June 11, 2014 at 12:29Cisco Upgrades Video Communications Product Line
Most recently, at Enterprise Connect 2014 in Florida, Cisco announced a complete upgrade to its line of video communications terminal equipment. For those who missed this event, I prepared a brief overview of new products.
First of all, the 1st generation of MX200 and MX300 systems is being superseded by the 2nd generation of these devices - MX200G2 and MX300G2. I think anyone who compares the characteristics and price of these systems will make a choice in favor of the 2nd generation. This is not to mention the new “arctic style” design and the new 10-inch touch control panel.
As for the comparison - I have reduced the main characteristics of the devices in one table. As they say, comments are superfluous.
Next - 2 new codecs of the SX line were announced - the simplest and low-budget SX10 and the new top-end integration codec SX80.
Thus, now we can talk about Cisco’s new line of video conferencing codecs - the SX line (SX10, SX20, SX80). It is too early to consider it as a complete replacement for C-codecs (C40, C60, C90), but the C-series clearly goes to 2nd place.
A new series of video systems raises the lower bar of video quality to the level of 1080p30 and 1080p60 (starting with the SX20). The new policy of the company is that work with the highest quality is available in the basic configuration of equipment (earlier it was a separate paid option). This also applies to the option of working with a second screen (for SX20 and SX80).
I am very glad that those who have already purchased the SX20 are not forgotten. It is now possible for them to order the PR and DD options at the price of “0”.
SX10 becomes the most inexpensive codec in the line of terminal equipment, displacing the SX20 kit with 2.5x (now it is 5x - thanks to the added 2x digital zoom) camera. However, do not forget that the SX20 platform has significantly greater performance.
Despite some lagging behind the older brothers in terms of their technical characteristics, we hope that the SX10 will be in demand in the market. With the release of SX10, the company is creating a new niche: “semi-professional videoconferencing”. SX10 is designed for operation and maintenance by an untrained user. The new TRC6 remote control does not allow making changes to the system settings (this can be done only administratively - through the WEB interface, or configuration templates of the control infrastructure). For ease of setup, a special initial installation wizard has been created that allows you to start the system by answering several questions on the initial configuration screens. Scope SX10 - small studios for 2-8 people. It is ultra-compact and can be easily mounted on the wall (mount included) or on VESA mounting mounts for the TV (optional).
Now let's take a look at the SX80, a truly revolutionary codec in both architecture and performance.
For the first time, Cisco abandoned the classic DSP architecture in favor of a multi-core CPU architecture. The “heart” of the codec is the 36 core processor from Tilera - TileGx36 operating at a frequency of 1.5 GHz. That CPU architecture is the "highlight" of the codec - thanks to it, today we managed to implement support for the h265 or HEVC protocol (I recall that it has not yet been ratified by ITU-T, so the developers were guided by the preliminary version of the standard. Given that encoding / decoding is implemented after the final adoption of the standard, it will be possible to eliminate possible inconsistency by changing the program code of the corresponding software modules).
According to the developers, the performance of 36 cores is enough for encoding and decoding at least 4 streams of h264 video 1080p60, while servicing peripherals, processing audio stream and encryption processes. When using h265, the performance is only enough for encoding and decoding a single 1080p30 stream. However, the gain is significant - h265 requires exactly 2 times less bandwidth compared to h264.
In terms of peripheral connectivity, the SX80 stands between C60 and C90 -
video inputs: 3 x HDMI + DVI-I + SD; video outputs: 2 x HDMI + DVI-I;
Audio: Microphone (with signal line - 8, line inputs - 4, HDMI (sound input) - 3 (stereo), line outputs - 6, HDMI (sound output) - 2 (stereo).
+ 3 x Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x DB9 for connecting cameras using serial connection via VISCA protocol and control, 2 x USB and 10Gb Ethernet (for future use), GPIO (4-channel block of “dry contacts”).
I would like to note the improved functionality of the built-in audio mixer, comparable in its capabilities with professional audio processors. Video mixing (compositing), as in the older C-series codecs, is also supported.
For those who want to use the new Cisco Speaker Track 60 dual-camera homing system, an integrator kit with the SX80 codec (CTS-SX80-IPST60-K9) is the cheapest option (GPL $ 30,500).
