VisuaLink 128/384 General Description NEC America Inc.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER NEC America, Inc. reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or features, at any time, without notice. NEC America, Inc. has prepared this document for the exclusive use by its employees and customers. The information contained herein is the property of NEC America, Inc. and shall not be reproduced without prior written approval from NEC America, Inc. NEAX and Dterm are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation. Copyright 1998 NEC America, Inc.
i Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VisuaLink Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-2 1-5 1-7 Application Configurations . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Roll-About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Desktop PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ii Contents Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Operating Modes & Features . . . . . . . . . . .
1-1 Introduction Overview In today’s fast paced business climate, timely access to accurate information is a critical resource in every successful organization. Often, this information must be communicated face-to-face. However, with busy schedules and remote locations, getting everyone together for a conference can be difficult and expensive. NEC’s VisuaLink products can bring everyone together with an easy and cost affordable solution.
1-2 Introduction Features VisuaLink incorporates features for today’s high performance technologies while making a videoconference system easy and cost effective to operate. Total Integration • single compact unit VisuaLink is a self-contained unit. It integrates hardware and software into one small easy to use box. VisuaLink is easy to setup and likewise easy to troubleshoot any connection problems. Portability • weighs less than 5 lbs.
Introduction 1-3 Phone-Like Dialing • VoicePoint+ connectivity for ease of dialing For those not wanting to dial using the VisuaLink remote, an NEC VoicePoint+ can be connected to the VisuaLink. (The VoicePoint+ is a tabletop speakerphone unit for conferencing; providing standard keypad, built-in microphone and speaker.) With a VoicePoint+, dialing is as easy as placing a regular phone call. A standard analog phone set can also be used with VisuaLink.
1-4 Introduction Field Upgradable • same software used for both 128 & 384 units Often, keeping up with technology can be a full-time job in itself. Whenever a vendor releases a new software update, you must wait for it to arrive by mail or download patches from a Web site. But this requires time, effort, and expertise. Software in the VisuaLink 128 and VisuaLink 384 units can be upgraded by the user from anywhere.
Introduction 1-5 Applications The Videoconferencing market is growing rapidly with the more widely available ISDN network and cost effective videoconferencing units such as VisuaLink. Videoconferencing is being adapted to a wide variety of applications. • General Business provides many applications for videoconferencing between distant sites. New opportunities are possible, especially for small groups of people where videoconferencing was too complex or costly before.
1-6 Introduction VisuaLink 128/384 Point-to-Point Applications ISDN BRI Product Training / Marketing Presentations ISDN BRI Telemedicine / Remote Medical Training NEC VisuaLink brings a whole new category of portable and easy to use videoconferencing systems.
Introduction 1-7 VisuaLink Documentation Additional information on VisuaLink can be found in the following NEC publications: • VisuaLink User Manual, Stock # 0293884 • VisuaLink Quick Installation Guide, Stock # 0293885 • VisuaLink Engineering Guide, Stock # 0293886 Consult these documents for additional user, installation, and technical information.
1-8 Introduction VisuaLink 128/384 General Description
2-1 Application Configurations VisuaLink is the heart of a videoconferencing system. The compact VisuaLink unit can be configured with a variety of peripheral equipment to address most any videoconferencing need. Three configurations best use the VisuaLink technology to provide solutions to business videoconferencing: • Roll-About • Desktop PC • Gateway These application configurations allow a business to provide videoconferencing from the individual desktop to enterprise-wide.
2-2 Application Configurations Roll-About • easily moved, use in active locations The VisuaLink Roll-About application configuration provides a turn-key solution to most general business uses for videoconferencing. The Roll-About includes everything necessary for high quality videoconferencing. Just roll the unit to a conference room, display area, or shop floor and connect a ISDN BRI line.
Application Configurations 2-3 Roll-About Components The Roll-About incorporates the following components into one easy to move unit for videoconferencing: • Video Cabinet • VisuaLink 128 or VisuaLink 384 Codec • Video Monitor • Motion Camera • Microphone • Cable Kit Video Cabinet Video Cabinet The Roll-About uses a cabinet (RA 128/384) that contains all components that mount in or on the cabinet to make an all-in-one videoconferencing unit.
2-4 Application Configurations Motion Video Camera Motion Video Camera The motion camera (D30) is a full color camera with the following features: • Effective picture elements of 380,000 (EVI-D30) provides high-resolution video images • High speed pan/tilt/zoom actions controlled by VisuaLink • Automatic focus • Captures the video in the local room Desktop Microphone Microphone A conference type omni-directional desktop microphone (AT841/INT) is supplied with the VisuaLink Roll-About.
