
$10,995
Pros: High performance platform; Well integrated collaboration; Strong IP multicast streaming functions. Video is optimized for collaborative workspace
Cons: Collaborative applications not supported across vendors; User interface complex for single monitor configuration; Control over remote cameras is inconsistent.
VTEL Galaxy 725
VTEL Corp.
108 Wild Basin Road
Austin, Texas 78746
(512) 437-2700
(512) 437-2792 (fax)
Web site
$8,995 for 323 only; $10,995 for 323 and 3BRI
Pros: Attractive and easy to use hand held remote; Excellent quality peripherals; Appealing user interface
Cons: Poor performance; Automation take control of the system's settings away from the user; System size too large relative to today's standards.
TeamStation 5.0
PictureTel Corp.
100 Minuteman Rd.
Andover, Mass. 01810
(978) 292-5000
Fax: (978) 292-3313
Web site
$8,999 for base system, up to $13,999 depending on furniture and monitor options
Pros: High performance. Collaboration and videoconferencing are well integrated.
Cons: Over simplified user interface; H.261 video quality is substandard.
SmartStation BRI/H.323 with 5.02
P550-WC-1 (desktop add-on kit) plus 3 BRI Option board
VTEL Corp.
108 Wild Basin Road
Austin, Texas 78746
512-437-2700
512-437-2792 (fax)
Web site
$1,495 for 128K bit/sec add on kit $1,495 for add-on kit, $1,495 for 3 BRI option
Pros: Inexpensive; PC-based with well-integrated collaborative applications
Ships with substandard peripherals; Designed for personal not group use; Two separate applications required for ISDN and IP.
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