An introduction to the Polycom VTX 1000

The Soundstation VTX 1000 is the latest audio conference product from Polycom. It is a dramatic departure from its predecessors because it utilizes “wideband” technology to convey richer, more natural sounding voice conversations.

Polycom’s previous generation of audio conferencing products, the Soundstation 2 line, was considered “narrowband” because if only operated in a range of 300-3500 Hz, or a bandwidth of just 3.2 kHz. Possessing a limited transmission range causes the previous Soundstation line to produce the “in the well” audio conference effect.

The VTX 1000 achieves a more realistic sound by employing a robust set of algorithms to fully utilize the connection of a phone line. The VTX 1000 is capable of interfacing with non-wideband units via standard phone network or analog PBX and still utilizing the multipoint option at this reduced (resolution) clarity.

When operating in a peak wideband environment, the VTX 1000 can transmit audio at bandwidth levels up to 14 kHz. It is closer to FM radio quality than to traditional phone quality. It is as dramatic as going from black and white to color television!

Your enhanced Polycom audio experience can be hindered by many outside factors: poor or varying line quality, additional calls bridged on non-wideband networks, and call waiting/caller ID.

Any signal interruption will cause the Soundstation VTX 1000 to revert to standard narrowband broadcast, or to drop the call completely. Contact a technician to properly program your PBX or enter the disabling codes before establishing your audio conference call.

Additionally, because of the enhanced audio capability of the VTX 1000, it may be used as a control device with the Polycom VSX line of video conferencing products.

More about this functionally will be discussed in an upcoming article about related Polycom audio conferencing and video conferencing products.