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HD videoconferencing system runs Linux
2009-09-28 Article Rating:  / 2
Later this week, Panasonic Communications plans to ship a full HD videoconferencing system that incorporates embedded Linux and Nokia's Qt cross-platform development/UI framework. The KX-VC500 offers SIP-compatible videoconferencing supporting H.264-compressed 1920 x 1080i H.264 video over links from 2 to 8Mbps, and offers Internet connectivity, says Panasonic.
The KX-VC500 is aimed at a broad swath of customers in business, education, and manufacturing, says Panasonic. The device is sold as a bare-bones box without camera, microphone, or display, but can be bought with a "3-meter radius" microphone, and presumably with a variety of extra-cost Panasonic camcorders, webcams, and HD displays. The KX-VC500 runs embedded Linux on an undisclosed processor, according to Nokia's Qt Software, which announced the device as a design win for its Qt cross-platform development framework.  Panasonic KX-VC500 with remote and optional camera Following the SIP standard for digital voice and video communications, the KX-VC500 uses H.264 for video compression and MPEG4 AAC LD for compressing audio, says the company. Camera input via the HDMI port can achieve quality as high as 1920 x 1080i, with the same quality passed on across videoconferencing communications when using broadband links of 2Mbps to 8Mbps, says the company. Touted AV QoS (Quality of Service) support includes a bandwidth estimation algorithm, forward error correction according to auto rate control based on available bandwidth, and automatic repeat request technology that's said to reduce decoder error concealment techniques such as delays. The device also provides packet-loss algorithms, says the company. Panasonic touts the KX-VC500's ability to offer Internet connectivity, but does not provide further details on the available browser or supported features. The device is said to support multipoint mesh connectivity for up to three endpoints, with more multipoint features promised for an upgrade in 2010. Specifications listed for the KX-VC500 include:
Using Qt, which is being incorporated in the next version of Nokia's Linux-based Maemo mobile device stack, customers can develop applications and user interfaces once, and deploy them across many desktop and embedded operating systems without rewriting the source code, says the Nokia-owned division, formerly called Trolltech. Stated Junichi Iida, Manager at Panasonic Communications, "Qt's powerful framework translates to real cost and time savings for Panasonic Communications in the development of this ground-breaking new HD device. Having access to great documentation and the source code as well as support from Qt experts in Japan, allowed us to learn and start developing very quickly." Availability The KX-VC500 videoconferencing system will be available on Oct. 1, says Panasonic Communications, which has not yet disclosed the price. The company plans to manufacture 300 units per month. More information may appear on Panasonic's web-site, here, once the product ships. Related Stories:
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