The line of large studio systems has also been updated. True, the new systems are not assigned to the Profile series, but complement the MX series - MX700 (two 55-inch screens) and MX800 (one 70-inch screen).
Both systems can be ordered with one or two cameras (The configuration with two cameras supports the homing function. This configuration is shown in the pictures).
The MX700 and MX800 are built on the basis of the SX80 codec (it is located in a niche on the rear panel), so it makes no sense to describe their characteristics in detail - they repeat the characteristics of the SX80, their cost is the same - $ 49900 GPL. Considering that all options, except the option to activate the built-in multipoint conference server, are now included in the basic configuration - they are significantly cheaper relative to the commensurate Profile.
And finally, two personal video systems - there are simply no competitors on the market!
DX80 and DX70 continue the line launched by the DX650, and represent a large and "advanced" version of the younger model of the series.
Like the DX650, they run the Android operating system version 4.1 and only with Cisco CallManager. In addition to large touch screens, the new systems have support for receiving / transmitting content via BFCP, for connecting a PC, an HDMI input, VESA mount and cameras with support for switching to the "document" mode are used.
The DX70 and 80 are not equipped with handsets (it is recommended to use the handsets or headsets of our partners - Jabra and Plantronics), therefore, to comfortably use the speaker mode, they have introduced support for new technologies for working with sound: “Anti-Shading” - two microphone matrices allow you to choose the best the route for the received sound, even if there are obstacles between the microphones and the speaker (cup of coffee, laptop, etc.); “Privacy mode” - a mode for suppressing sounds coming from areas outside the camera’s field of view (necessary when working in open space); “Active Noise Reduction” - suppression of background noise (for example, air conditioning system noise).
Another interesting feature is the ability for the DX80 to use its screen as an input device for a PC running operating systems with touch screen support.
You can talk about new systems indefinitely, but as they say - it is better to see one (or several) times.
Links to videos demonstrating new systems in operation below:
All new solutions in one short story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R7KWYmHYg
Personal systems DX70 and DX80: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhU3bSLPnIE
MX700 and MX800 : www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJPKtfGf98A
SX10: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wnaj5QVK0k
SpeakerTrack 60 Demo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nzmEf_1gyI
First of all, the 1st generation of MX200 and MX300 systems is being superseded by the 2nd generation of these devices - MX200G2 and MX300G2. I think anyone who compares the characteristics and price of these systems will make a choice in favor of the 2nd generation. This is not to mention the new “arctic style” design and the new 10-inch touch control panel.
As for the comparison - I have reduced the main characteristics of the devices in one table. As they say, comments are superfluous.
Next - 2 new codecs of the SX line were announced - the simplest and low-budget SX10 and the new top-end integration codec SX80.
Thus, now we can talk about Cisco’s new line of video conferencing codecs - the SX line (SX10, SX20, SX80). It is too early to consider it as a complete replacement for C-codecs (C40, C60, C90), but the C-series clearly goes to 2nd place.
A new series of video systems raises the lower bar of video quality to the level of 1080p30 and 1080p60 (starting with the SX20). The new policy of the company is that work with the highest quality is available in the basic configuration of equipment (earlier it was a separate paid option). This also applies to the option of working with a second screen (for SX20 and SX80).
I am very glad that those who have already purchased the SX20 are not forgotten. It is now possible for them to order the PR and DD options at the price of “0”.
SX10 becomes the most inexpensive codec in the line of terminal equipment, displacing the SX20 kit with 2.5x (now it is 5x - thanks to the added 2x digital zoom) camera. However, do not forget that the SX20 platform has significantly greater performance.
Despite some lagging behind the older brothers in terms of their technical characteristics, we hope that the SX10 will be in demand in the market. With the release of SX10, the company is creating a new niche: “semi-professional videoconferencing”. SX10 is designed for operation and maintenance by an untrained user. The new TRC6 remote control does not allow making changes to the system settings (this can be done only administratively - through the WEB interface, or configuration templates of the control infrastructure). For ease of setup, a special initial installation wizard has been created that allows you to start the system by answering several questions on the initial configuration screens. Scope SX10 - small studios for 2-8 people. It is ultra-compact and can be easily mounted on the wall (mount included) or on VESA mounting mounts for the TV (optional).
