High Definition Video Conferencing:
The Big Picture
The Big Picture
Introduction:
Recently, high definition video conferencing equipment has been manufactured, demonstrated, and marketed by a growing group of vendors and is widely purported to be the next big step in the evolution of video conferencing technology.
Since the first LifeSize high definition systems shipped in December of 2005, industry has begun to adopt the technology and a great deal of interest has developed in the video conferencing community regarding the new high definition products from a range of vendors. In the midst of all of this activity, the video conferencing end user – particularly in the educational environment – is often left asking a lot of questions. What exactly is high definition video conferencing?
How does it compare with the video quality of other systems currently being used? What resources are required to support high definition video conferencing? What direction is the industry headed in, and what further developments can we expect in the future? The purpose of this document is to answer these questions and educate users, support teams, and decision-makers about the end-to-end requirements and possible applications of high definition video conferencing technology.
Additionally, many people will probably read this information and realize that high definition video conferencing is not something they need for the foreseeable future, but will have an interest in learning more about video standards and the different kinds of video conferencing formats that are available.
Background:
Over time, you may have read about various video formats, observed the statistics of video endpoints during calls, and seen terms such as CIF, SIF, QCIF, QSIF, 4CIF, and 4SIF. You may have also wondered why there are so many possible formats. The Common Intermediate Format (CIF) standard provides 352x288 pixels, or picture elements, of video resolution.
You may have also seen a standard called Source Interchange Format (SIF), and this method of displaying video provides 352x240 pixels of video resolution. CIF and SIF are the most commonly used video formats in K-20 video conferences today. For those who are interested, the CIF video format is actually specified in the H.261 and H.263 video protocols, and began as an attempt to come up with a compromise between the NTSC (US) and PAL (European) video formats. SIF, on the other hand, is mentioned in Annex D of the MPEG-1 video standard, and more closely matches the image format (aspect ratio) of the NTSC video standard commonly used in a number of countries, including the United States.
On some legacy systems, or while participating in MCU calls including endpoints that are legacy systems, you may notice the QCIF or QSIF format in use. QCIF, or Quarter CIF has a resolution of 176x144 pixels and QSIF has a resolution of 176x120 pixels, resulting in ¼ of the image resolution of CIF and SIF. These formats are generally used by video conferencing systems with very limited processing capability and/or over very low-bandwidth connections. Going the other direction on the scale, 4CIF has a resolution of 704x576 pixels and 4SIF has a resolution of 704x480 pixels, providing much better picture quality than CIF and SIF on equipment that supports these higher-quality formats. 4CIF and 4SIF can be thought of as improved definition video conferencing, but not yet high definition. These improved definition formats require call data rates between 256 Kbps and 1 Megabit per second (Mbps).
Also, even many modern video conferencing systems have very limited support for 4CIF/4SIF. For example, the Polycom VSX product line only supports 4CIF at a maximum of 7.5 frames per second (fps) when the codec is set to sharpness mode for a specific camera, so this feature would probably only be used for a device such as a document camera that supports 4CIF and doesn’t require the higher frame rates that make live video look more natural and lifelike. The VSX doesn’t have the digital signal processing resources to run 4CIF at the standard 30fps used for live video.
High Definition Defined:
True High Definition video conferencing consists of a video resolution of at least 1280x720 pixels at 30 fps at a call data rate of at least 1 Mbps and as high as 4 Mbps. You will generally see a ‘p’ after the 720, and that means that the horizontal lines comprising the picture frame are drawn on the screen in sequence (progressively) rather than in an interleaved fashion as with some other (particularly NTSC-based) video formats. There are a few high-end video conferencing systems now available that support the 1080p video format, but these are currently very expensive with limited application. Several vendors are working on more affordable systems that will support the 1080p high definition format and this equipment will probably appear on the market over the next few years. The image below shows a graphical comparison of five of the video conferencing formats in use today along with examples of screen resolutions for some commonly used devices:
The best way to explain this is to tell you that the pixels in different display formats are not always square and leave it at that. Generally, you will not have to worry about this detail in the video conferencing or computer realms, but it is good to be aware that some in some formats the pixels are square, while in others they are rectangular.
Resources Needed to Support High Definition:
One challenge of high definition (HD) video conferencing is the need to provide an end-to-end solution in order to effectively support and use the technology. There are a number of components that you will need to have in place and correctly configured in order to support HD video conferencing as follows:
The Future:
As mentioned earlier, various vendors can be expected to introduce a variety of HD endpoint equipment with higher resolutions and other features at lower cost in the future. Also, products will support more advanced features such as mixed HD and non-HD endpoints in calls, Continuous Presence support in HD mode, and probably additional features as well.
Additionally, some developers are already experimenting with far higher resolution video formats as well as optical media capable of Terabyte storage densities and displays that create 3D effects in an attempt to introduce a greater sense of realism into the HD experience. There are several items to remain mindful of related to these developments:
Even with today’s advanced algorithms and encoding/decoding techniques, increases in definition require considerably more bandwidth to support high-quality calls.
Higher resolutions and greater realism are expensive features that may or may not be worth the cost in a specific video conferencing environment.
