MGC-100 strikes Accord with video-conferencers

Video and audio-conferencing is expected by many to become as mission-critical to business as the telephone. Accord has added fuel to this fire by launching the MGC-100 Multipoint Control Unit (MCU), which accommodates both ISDN-based and IP-based (H.320/H.323) conference and gateway connections.

"There have been two events in recent times that have increased interest in this area," said Philip Keenan, VP of sales and marketing, at Accord.

"The Gulf War increased the American fear of flying; and the impending threat of recession, which has resulted in many corporations tightening their belts."

Whatever the reasons for use, this product is sure to help. It supports up to 128 remote connections, well beyond anything else on the market.

Its Dynamic Continuous Presence offers multiple viewing modes, providing a choice of two or four symmetrical sites, 5+1 mixed view sites (five small images around one large image) or nine symmetrical sites.

Its Universal Transcoding Gateway can automatically identify the audio compression, video algorithm, video resolution and bandwidth parameters for each end-point. It can then perform any necessary translations on-the-fly, ensuring the optimal functionality.

The MGC-100 is controlled by the MGC Manager, a Windows 95/NT based user interface that performs scheduling, diagnostics and conference management functions. This can be accessed via remote internet, Lan, dial-up modem and/or local RS-232. Up to 16 local or remote managers can be connected to the MGC simultaneously and can be controlled by a single operator.

The MGC-100 is a step in the right direction towards the adoption of video-conferencing as a business-critical initiative. It is available immediately from Accord Video Telecoms, with prices ranging between #60,000 and #400,000.

Accord: (07071) 224629.