Codec Summary Table
This table is a guide to the videoconferencing codec products tested in detail by VTAS. It summarises the key features and hopefully will enable those interested to initially select which particular range of products best fits their needs.
The room size categorisation is an attempt to further classify system suitability taking into account video and audio inputs, camera inputs, monitor outputs, bandwidth and overall system facilities. It is recognised that this categorisation may not be relevant in all cases and is intended to provide a guide only.
- Rollabout (R) - Moveable trolley-based system with a single camera and monitor suitable for small groups
- Small Room (S) - Fixed system with a single camera and single or dual displays
- Medium Room (M) - Fixed system with a single camera and dual displays; may include second camera and/or room control system
- Large Installation (L) - Fixed system with multiple displays and cameras; probably includes room control system integration
Please see the Glossary for an explanation of other terms used in the table.
Having selected a shortlist the more detailed reports may then be read and compared on the Evaluation Reports page. The full reports are quite comprehensive as they aim to give enough detail to help prospective purchasers select the most suitable conferencing system for their institution. The "Best Buy" approach has been deliberately avoided as the needs, budget and usage of institutions varies so widely. If help or advice is found necessary please contact the VTAS Helpdesk who will be only too pleased to assist you.
Note: the following table summarises the findings at the time of each evaluation, and may not reflect the current performance of the equipment.
| Codec | HD, SD, HD/SD | Room Size | Max IP Bandwidth | ISDN Option | HD Signal Inputs | SD Signal Inputs | VGA Signal Input | HD/VGA Monitor Outputs | SD Monitor and VCR Outputs | H.239 People + Content Duo Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Radvision SCOPIA XT1000 |
HD/SD |
R,S,M |
4 Mbit/s |
Yes |
2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | ||
| Polycom® HDX 9000-720 | HD/SD | M, L | 6 Mbit/s | Yes | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | Yes |
| LifeSize Passport | HD/SD | R, S | 2 Mbit/s | No | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Yes***** |
| Tandberg C40 | HD/SD | S, M, L | 6 Mbit/s | No | 2 | 1**** | 1**** | 2 | 0 | Yes |
| Polycom® HDX 6004TM | HD/SD | R, S | 2 Mbit/s | No | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Yes |
| Tandberg C20 | HD/SD | R, S, M | 6 Mbit/s | No | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Yes |
| Polycom® QDX 6000TM | SD | R, S, M | 2 Mbit/s | No | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2*** | 4*** | Yes |
| LifeSize Room 200TM | HD/SD | M, L | 6 Mbit/s | Yes | 3** | 2** | 1 | 2 | 0 | Yes |
| Sony® PCS-XG80 | HD/SD | S, M, L | 10 Mbit/s | Yes | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Tandberg C60 | HD/SD | M, L | 6 Mbit/s | No | 2* | 1* | 2* | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Polycom HDX 8004 | HD/SD | S, M, L | 4 Mbit/s | Yes | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Tandberg Edge 95 MXP | HD/SD | R, S, M | 2 Mbit/s | Yes | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | Yes |
| LifeSize® ExpressTM | HD/SD | R, S | 2 Mbit/s | Yes | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Yes |
| Tandberg Profile 6000 MXP | HD/SD | M, L | 4 Mbit/s | Yes | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Yes |
| Sony PCS-HG90 | HD | M, L | 8 Mbit/s | No | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | No |
| LifeSize TeamTM | HD/SD | R, S, M | 2.5 Mbit/s | Yes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Yes |
| Polycom HDX 9004 | HD/SD | M, L | 4 Mbit/s | Yes | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | Yes |
| ZXT500 | SD | R, S, M | 2 Mbit/s | Yes | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Yes |
| LifeSize RoomTM | HD | M, L | 2.5 Mbit/s | Yes | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Yes |
| Tandberg 990 MXP | SD | R, S, M | 2 Mbit/s | Yes | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | Yes |
| Aethra Vega X3 | SD | R, S, M | 2 Mbit/s | Yes | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Yes |
* Note: While the C60 has five signal input connectors only three image sources from the five available inputs are selectable by the system user.
**Note: The CODEC Auxiliary Input has three signal input connectors: one HD Analogue Component and two SD. Only one of these signal inputs is selectable by the system user.
***Note: If the VGA Monitor 2 output is in use, there are only two SD Monitor and VCR Outputs available which are both associated with Monitor 1 output.
****While the C40 has four signal input connectors only three image sources from the four available inputs are easily selectable by the system user. The DVI and analogue SD signal inputs are not available simultaneously.
***** H.239 transmit is facilitated via an IP connection from the PC/Laptop to the CODEC using LifeSize Virtual Link software.