The PCS-1/1 consists of a Camera Unit and Communication Terminal (main unit).  This unique two-piece design provides the flexibility to meet various installation needs.  Integrated with the optional PCS-STG1 or PCS-STP1 Camera Stand, its compact and stylish configuration provides the convenience of using a projector and flat-panel display (FPD) together, making a great impression on conference participants. Its small size of 147 (W) x 130 (H) x 138 (D) mm (5 7/8 x 5 1/8 x 5 1/2 inches) and light weight of 1.1 kg (2 lb 7 oz) allows the Camera Unit to be easily installed in space-critical environments. Positioned on top of the Communication Terminal, the combined unit has a footprint of just 258 (W) x 171 (D) mm (10 1/4 x 6 3/4 inches), which is small enough to sit on top of any TV monitor.

Excellent Video Quality

The PCS-1/1P is equipped with encoding capabilities compliant with the ITU-T H.323 standard for network-based videoconferencing at up to 2 Mb/s and 30 frames/s. With connection to an optional PCS-B768 or PCS-B384 ISDN Unit, it is possible to hold a videoconference compliant with the ITU-T H.320 standard at up to 768 kb/s or 384 kb/s respectively, via an ISDN line. The PCS-1/1P provides advanced video-coding capabilities compliant with the new ITU-T H.264 standard. Its coding algorithm can lower video bit rates to almost half compared with the conventional ITU-T H.263 standard, while maintaining the same picture quality as the ITU-T H.263 standard.

Outstanding Audio Quality

To communicate clearly and effectively in a meeting, audio is an indispensable factor. Sony audio technology, which has been leading the audio conference market for so long, now makes videoconference audio even more natural and crisp:

Super Acoustic System Support

The optional CTE-600 Communication Transducer is an acoustic system that comprises six radially arranged uni-directional microphones and one omni-directional speaker. Each microphone constantly detects the audio level in the conference room; however, only the microphone that detects the largest audio level sends a signal to the PCS-1/1P. This allows the active speaker’s voice to be clearly transmitted, while minimizing background noise. The speaker system is designed such that sound is projected horizontally in all directions, providing clear sound quality in meetings involving as many as 15 to 20 participants.

MPEG-4 Audio Encoding

The PCS-1/1P features AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) at 14 kHz, compliant with the MPEG-4 standard. It emits superb audio quality for a point to point videoconference via a network, with double the bandwidth frequency of conventional audio encoding.

Multi-point Videoconferencing up to 10 Sites

These two MCU software applications can be installed in one PCS-1/1P unit to enable a multi-point videoconference, in which both H.323 and H.320 standards coexist. When a multi-point videoconference for seven to ten sites is required, two PCS-1/1P units with PCS-323M1 H.323 MCU Software installed can be cascaded. These two units can then be connected to additional four systems each, resulting in up to ten systems being connected and controlled simultaneously.

Memory Stick Support

Using Memory Stick media with the PCS-1/1P allows presentation documents and digital photos to be displayed in 4CIF format without connecting to a PC.  The graphics displayed can also be transferred to remote sites for data-sharing purposes. In addition, an address book can be saved and edited in the Memory Stick media.

Secure Meetings by AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

When holding a videoconference via a network, video, audio, and graphics*2 can be encrypted by the AES during the meeting process. Initiating a meeting by AES requires participants to input the same password to the PCS-1/1P with the supplied Remote Commander® unit.

*2 Notes and drawing on a digital whiteboard cannot be encrypted.