Kaleidoscope Videoconferencing

We’d all like to think that every endpoint, MCU and gateway that we use in our day-to-day videoconferences strictly complies to the ITU standards for interoperability. Unfortunately that is not the case. We have found a relativelty new, and easily replicatible, issue when connecting between a Lifesize system and a Polycom HDX system running 3.0 or higher firmware. Stats will look good and the codecs will have negotiated to use the Siren 14 protocol, but audio will just be one way.

The solution:
A. Downgrade your HDX system to a previous software release.
B. Force the codecs to negotiate to a different audio codec. Lifesize allows you to change the order of preference for audio codecs, so this is the easiest solution. Go to Audio preferences and move all the siren 14 protocols to the bottom of the list.

The underlying problem:
Someone didn’t follow the standards. Which one? We may never know for sure, but it seems like Polycom has some issue in their code since changing software versions causes this problem to appear or disappear. Leave your comments/experiences/opinions below.

As announced on October 1, 2010, the final sale date of all Polycom VSX and V Series product (VSX 3000, VSX 5000, VSX 6000, VSX 7000 and VSX 8000, along with the V500 and V700 codecs) will be March 31, 2011. This presents you with a fabulous opportunity to talk with your customers about Polycom’s trade-in program.

Purchase new Polycom video (or wireless, desktop or conference phone) solutions and enjoy significant rebates with the trade-in of eligible legacy or competitive end points. Simply trade-in existing eligible competitive or legacy Polycom video, wireless, desktop or conference phone equipment from January 1, 2011, through June 30, 2011, and receive rebates on qualifying new purchases from Kaleidoscope Videoconferencing.

For more information on Polycom’s trade-in program, please contact Scott at 573-424-4254 or by email at jsc@kalvideo.com

Below google map of the various sites in Missouri that are either available for rental, open for educational programming (schools and non-profits), or otherwise useable and accessible by outside entities (for example governmental hearings, etc)

View Missouri Videoconferencing Sites in a larger map

For a legend and a feedback form for making additions or corrections, visit: http://ow.ly/3OZx4

Each major videoconferencing vendor offers a program to help schools and colleges write grants to obtain equipment; see list below. Often these efforts will focus on the USDA’s RUS grant program, which is highly competitive but has also funded lots of I-TV/Distance Learning projects. Getting assistance in your grant writing effort is a good idea and all of these vendors have capable people that we can put you in touch with. However, organizations should realize that if you have Brand X help you write your grant application, Brand X will make sure that all of your technical requirements are written so that Brand X is the only choice. This is the reverse of the normal process of securing fundings and then making a product selection. Instead organizations that use these services need to first evaluate the available products and select a solution, and then go to the maker of that solution for help with grant writing. As a dealer experienced in the usage of all three major product lines in the videoconferencing world, we can help you evaluate and choose the most appropriate technology for your applications.

• Polycom® Grant Assistance Program
• TANDBERG’s Grant Services Team
• The LifeSize® Grant Assistance Program