With the monitor sizes utilized by PC users and smaller video conferencing room installations, the perceived quality improvement of HD video isn’t as noticeable as it is on a larger (greater than or equal to 32”) monitor with a wide, 16:9 aspect ratio.
Resources Needed to Support High Definition:
One challenge of high definition (HD) video conferencing is the need to provide an end-to-end solution in order to effectively support and use the technology. There are a number of components that you will need to have in place and correctly configured in order to support HD video conferencing as follows:
- HD-capable camera
- HD-capable video device (codec)
- Plenty of high-quality bandwidth
- Interfaces and cables that support HD
- Monitors and/or projectors that support HD (resolution, aspect ratio, size)
- Components that support all of the above at the remote site(s)
- In a multi-point call, all of the above plus an MCU that supports HD and is configured/enabled as required
- The codec will need to be backward compatible so that it works with all the legacy video equipment out there!
- Once users become accustomed to HD, better audio components and stereo capability may be needed to bring the audio up to the same standards as the video.
- Although not true HD, improved definition technologies such as 4CIF and 4SIF may require upgraded equipment in order for you to take full advantage of their capabilities.
- Even non-HD video formats often looks better on a modern, high resolution monitor, because the anti-aliasing/up-sampling process used in newer monitors increases the perceived image quality
The Future:
As mentioned earlier, various vendors can be expected to introduce a variety of HD endpoint equipment with higher resolutions and other features at lower cost in the future. Also, products will support more advanced features such as mixed HD and non-HD endpoints in calls, Continuous Presence support in HD mode, and probably additional features as well.
Additionally, some developers are already experimenting with far higher resolution video formats as well as optical media capable of Terabyte storage densities and displays that create 3D effects in an attempt to introduce a greater sense of realism into the HD experience. There are several items to remain mindful of related to these developments:
Even with today’s advanced algorithms and encoding/decoding techniques, increases in definition require considerably more bandwidth to support high-quality calls.
Higher resolutions and greater realism are expensive features that may or may not be worth the cost in a specific video conferencing environment.
With the monitor sizes utilized by PC users and smaller video conferencing room installations, the perceived quality improvement of HD video isn’t as noticeable as it is on a larger (greater than or equal to 32”) monitor with a wide, 16:9 aspect ratio.
Supplemental Links:
tandberg.com
This document contains some interesting information about video formats as well as a description of Tandberg’s Native Resolution feature.
collaborationloop.com
This article addresses the topic of optimal viewing distance for different screen sizes and resolutions, along with other details.
polycomnz.co.nz
This document provides some information about Polycom’s HD offering.
Tour TANDBERG's visually-enabled office Videoconferencing Total Solution
Click to “walk around” TANDBERG’s virtual office. You can peek inside conference rooms, executive offices, and cubicles to see how everyone is connected through the TANDBERG Video conferencing Total Solution.
Regardless of distance, teams collaborate with staff at the airport, on the manufacturing floor and at home. Enter each office to see product detail on videoconferencing endpoints and reach onto the shelves of the IT room to understand the infrastructure that brings the Total Solution together.
Whether you are starting out with a simple configuration of two video endpoints or implementing visual communication across the entire organization, TANDBERG has scalable products that grow with your business demands.
Regardless of distance, teams collaborate with staff at the airport, on the manufacturing floor and at home. Enter each office to see product detail on videoconferencing endpoints and reach onto the shelves of the IT room to understand the infrastructure that brings the Total Solution together.
Whether you are starting out with a simple configuration of two video endpoints or implementing visual communication across the entire organization, TANDBERG has scalable products that grow with your business demands.
Polycom Video Communications Products
Companies worldwide are looking for innovative training vehicles that allow information dissemination to large and disperse audiences. Employees, channel partners, franchises and suppliers can all benefit from a quality learning environment without geographical boundaries.
The level of customer service and customer support provided by a company can result in a customer satisfaction, retention and referral. Using Polycom collaboration tools provides a personal, yet time-sensitive, element to support or service calls.
Hiring the right candidate for the job is key in any organization. But geographical boundaries, time-constraints and travel-cost limitations impact the ability to find the most qualified candidates. According to a recent poll, the hiring process takes on average three months. Hire better candidates, faster with Polycom collaboration solutions.
Project Management/Event Planning and Implementation
Any event or project – training classes, marketing launches, product rollouts or sales seminars – often require steps that are time-consuming, resource-intensive and expensive. From material preparation to schedule coordination to event implementation, Polycom collaboration solutions provide a more streamlined process for project management.
The most successful companies are those that develop and maintain strong relationships with employees, customers, partners and suppliers. Polycom collaboration solutions play a major role in managing relationships by eliminating the distance barrier.
Organizing training classes often requires complex planning. From material preparation to schedule coordination to class implementation, Polycom collaboration solutions provide a more successful process for developing and implementing the most effective training classes possible.
