Sony debuts the world's first portable videoconferencing system

Citation

(2000), "Sony debuts the world's first portable videoconferencing system", Facilities, Vol. 18 No. 10/11/12. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2000.06918jab.001

Sony debuts the world's first portable videoconferencing system

Sony debuts the world's first portable videoconferencing system

The virtual meeting becomes a reality anywhere

Keywords: Videoconferencing

Never mind where you are in the world: if you have got an urgent meeting to attend all you need is your new Sony Mobile Videoconferencing VAIO and access to a digital phone line. The new system (Plate 1) is a fully specified laptop featuring a built-in professional quality camera, pre-installed videoconferencing software and an ISDN card that enables a user to videoconference from wherever they can access an ISDN line.

Plate 1 Sony Mobile Videoconferencing VAIO

The Mobile Videoconferencing VAIO has been launched as an entry level addition to a new breed of videoconferencing systems offered by Sony which are designed for the business executive. Eric Siereveld, Senior Manager at Sony Videoconferencing explains: "Our latest products fill a gap in the market between corporate videoconferencing equipment, which is generally permanently installed in dedicated rooms, and the cheap PC camera which currently offers a very poor quality of picture and sound. Our new products like the Mobile Videoconferencing VAIO and Sony Contact, our television set-top model, are creating a whole new market for videoconferencing applications – professional quality performance at an affordable price.

"We see huge potential for videoconferencing to become a real asset for companies which previously would never have thought they could afford it. With our new products they can revolutionise the way they communicate."

Siereveld concludes: "The combination of high quality video and the ultraportability of a laptop means that executives can find new ways to use their time more effectively and even create innovative services. For example, with a Mobile Videoconferencing VAIO, participating in an important board meeting is possible even if you were staying in a hotel room on the other side of the world. Combined with the increasing number of television set top systems found in meeting rooms, businesses are now choosing to communicate using video links.

"Consultants with precious knowledge who have to frequently travel on assignments could still be available for face-to-face briefings with important clients. The possibilities for this new technology are tremendous."

Sony predict that a combination of these high performance inexpensive products and cheaper, more accessible ISDN networks will stimulate a very large rise in the usage of videoconferencing throughout Europe.

For more information, please contact Sony Broadcast & Professional UK. Contact person: Jackie Cook. Tel: +44 (0)1932 816275; Fax: +44 (0)1932 817013; E-mail: jackie.cook@sonybpe.com