A comparison of Polycom Viewstation and Polycom VSX models

With all the available models of Polycom video products, the decision as to which one to choose may seem overwhelming. Let’s begin by establishing some of the differences between each various model. Most of the Polycom units have basic similarities, but each are designed with consideration for a particular environment. Find the right one for you before making the purchase.
 
The Polycom ViewStation platform was the first line of conference room products to be introduced by Polycom. All Polycom ViewStation 128, ViewStation H.323, ViewStation 512, and ViewStation MP models have a maximum transmission rate of 768Kbps. This translates into 30-frames-per-second via an IP connection.

What sets these models apart is their capacity via ISDN. The Polycom product naming convention indicates the units’ capabilities. For example: the ViewStation 128 transmits 128Kbps via ISDN, the ViewStation 512 is capable of 512Kbps via ISDN.

Polycom later released the Polycom ViewStation FX, ViewStation EX and ViewStation EX MP. All of these models support 2Mbps connections via IP and PRI ISDN connections. In addition, a display ratio of 16:9 (akin to cinema letterbox) is available with a 512Kbps connection between the ViewStation EX, ViewStation FX and Viewstation EX MP units.

The Polycom ViewStation FX comes standard with the ability to conduct a four-site multi-point video conference call. This means that you could simultaneously connect four-sites in one video conference call. Four-site multi-point capability is also available in the ViewStation EX, but the upgrade must be purchased separately.

The latest line of Polycom video conference products was the Polycom VSX platform. The Polycom VSX is designed for use in a conference room setting.

The Polycom VSX 7000 was the upgrade for the ViewStation set-top systems, and it supports a maximum of 2Mbps connections via IP and PRI ISDN connections. It also has multi-point capability and can be further enhanced with Polycom’s “People+Content” computer content sharing option. This feature is also available on the Polycom ViewStation EX and Polycom ViewStation FX models.

The Polycom VSX 5000 was released as an entry-level Polycom VSX product, and featured a camera that adjusted unlike other Pan/Tilt/Zoom models. It is an economical solution - good for three to five video conference participants. The VSX 5000 supports 768Kbps IP connections and 512Kbps connections via ISDN. A separate hardware item, the Visual Concert VSX is also available to enable computer content sharing.

 The Polycom VSX 8000 was the top-of-the-line entry in the Polycom VSX product line; it is designed as rack-mount based system – with consideration for custom installations. This system supports 2Mbps connections over IP and ISDN PRI connections. The VSX 8000 is capable of six-site multi-point, which is the largest multi-point capacity system available. Sharing of computer content is also available with the addition of the Visual Concert VSX and People+Content option.

All Polycom video products offer similar capability and reliability, but the models are diverse enough to suit any video conference situation. From cost effective entry models to higher priced items with greater potential for expansion, there is a Polycom video system designed with consideration for your needs.