Comparing the Polycom Viewstation EX and Viewstation FX

The ViewStation product line was the first generation of IP and ISDN based set-top conferencing systems. They were sleek in design, easy to use, and a cost effective conference room solution. This is necessary in today’s global economy with travel restricted by rising costs and spread out workforce personnel.

The introduction of the Polycom ViewStation FX, and later the ViewStation EX exceeded the existing Polycom ViewStation H.323 platform. Later, development of Multi-Point capability led to the introduction of the ViewStation EX MP. Multi-Point comes standard on the ViewStation FX.

Polycom, the world leader in the video conference technology, used the ViewStation FX as their highest-end product to compete with rivals PictureTel and Vi-Tel. The ViewStation FX supported 2Mpbs maximum point-to-point IP and PRI/ISDN connections, and with an optional Quad BRI IMUX module, transmission rates of 512 Kpbs are possible.

The ViewStation had the ability to support four-Monitors in conjunction with its four-Site Multi-Point function. This provides the ability to host three locations simultaneously. You could have offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago all connected to yourself. The Polycom ViewStation FX has a feature that allows each location to be displayed on it’s own monitor with the ViewStation FX’s four-Monitor capability. The ViewStation is the top-of-the line ViewStation system, and is available in a rack-mount option as the ViewStation VS4000.

The ViewStation’s four-site multi-point ability, four-monitor capability, and second camera support are attractive options compared to the ViewStation EX. The ViewStation EX had 2Mbps capability, but is only capable of 512Kbps via an ISDN line and cannot utilize a PRI connection like the ViewStation FX. The ViewStation EX also cannot support a second camera, and the Multi-Point ability must be purchased separately.

If your situation only necessitates having two locations, and there are no possible plans for expansion, the ViewStation EX is a good selection. If you anticipate company growth or the need for more video conference participants then the ViewStation FX allows you to plan for the future with more gains in business productivity.

Polycom video products are the best systems currently available on the market, and the ViewStation EX and ViewStation FX are two attractive options for your business environment.