LifeSize Passport

[smoody]

I just read about this new LS product: http://tinyurl.com/yzp7gr2

Can anyone share any more "Non-NDA information" about this product or the potential SKYPE integration?

Thanks much,

smoody

[jay23]

Originally Posted by smoody

I just read about this new LS product: http://tinyurl.com/yzp7gr2

Can anyone share any more "Non-NDA information" about this product or the potential SKYPE integration?

Thanks much,

smoody

I guess we will all find out on Monday

[VClover]

LifeSize Passport! - The system, which consists of an HD video camera, a remote controller and a codec small enough to fit in the palm of a user’s hand, plugs into any existing HD display, whether on the user’s desktop or in a conference room - Comes with Fixed and PTZ camera - List Price - $2,500(with PTZ camera - $3,500- list) !!

Another good movement from LifeSize!! ?

[anthonyj]

I just love the name, LifeSize Passport. Must admit LifeSize guys have christened this product really well. Ideal name for a device that can beam you across international borders without a visa.

[jwinterb]

Very interesting..

Does anyone know what the USB is for? From the data sheet it looks like it is h.239 (receive) only. Can the USB be used for data presentations?

[anthonyj]

Originally Posted by jwinterb

Very interesting..

Does anyone know what the USB is for? From the data sheet it looks like it is h.239 (receive) only. Can the USB be used for data presentations?

The USB is currently not operational, but will have some feature associated with it in future releases. So right now we can only keep guessing.
Future software release will enable H.239 transmit also through the IP network.

[Keisuke Hashimoto]

Very interesting.

Who could imagine back in 1980s/1990s that in 2009 we now have a codec that can be put on the palm of a hand? I wander what will happen in 2020?

I was, in fact, amazed by the small form factor of TANDBERG C20 codec but now again this time by LifeSize. I agree that LifeSize Passport is a good name.

I am also curious as to how Skype audio support will impact on videoconferencing?

I guess that these two things are new trends for videoconferencing starting from 2009?

Keis

[stancol]

Only thing I noticed that was surprising to me was that the PTZ HD camera that was pictured with the Passport is almost twice the Passports size. The article talked about putting it in your briefcase. I guess if you use the PTZ camera with it you have to have two briefcases.

Nice size though. Just wait until they have the camera in the same box that would really be something.

[Sean Lessman]

Originally Posted by Keisuke Hashimoto

Who could imagine back in 1980s/1990s that in 2009 we now have a codec that can be put on the palm of a hand?

The TANDBERG 500 was the same size and included the camera built in, as well as IP and ISDN. Granted it was a NTSC camera and not HD and the product was before HD chipsets were available since it was released in 2001/2002 I think? (been awhile) -- but you did say codec, not HD codec . But it wouldn't be impossible to put the new chipsets into that form factor and the optics from our smaller cameras.





Not sure I agree these systems are portable, at least not realistically. And if it is not really portable, isn't it just a cheaper version of the Express? If you want portability why not just use a software client? Software clients on the PC seem to be easier than carrying around a codec and camera and then fumbling around with your hotel TV (if it even has the right connectors). At least that is my experience (before we had a software client, I used to carry around a T150 in my luggage which has its own monitor -- still a pain to lug around).

Product is fine if cost is your primary concern, just not sure I agree with the marketing position. With a codec that small, I would promote its ability to be mounted out of the way (i.e. back of monitors).

[Sean Lessman]

Originally Posted by Keisuke Hashimoto

I am also curious as to how Skype audio support will impact on videoconferencing?

This is interesting, but for me more interesting to allow a videoconferencing systems to make cheap phone calls to add in participants. But the skype audio add in needs to be in addition to a video call -- can this device add a skype call to a point to point video call (I don't know the answer). Also, it would need to login with an account which implies this is a personal system and not a shared resource. Goes back to my portability comment, if it was truly a portable system (like a software client) it makes a lot of sense to allow for cheap phone calls especially if traveling internationally. But if the system is really just going to be in an office environment, maybe a small benefit for startups and very small businesses using Skype for business (although I personally wouldnt rest the perceived quality of my business on the inconsistencies of Skype).

Properly deployed ISDN gateways with a good calling plan for the PSTN network should give you the ability to make cheap phone calls from your hotel room back to corporate and out the PSTN hub - without the need for the user to have another set of logins to worry about. At least that is how we do it.

[jay23]

Since LifeSize Passport out puts H264, can any client play the video ? For example I broadcast from a LifeSize Passport and the other end has a PC with Flash player ?

jay

[Sean Lessman]

Originally Posted by jay23

Since LifeSize Passport out puts H264, can any client play the video ? For example I broadcast from a LifeSize Passport and the other end has a PC with Flash player ?

jay

My guess is going to be the far end must be a H.323 or SIP compatible client. You will probably need some additional gear to support Flash (like a streaming server).

[jay23]

Originally Posted by Sean Lessman

My guess is going to be the far end must be a H.323 or SIP compatible client. You will probably need some additional gear to support Flash (like a streaming server).

They talk about Skype but i think that's audio only. I wanted to buy a unit but it will not ship until mid November.

What I am trying to find out is , can it connect to a software based endpoint other then their own desktop product.

Jay

[jwinterb]

Hi Jay,

The passport is just like any other h.323 endpoint. Anything hat supports h.323 dialing should work with the lifesize passport. The only exception is that LifeSize has included support of skype audio calls and from what I have heard they are looking to improve their support by adding Skype video calls as well.

[orish]

Imagine the following.

Lifesize will of course add Skype Video into Passport. Passport is a H.264 hardware based system with 720p30. Lifesize technicaly seen COULD also add Skype into Room/Team/Express - their line up.

What is Skype? Skype is a 400 millionen user global adressbook and a 400 millionen user firewall traversal server.

Put this together - this is crazy. Through Skype video in professional videoconferencing endpoints every company does not need a transit/vc/vbp and so on with expensive licences. And you have the connection into the privat user world.

Then think of MCUs for mixing h323, sip and skype and management and control appliances for all these systems.