Cancel those plane tickets, forget about traffic jams; why waste time and money when your next meeting could be virtual? A popular and versatile communication medium for today’s global business world, the latest generation of videoconferencing applications from Sony allows you to feel in the same room as colleagues the other side of the world.

And in today’s climate there is no better time to take advantage of such a cost and time saving tool. With fuel costs at an all time high, and companies trying to make the most of their staff’s time as well as lower it’s carbon footprint, now more than ever people should try turning to a videoconferencing solution.

“There are many benefits,” highlights Fumihiko Kawamura, product marketing manager, IPELA, Sony UK. “We don’t expect to put an end to all business travel, however by using state of the art technology we have truly increased the quality of communications in this field, lowering the need to travel to every meeting.”

The biggest trend in this sector is currently HD video conferencing, and specifically the move forward from 720p to 1080i/p. Sony’s offerings in this market are always true HD, meaning you’ll get the best possible image you can from the bandwidth in place.

Sony’s latest HD videoconferencing technology, the PCS-XG80 offers a crisp, clear 1080i high resolution video offering approximately four times more detail than standard definition images for unrivalled live video quality over your network.

In addition, Sony’s BrightFace technology ensures that everyone in the room can be seen clearly, even when used in rooms with less than ideal lighting conditions.

But it doesn’t end there; the PCS-XG80 offers a plethora of features that add to ease of use and functionality.

For example, it’s easy to share independent video and presentation data via its dual stream functionality, meaning you can actually send two separate streams of live, information in parallel.  Perhaps you want both live camera video and an animated PowerPoint displayed? Well the PCS-XG80 allows you to do this on two different screens in your videoconference.

There is also its annotation functionality, as this ability allows you to use a light pen to write on any presentation or video being displayed.

“Imagine a medical situation with a doctor and patient,” says Kawamura. “The patient has leg pain and so the doctor can use the camera to focus in on the area of concern, mark this on the screen and check the area,” he explains.

Another of this product’s unique features is its ability to record all video conferencing conversations onto a Memory Stick.

“This is an industry first,” Kawamura notes. “It can be done, but up until now only with a massive, expensive external recording solution. Our PCS-XG80 even comes with a Memory Stick; it’s a great feature and really beneficial to our customers.”

Of course, videoconferencing is still growing in usage, and for many it can seem daunting. Sony’s solution can put new users at ease however, as it can be as simple as slotting in a Memory Stick with an IP or ISDN address to start a call. Its automatic dialling means even the uninitiated won’t have a problem using the kit.

“Perhaps a senior manager has never used video conferencing before,” says Kawamura. “Well all he needs to do to be ready to make a call is insert the Memory Stick at the agreed time and the call will start automatically!”

All in all, the PCS-XG80 is the perfect solution for the videoconferencing market. With features suited to new users through to those well versed in meetings of this ilk, it fulfils any need. Throw in the fact that it has a very attractive price point of £5,500 and has already won a Frost & Sullivan innovation award this year, and you clearly have the best possible product in the market sector!

“This is great ease of use, and the product offers the best of everything: high quality audio and video – even in places with low bandwidth, and a great range of simple to use, added value unique features,” Kawamura concludes.