HDX 7000
HDX 7000
HDX 7000 Features and Benefits
HDX Series Administrators Guide
Ultimate HD
Key Features:
- Flexible, cost-effective, high quality communications
- Delivers UltimateHD: HD voice, HD video and HD content for extreme performance
- Perfect solution for a small to medium sized environment
- Internal MCU supports up to 4 participants in a single conference
- Advanced HD video technology, offers smooth, natural motion and sharp clear images for outstanding video
True high definition quality in a professional design. The Polycom HDX offers 1280 x 720 (720p) resolution with over nine times the video quality of CIF video.
HD video capture is attained with the optional Polycom Eagle-Eye High Definition Camera which provides high definition 720p video captured at 60fps.
Hear every participant clearly with 22 kHz audio. Amazing audio and rich sounds with a true-to-life audio experience comes from Polycom’s StereoSurround. Users can be heard naturally from the far end when the participants are separated on the left and right channels.
Share content with remote sites in unique ways, including sharing PC data and information from other video sources
LifeSize® provides a complete range of high definition video communications solutions that use advanced technology to deliver a true telepresence experience. Across our product portfolio, the one feature that doesn’t change is the quality of the experience. lifesize.com
High definition: An immersive, authentic experience
Telepresence quality high definition video and audio provides authentic user experiences. LifeSize Conference delivers stunning high definition video -- 30 frames per second and 1280x720 screen resolution. Get the rich interaction of face-to-face interaction and leave the confusion and ambiguity of email and phone calls behind. Share presentations, documents and multimedia with everyone at the same time, allowing dispersed colleagues to collaborate more effectively.
January 10, 2008
LifeSize Chosen as “Videoconferencing Company of the Year” by Videoconferencing Insight
HD video conferencing — almost like the real thing
Video conferencing may soon seem almost as real as meeting in person, thanks to technology being developed by researchers at Simon Fraser University and partners at other Canadian universities.
The high-definition video streaming technology was tested last week in an experimental installation involving SFU, Concordia University in Montreal and the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.
For 72 hours, live video was streamed between the three institutions in crystal-clear high-definition format over CAnet 4, Canada’s research and education network.
According to B. Ben Youssef, a researcher with the School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) at SFU’s Surrey campus, the quality of the image is vastly greater than that available with typical video streaming technology.
“The high-definition image allows the screen to disappear and brings the viewer into much closer personal contact with colleagues at a distance,” he says.
“High-definition video conferencing will enhance the virtual experience, overcoming the limitations of traditional group video conferencing with an increased sense of human presence.”
He hopes the project will trigger collaboration in art, design and technology with other Canadian institutions and build a network of researchers to explore the impact of advanced technology such as HD TV and HD video on time and space.
LifeSize® provides a complete range of high definition video communications solutions that use advanced technology to deliver a true telepresence experience. Across our product portfolio, the one feature that doesn’t change is the quality of the experience. - Video
Choose your video system based on the features you want without jeopardizing the HD quality experience. LifeSize offers a complete range of high definition video communications solutions with telepresence quality. - Audio
An authentic telepresence experience requires high definition audio. LifeSize® Phone™ is the high definition audio conference phone that delivers revolutionary audio conferencing sound quality and room coverage. - Infrastructure
LifeSize offers a variety of hardware insfrastructure solutions for high definition video and audio deployments. Products include secure firewall/NAT traversal, ISDN to IP Gateway, and 12 and 24-port high definition Multipoint Control Units. - Management
LifeSize systems are designed to be IT friendly with plug-and-play installation and simple, intuitive operation. Our products offer intelligent management solutions for your video communication systems. - Accessories
LifeSize systems are designed for maximum flexibility and ease of use. LifeSize offers accessories to enhance your system and increase your deployment options.
High definition: An immersive, authentic experience
Telepresence quality high definition video and audio provides authentic user experiences. LifeSize Conference delivers stunning high definition video -- 30 frames per second and 1280x720 screen resolution. Get the rich interaction of face-to-face interaction and leave the confusion and ambiguity of email and phone calls behind. Share presentations, documents and multimedia with everyone at the same time, allowing dispersed colleagues to collaborate more effectively.
January 10, 2008
LifeSize Chosen as “Videoconferencing Company of the Year” by Videoconferencing Insight
January 10, 2008
LifeSize Receives INTERNET TELEPHONY Magazine’s 10th Annual Product of the Year Award
HD video conferencing — almost like the real thing
Video conferencing may soon seem almost as real as meeting in person, thanks to technology being developed by researchers at Simon Fraser University and partners at other Canadian universities.
The high-definition video streaming technology was tested last week in an experimental installation involving SFU, Concordia University in Montreal and the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.
For 72 hours, live video was streamed between the three institutions in crystal-clear high-definition format over CAnet 4, Canada’s research and education network.
According to B. Ben Youssef, a researcher with the School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) at SFU’s Surrey campus, the quality of the image is vastly greater than that available with typical video streaming technology.
“The high-definition image allows the screen to disappear and brings the viewer into much closer personal contact with colleagues at a distance,” he says.
“High-definition video conferencing will enhance the virtual experience, overcoming the limitations of traditional group video conferencing with an increased sense of human presence.”
He hopes the project will trigger collaboration in art, design and technology with other Canadian institutions and build a network of researchers to explore the impact of advanced technology such as HD TV and HD video on time and space.
sfu.ca