Application Configurations 2-5 Desktop PC • also available with control software The VisuaLink Desktop PC application configuration provides a business solution for videoconferencing at the individual desktop. Desktop PC components install and work with a user’s desktop PC system. It includes everything necessary for high quality videoconferencing from the desktop. Videoconferencing is no longer limited to fixed installations in a corner meeting room.
2-6 Application Configurations Desktop PC Components The Desktop PC incorporates the following components: • VisuaLink 128 or VisuaLink 384 • Video Capture Board • CCD Desktop Camera • Microphone • Cable Kit • VisuaLink Director software VisuaLink 128/384 Depending on the requirements, either a VisuaLink 128 or VisuaLink 384 (both include infrared remote control) would be supplied as the heart of a videoconferencing system.
Application Configurations 2-7 VisuaLink Director Software This Microsoft Windows 95® software allows the PC to control the VisuaLink 128/384 unit, thereby providing complete control of the videoconference. All functions are provided with easy to use PC screen messages and menus.
2-8 Application Configurations Personal Computer Personal Computer Requirements VisuaLink Desktop PC is added to a user’s Personal Computer.
Application Configurations 2-9 Gateway The VisuaLink Gateway application configuration allows shared VisuaLink 128/384 units between many users. Existing desktop video/ audio equipment users can now have high quality videoconferencing with VisuaLink. VisuaLink units can be configured in one of two typical gateway applications: • ViewPoint VBX Gateway • VisuaLink Direct Connect Either application configuration allows shared VisuaLink 128/384 units between users.
2-10 Application Configurations VisuaLink Direct Connect Gateway The VisuaLink Direct Connect Gateway application configuration uses VisuaLink 128/384 units as shared resources for different video/audio users and groups in a facility. The diagram shows VisuaLink units and a cable patch panel mounted in an equipment rack. Video/audio cabling from various areas would connect to the patch panel. The patch panel would connect select areas with a particular VisuaLink unit, depending on user requirements.
3-1 Technical Description VisuaLink 128 and VisuaLink 384 employ the latest Codec (coder/ decoder) technology for digital video/audio applications. VisuaLink employs echo cancelling and control system logic to enhance the signal clarity and ease of use. The diagram illustrates the main functional elements of VisuaLink. VisuaLink Functional Block Diagram Video Sources & Monitors Video Interface H.
3-2 Technical Description Video & Audio Interfaces These circuits provide the correct electrical and protocol connections for video sources, video outputs and display monitors, audio sources, and audio outputs. Connections are provided for microphones, headset, line-level audio inputs/outputs, and video inputs/outputs. VisuaLink supports S-video which allows the transmission and reception of higher image resolutions. Echo Canceller Echo can be a real problem on audio circuits.
Technical Description 3-3 System Control The System Control circuit manages the many separate functions of VisuaLink. This circuit provides control for the Codec and other devices. Various control devices can be used for VisuaLink: VisuaLink infrared remote control, any analog phone, an NEC VoicePoint+ speaker phone, and a Personal Computer (connected via the RS-232 serial ports). System Control provides three videoconference control modes: • H.281 for multi-location and far-end camera control. • H.
3-4 Technical Description ...more on H.320 Videoconferencing ITU-T H.320 specifies technical requirements for narrow-band visual telephone systems and terminal equipment-- typically for videoconferencing and videophone services. The H.320 standard defines the minimum requirements that all videoconferencing manufacturers must support to comply with H.320. These minimum requirements ensure all manufacturer’s H.320 compliant systems will communicate with other.
Technical Description 3-5 Video Processing Video Processing is a complex process to reduce the amount of image data that must be processed on any given picture frame. If processing is not used, videoconference performance is reduced by conditions such as complex picture backgrounds, poor camera lighting conditions, and object movement. This ensures a H.320 system processes image objects in the picture that actually move.
3-6 Technical Description VisuaLink 128/384 General Description
4-1 Installation & Maintenance Installation Requirements The compact VisuaLink units need no special installation. However, the following should be considered when using or mounting the VisuaLink units. • Place the VisuaLink unit on a stable surface (such as: a desk, or mounted in a video or equipment rack). • VisuaLink may cause possible video interference if placed directly on top of a TV set or monitor. This placement is not recommended.
