Update 2004-03-16: All this fancy stuff is on hold. We'll just go with webcams for now. If we go H.323 we can use NetMeeting and OpenH323 (for Linux client or MCU). For Mac, there's CPhone and XMeeting. This thread has more.
If we want to go with Chris's suggestion of the D-Link DVC-1000, they can be had for < $200 (eg. $113 after rebate) . If we go with CDWG, $230.
Concord setup
ViewStation SP Clarity by Polycom
Update 2004-02-25: I think we should go with the VSX 7000. It has great reviews and is widely regarded as the best value.
FAQ
review
another review
cost of other systems
discussion thread
Conference phone plus separate webcam
phone
PolyCom appears to dominate the market. Any other manufacturers we should consider?
SoundStation VTX 1000?
audio only
uses phone line
~$1000
SoundStation? IP 3000
audio only
works over IP
~$700
cam
A webcam can be had for < $100. But we'd also need a dedicated computer to host it, >=$1000.
Combined purchase is ~$2000, times 1.5 for overhead equals $3000. Which is very close to the $4000 for the full solution below.
Videoconference phone
VSX 7000 (more info)
audio and video
works over IP
highly rated
group videoconferencing solution
~$4100
To consider:
- full-duplex audio is necessary
- over IP means no time charges, but Concord needs a compatible device
- videoconferencing would be tremendously valuable to TELS collaboration
- compatibility with NetMeeting
