The Sony PCS-1 Video Conference system enables speeds of up to 2 Mbps IP or 768 Kbps ISDN, features built-in Sony-developed QoS technology, up to six site H.320 and H.323 MCUs, MCU cascading up to 10 sites, second camera support, far-end camera control with Multi-point, improved picture MPEG-4, flexible installation options, audio 14kHz quality, IP Encryption standard, Improved Data Collaboration, Data Solutions Box, Digital Whiteboard support, T-120 Net Meeting, Direct Output to data or NTSC displays, file sharing, memory stick, video inputs, QoS - ARC and ARQ. Furthermore, it looks really nice, a mixture of an I-Robot gadget with Sony design. Unfortunately, it can't make French fries.

Used in many places, from small offices to large TV shows (like the NBA transmissions ), it reaches speeds up to 2 Mbps over IP networks and up to 768 Kbps over the ISDN network. The PCS-1 offers a high performance internal MCU option connecting up to six sites for a videoconference, using any combination of ISDN or IP connections with the optional multipoint software option. And speaking of options, you can enjoy the Sony technologies, like NSSR (no special software required, ready to interface with your computers and applications right out of the box.), XGA Resolution (participants at remote sites see the same high-quality image you see on your host computer), SDI (Sony Dual Inputs) that allows you to transmit screen shots from two computers, enabling a smooth transition between presenters.

When holding a video conference via a network, I'm sure you want to maintain picture quality in varying levels of performance. The Sony PCS-1 provides two advanced functions to enhance a QoS on the network: Adaptive Rate Control, a function which varies the bit rate of A/V data corresponding to changing network conditions and selects the most appropriate frame rates. When network traffic becomes congested, it automatically lowers the video bit rate, and when the network condition recovers, it raises the bit rate up to the initial value. This function can help prevent the picture quality from being degraded), and ARQ (Auto Repeat reQuest, the ARQ function recovers lost packets by resending the same packets, buffered in the encoder, which helps to avoid a picture collapse).

All in all, if you need to talk to your business partners, or just to keep an eye on your family, you must have it. When I last checked on E-Bay, the entire system was $ 4945. And 50 cents.