“The proper design and integration of a videoconferencing system requires time, coordination and communication upfront,” notes Fred Grob, design engineer (CTS-D) for AVI-SPL. “Aside from the technology, there are many other parts to the puzzle. It’s important that collaboration takes place between the AV system designer, interior designer and architect on several key points.”

These key points include:

• Ceiling type and height. There are many reasons that these factors are a primary concern, as they effect: speaker type, possible sound wave reflections problems, VTC light fixtures and placement. These are crucial factors in ensuring the quality of viewed images.
• Upholstery and lighting. A qualified and experienced AV system designer will be able to communicate with the interior designer and help choose upholstery patterns that the camera can easily pick-up and transmit, or choosing paint colors and scheme that complement the lighting. Recommendations need to be made regarding wall fabrics and decoration, as this will have a very positive or negative effect on the acoustics of the room.
• Furniture. Aside from the electronics that make up the VTC system, another huge cost is the table. This can often be the most expensive single item in the room. The layout of the table, display(s), and camera(s) has to be such that every participant has an unobstructed site line with the display(s) and camera(s).
• Microphone positioning. Another factor to discuss regarding the table is microphones and location. For example, is it feasible to have them cut into the table? Or, are ceiling microphones that automatically drop down from the ceiling more appropriate and functional?
• Ambient noise. This is another important consideration in the room. The biggest culprit of noise pollution is most often the HVAC system. In this case, the AV system designer will need to work with the MEP engineer to help create a quiet HVAC system.

Click here to learn more about videoconferencing. »

Avoid the 3 common pitfalls of expanding your video conference setup beyond the boardroom.

The financial badminton match between Cisco and TANDBERG seems to be drawing to a close. Cisco has once again revised its offer (which is now up to around $3.4B) to purchase the videoconferencing leader, placing the birdie back in TANDBERG shareholders’ court. In addition to increasing the cash offer, Cisco has also offered to increase the interest payable on the offer price to a rate of 3.00% from its previous offer of 1.75%. According to a news release by Cisco, “this revised offer represents Cisco’s final price for this transaction.”

A total of more than 30% of shareholders have pre-accepted this offer based on the new price. These, combined with the previously announced acceptances, push the total to more than 40% acceptance of the sale. The rest of TANDBERG’s shareholders have until Dec. 1 to make a final decision.

Like many others in the AV industry, we’ll be watching from the sidelines, waiting for the birdie to fall.

To read Cisco’s full release, click here.

Comments from AVI-SPL’s Mike Brandofino, executive vice president of VTC and unified collaborations:

The video industry received another jolt today with the announcement that LifeSize® is being acquired by Logitech®. The interesting thing about this move is that Logitech is traditionally viewed as a consumer products provider, issuing a clear indication that many in the business world feel video communications is nearing the tipping point for wide-scale adoption. LifeSize recently announced it added connectivity to Skype , which is a clear tie into the low-end consumer market. It isn’t too far reaching to see Logitech try to expand its offerings, moving upstream into the SMB space to provide consumers and businesses with a natural progression from low-end, low quality PC-based video to a full line of LifeSize products. Stay tuned, Polycom is the lone independent player in the space , it will be interesting to see for how long. >Click here, to read more about the acquisition. »

What are your thoughts on the Logitech-LifeSize deal?

Click here to learn more about videoconferencing from AVI-SPL. »

TANDBERG ’s shareholders thought $3 billion was too low of a bid to purchase the videoconferencing technology leader. It was originally reported that Cisco purchased TANDBERG in early October. Some analysts are saying Cisco has funds to increase the offer. Maybe Cisco will just purchase a smaller share? How does this affect Polycom and other TANDBERG competitors?

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Polycom recognizes AVI-SPL for industry-leading performance during Infocomm 2009 industry event

TAMPA, Fla. and ORLANDO, Fla. – June 18, 2009 – AVI-SPL, the worlds largest AV integrator, today announced it was named Integrator of the Year by Polycom, Inc., the global leader in telepresence, video and voice communications solutions. The award was given in conjunction with the Infocomm 2009 conference and expo taking place June 17-19 in Orlando, Fla., and recognizes AVI-SPL for its outstanding sales performance and excellence in meeting customer solution, service and support needs.

“This is an exciting time for resellers in the communications and collaboration market as today’s solutions can dramatically impact the performance and competitiveness of their customers’ business across industries,” said Mark Roberts, vice president, partner marketing, Polycom. “Polycom is proud to be represented by AVI-SPL which has demonstrated continued excellence in meeting customer needs.”

AVI-SPL and Polycom work closely together to bring their customers the latest video and teleconferencing technology. AVI-SPL integrates Polycom products into its major AV installation projects for its cutting edge technology, reliability and support.

Polycom, Inc. is the global leader in telepresence, video, and voice solutions and a visionary in communications that empower people to connect and collaborate everywhere. Please visit www.polycom.com for more informaton.

 Click here for more information on the AVI-SPL, Polycom partnership

By Margaret Cashill | Tampa Bay Business Journal

Published on December 5, 2008

If you have only seen video teleconferencing technology in the movies, chances are you will see your image on a monitor sooner than you think.

As the economy contracts, businesses and government agencies are curtailing travel. AVI-SPL Inc. facilitates face-to-face interaction between associates in different cities by designing, installing and servicing video teleconferencing equipment and other collaborative technologies.

Click here for the complete article »