Now let's take a look at the SX80, a truly revolutionary codec in both architecture and performance.
For the first time, Cisco abandoned the classic DSP architecture in favor of a multi-core CPU architecture. The “heart” of the codec is the 36 core processor from Tilera - TileGx36 operating at a frequency of 1.5 GHz. That CPU architecture is the "highlight" of the codec - thanks to it, today we managed to implement support for the h265 or HEVC protocol (I recall that it has not yet been ratified by ITU-T, so the developers were guided by the preliminary version of the standard. Given that encoding / decoding is implemented after the final adoption of the standard, it will be possible to eliminate possible inconsistency by changing the program code of the corresponding software modules).
According to the developers, the performance of 36 cores is enough for encoding and decoding at least 4 streams of h264 video 1080p60, while servicing peripherals, processing audio stream and encryption processes. When using h265, the performance is only enough for encoding and decoding a single 1080p30 stream. However, the gain is significant - h265 requires exactly 2 times less bandwidth compared to h264.
In terms of peripheral connectivity, the SX80 stands between C60 and C90 -
video inputs: 3 x HDMI + DVI-I + SD; video outputs: 2 x HDMI + DVI-I;
Audio: Microphone (with signal line - 8, line inputs - 4, HDMI (sound input) - 3 (stereo), line outputs - 6, HDMI (sound output) - 2 (stereo).
+ 3 x Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x DB9 for connecting cameras using serial connection via VISCA protocol and control, 2 x USB and 10Gb Ethernet (for future use), GPIO (4-channel block of “dry contacts”).
I would like to note the improved functionality of the built-in audio mixer, comparable in its capabilities with professional audio processors. Video mixing (compositing), as in the older C-series codecs, is also supported.
For those who want to use the new Cisco Speaker Track 60 dual-camera homing system, an integrator kit with the SX80 codec (CTS-SX80-IPST60-K9) is the cheapest option (GPL $ 30,500).
The line of large studio systems has also been updated. True, the new systems are not assigned to the Profile series, but complement the MX series - MX700 (two 55-inch screens) and MX800 (one 70-inch screen).
Both systems can be ordered with one or two cameras (The configuration with two cameras supports the homing function. This configuration is shown in the pictures).
The MX700 and MX800 are built on the basis of the SX80 codec (it is located in a niche on the rear panel), so it makes no sense to describe their characteristics in detail - they repeat the characteristics of the SX80, their cost is the same - $ 49900 GPL. Considering that all options, except the option to activate the built-in multipoint conference server, are now included in the basic configuration - they are significantly cheaper relative to the commensurate Profile.
And finally, two personal video systems - there are simply no competitors on the market!
DX80 and DX70 continue the line launched by the DX650, and represent a large and "advanced" version of the younger model of the series.
Like the DX650, they run the Android operating system version 4.1 and only with Cisco CallManager. In addition to large touch screens, the new systems have support for receiving / transmitting content via BFCP, for connecting a PC, an HDMI input, VESA mount and cameras with support for switching to the "document" mode are used.
The DX70 and 80 are not equipped with handsets (it is recommended to use the handsets or headsets of our partners - Jabra and Plantronics), therefore, to comfortably use the speaker mode, they have introduced support for new technologies for working with sound: “Anti-Shading” - two microphone matrices allow you to choose the best the route for the received sound, even if there are obstacles between the microphones and the speaker (cup of coffee, laptop, etc.); “Privacy mode” - a mode for suppressing sounds coming from areas outside the camera’s field of view (necessary when working in open space); “Active Noise Reduction” - suppression of background noise (for example, air conditioning system noise).
Another interesting feature is the ability for the DX80 to use its screen as an input device for a PC running operating systems with touch screen support.
You can talk about new systems indefinitely, but as they say - it is better to see one (or several) times.
Links to videos demonstrating new systems in operation below:
All new solutions in one short story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R7KWYmHYg
Personal systems DX70 and DX80: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhU3bSLPnIE
MX700 and MX800 : www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJPKtfGf98A
SX10: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wnaj5QVK0k
SpeakerTrack 60 Demo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nzmEf_1gyI