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EnVision Rev Offers True Portability, FlexibilityUSB interface and modem-to-modem calling enable new users and applications |  |
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LOGAN, UTAH, July 6, 2000 -- Sorenson Vision Inc. announced today that the newest version of its award-winning desktop video conferencing product is in final testing prior to a fall release date. According to the company spokesman, EnVision 2.0 will give mobile and home users the same face-to-face communication enjoyed by their office-bound counterparts. The upcoming release of Sorenson Vision's desktop video conferencing product will offer Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity, streamlining installation and extending video conferencing capabilities to laptop users. Also, with the addition of modem-to-modem teleconferencing (H.324), users can now communicate with each other even when their "network" consists of a modem and a phone line. Andrew Davis of Wainhouse Research stated that "the availability of USB-based videoconferencing products will play a major role in the future of desktop conferencing." According to Davis, the release of EnVision USB comes at a critical point for both Sorenson and the conferencing industry. Intel's USB interface has been widely adopted in the PC peripherals market, and for good reason. It enables hassle-free upgrades and is available in most currently shipping computers, including desktop and laptop models. "USB is huge for us, on a number of different levels," says M. Ray Brooksby, Sorenson Vision's chief operating officer. "All users benefit from easy installation, and EnVision USB is truly 'plug and play.'" Part of USB's attraction, Brooksby notes, derives from users' reluctance to crack open a computer case. The EnVision USB box, about the size and weight of a paperback book, plugs into any open USB port. And since USB can handle multiple devices on one port, users don't have to worry about running out of connections. "It's hard to understate the impact of USB on notebook users," Brooksby says. "For many managers, salespeople, telecommuters, and contractors, laptop computing is not an option--it's a necessity." With the addition of USB to the EnVision product line, users get the same high-quality video conferencing experience whether EnVision is connected to a laptop, tower or docking station-in the office, at home or on the road. Besides flexibility, another major concern for mobile and home users is bandwidth. While office and cubicle dwellers can usually access plenty of high-volume connectivity, not everyone has this luxury. Says Brooksby: "If you're on the road, or working at home, you often have to make do with a plain old telephone line." While other products choke in such situations, EnVision manages to squeeze surprisingly good video and audio through a remarkably narrow pipe. And since EnVision's modem-to-modem conferencing complies with international video conferencing standards (H.324), users gain compatibility with other compliant products. According to Brooksby, EnVision's new features and options add up to one thing: better communication. "We want our users to be able to communicate face to face with more people, from more places, in more situations, than anyone else," he says. The EnVision 2.0 kit, which carries a suggested retail price of $899, includes either the EnVision PCI card or USB box, EnVision software CD and documentation, NTSC camera and mounting accessories, plus a microphone and headset. Sorenson Vision is currently taking pre-orders for EnVision 2.0, which is scheduled to ship during the fourth quarter. About Sorenson EnVisionSorenson EnVision is a full-featured desktop collaboration system which allows people to see and hear each other as they work together over any IP or modem connection. More than a mere video telephone, EnVision also packs integrated document sharing and file transfer capabilities, as well as a built-in white board and chat box. EnVision is compliant with international standards for both IP (H.323) and modem-to-modem (H.324) conferencing, interoperating with other compliant products. The product operates on Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000, and can be installed on computers from Pentium 90 and faster. EnVision is recognized as the premiere solution for conferencing over varying bandwidths. In a shootout with competing products from Intel and PictureTel, evaluators from ZDLabs declared Sorenson EnVision the hands-down winner. As they put it: "EnVision produced clear images, the highest frame rates, and the best overall video quality of all the products at any bit rate." About Sorenson Vision Inc.Sorenson Vision Inc. is a privately held company based in Utah. The firm was founded by noted businessman James L. Sorenson, who holds dozens of patents in a variety of fields from medicine to multimedia. In the computer industry, Sorenson is best known as the name behind the Sorenson Video codec, generally accepted as the best video compression technology for the Internet, which is partially responsible for the recent surge of popularity for Apple's QuickTime multimedia platform. Among Sorenson's other companies are Sorenson Media, Sorex Medical, and DataChem Laboratories. More information about Sorenson Vision and EnVision can be found on the company's website at All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
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