4-2 Installation & Maintenance Maintenance Requirements There are no user serviceable (see Note) components, modules, or circuits inside the VisuaLink units. If experiencing problems, follow these guidelines: • Ensure a power source is connected to the VisuaLink unit and the power control is set to on. • Check all connections to the VisuaLink unit. Sometimes the wrong cable may be connected or perhaps loosely plugged-in.
5-1 Specifications General Specifications The following diagrams illustrate the VisuaLink 128 and VisuaLink 384 units. All front and rear panel connections are shown. (See the General Parameters table for dimensions.
5-2 Specifications VisuaLink 128/384 Top View VisuaLink 128/384 Side View VisuaLink 128/384 General Description
Specifications 5-3 General Parameters Parameter Connection Line Type Line Transmission Speed VisuaLink 128 Basic Rate Interface (BRI) National ISDN-1 • Tel • 64 Kbps (B), 2x64 Kbps (2B) • Upgradeable to 384 Kbps Note: Px56 Kbps mode complies with B and 2B VisuaLink 384 Basic Rate Interface (BRI) National ISDN-1 • • • • Tel 64 Kbps (B), 2x64 Kbps (2B) 64, 128, 192, 256, 320, 384 Kbps 56, 112, 168, 224, 280, 336 Kbps Note: Px56 Kbps mode complies with B and 2B Interface One RJ-45 Modular Jack Thre
5-4 Specifications General Parameters (Cont) Parameter VisuaLink 128 VisuaLink 384 Serial • Ports: 2 Serial (DIN 8-pin) • Speed: 1.2-38.4 Kbps, asynchronous • Start-Stop synchronization • Ports: 2 Serial (DIN 8-pin) • Speed: 1.2-38.
Specifications 5-5 External Interface Parameters Parameter VisuaLink 384 • Applicable Line: (1) ISDN BRI (2) High speed digital leased line • Interface: National ISDN-1 • Connector: 1 Modular jack (RJ-45) • Transmission speeds: 1) 64/56 Kbps (B) 2) 2x64/2x56 Kbps (2B) • Applicable Line: (1) ISDN BRI (2) High speed digital leased line • Interface: National ISDN-1 • Connectors: 3 Modular jacks (RJ-45) • Transmission speeds: 1) 64, 128 192, 256, 320, 384 Kbps 2) 56, 112, 168, 224, 280, 336 Kbps Video 1 I
5-6 Specifications External Interface Parameters (Cont) Parameter Line Audio Out Audio Output Headset Output VisuaLink 128 • Output level: -10dBv • Excessive Load Level:+3dB (G711, G728), +9dB (G722) • Output Impedance: Low impedance, unbalanced • Connector: RCA pin jack (Using recommended headset): • Speaker: Dynamic speaker • Impedance: Low impedance VisuaLink 384 • Output level: -10dBv • Excessive Load Level:+3dB (G711, G728), +9dB (G722) • Output Impedance: Low impedance, unbalanced • Connector:
Specifications 5-7 Operating Modes & Features The following provides a summary of the main operating modes and features for VisuaLink. VisuaLink Unit Control VisuaLink can be controlled by one of three devices: • VisuaLink Wireless Infrared Remote Control • VoicePoint+ or Analog Phone Set (connected to TEL jack) • Personal Computer (connected to Serial Port) A buzzer is built into VisuaLink, and will sound when an incoming call is detected.
5-8 Specifications Line Interface Control Originate at a 64 Kbps or 56 Kbps to the North American National ISDN-1. Line Connect Modes • BRI interface with VisuaLink 128/384 and other ISDN equipment (TA, FAX, etc.). • Selects an incoming call in a sub address setting Video Display/Output Modes Display Picture-in-Picture (PIP): • 1/9 transmission video display (mirror display) • 4-position selection is possible.
Specifications 5-9 Multi-Point Conference Control Multi-Point Conference Modes: • Audio Switch • Chairman mode (Video selection, local room transmission, multiple address, remote camera control, pointer control, still picture transmission, remote camera switch) • Selective Receive (Video selection, local room transmission) Multi-point conference control protocol. • ITU-T Recommendation H.
5-10 Specifications Serial Port Modes Serial Port 1 • Console port (PC control) • VC-CI camera control port • EVI-D30 camera control port • T.120 data conference data transmission port (PC data conference) Serial Port 2 • Console port (PC control) • VC-CI camera control port • EVI-D30 camera control port • IR Remote A console can be assigned to either Serial 1 or 2. A camera control is also assigned to either Serial 1 or 2. A camera control driver selects either VC-C1 or EVI-D30 camera types.
NEC America Inc.
