How does the VBX distribute video within an enterprise?

The VBX internally switches video in its original baseband form and differentially drives a single UTP pair (CAT 5 or CAT 6) through a balancing network. The differential drive arrangement provides excellent common-mode noise immunity to preserve the original quality of the video. The far-end device (a transceiver) delivers video in its original form to any device capable of displaying standard baseband composite video.

How far can I drive the combined VBX audio and video signal over UTP cable?

The transceiver can be located up to 3500 cable feet from the VBX server with CAT5 cable. We have demonstrated acceptable performance up to 5000 feet on some premium-quality CAT6 cable.

I�m having trouble getting my WorkFone servers and clients to communicate across my network. Do I have to do any special configuration within my network routers and firewall to use the VBX?

The VBX uses Remote Procedure Calls (RPC). Port 135 must be available in order for the RPC layer to function through firewalls. In addition, the RPC layer uses dynamic ports that also must be exposed. The dynamic ports range from 1024 through 65535. However, the user may restrict the range to a smaller number of ports. Additional information regarding how to change the dynamic ports is available on the Microsoft web site: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q154596 The VBX also requires bi-directional communication with the VBX WorkFone clients. Two ports are required for this. The default values are 4320 and 4322. However, it is possible to change these to any value between 1024 and 65535. It is critical to understand that these entries must be the same for the VBX Server as well as EVERY WorkFone client. The current values can be found at the following locating in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MultiMedia Access\Viewpoint VBX Server\VWServer\ClientAPIEndPoint1 default value = 4320 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MultiMedia Access\Viewpoint VBX Server\VWServer\ClientStatusAPIEndPoint default value = 4322 NOTE: The VBX Service or WorkFone client must be started once before these entries are created in the registry.

Is 2-way audio and video possible with the VBX?

Certainly. All VBX systems are 2-way capable and most are preconfigured to support 2-way video on every port. All ViewCast far-end transceiver devices both accept and deliver 2-way video and audio. Although only a single pair is required for 1-way audio and video, ViewCast recommends that all endpoints be wired with two pair to accommodate any future 2-way requirement.

How are audio and video connections made within the VBX?

VBX video servers internally switch video through a solid-state audio-video switching matrix. In VBX Enterprise servers, up to 96 shared paths are available and are dynamically assigned as needed to deliver video one-to-one and one-to-many under the control of VBX server software. The switch matrix uses special high-speed semiconductor circuits, which eliminate the need to compress or otherwise reduce video bandwidth, which preserves the original quality of the audio and video signals.

What controls the audio and video switching process?

VBX server software keeps track of port assignments and their functions and interacts with a variety of user controls to switch video between ports. The most common user control is the VBX WorkFone client that runs on a PC. Using this client, the user can control any video application from their desk using on-screen controls that emulate a telephone. The user can click on a one-way channel by name (for example, �Bloomberg Financial Channel� and the server will connect the users� video port to the port associated with a DSS receiver tuned to the desired channel. To make a two-way video connection, the user need only click on another users� name and the VBX server will make a two-way video connection.

Is WorkFone client the only user control available for the VBX?

WorkFone Client is the most common control in desktop video conferencing applications, but a number of other controls are available that are each appropriate for the application. For example, consider the application of the VBX in delivering multiple video news channels to an array of plasma displays located in the newsroom of a large metropolitan newspaper. The control point that determines which broadcast channels appear on which displays may be a single browser-based applet, or it may be a series of controls available to employees located about the room. It the relationship between source channels and displays is fixed, the associations can be made permanent via the VBX Administrator program and no other user interface is required. Other controls in this environment can include customized browser-based ASP or java �powered applets and touch panel control devices available from leading suppliers including AMX, Crestron, and AVISCELL.

Can we create our own user interfaces that work with the VBX video network?

Yes. The VBX software development kit (SDK) makes it easy to create custom controls to manage video connections. Examples for browser-based and other controls are included in the kit.

I have a broad range of video applications that may be candidates for your video switching and distribution environment. Can the VBX handle all of them at the same time?

Most likely! ViewCast�s VBX video switching and local delivery products, Niagara streaming encoder products, VBX Videoconference Manager products, and VBX Digital Messaging and Video on Demand products can all be freely combined into an Integrated Video network (IVN). Whatever your needs for business video, ViewCast has an integrated solution that can be tailored for your specific needs.

I already use your VBX to distribute financial news channels to desktops and to originate and receive video conference calls from our other operations and from our clients. I would like to �broadcast� some of these videoconference calls on the Internet. How can I do that with the VBX?

Easy! ViewCast�s Niagara streaming encoder is the perfect way to stream any VBX video sources and conference participants to users on an intranet or the Internet. Adding a Streaming Encoder to a videoconference is as easy as adding any other participant. Just highlight the encoder name in the WorkFone client directory and click. ViewCast SimulStream and SCX options let you create and manage multiple stream types and formats to exactly tailor the streaming experience for your audience.

What Operating Systems are supported by the VBX?

VBX Server video switching and delivery software version 2.7 or later, VBX Codec Manager, and all versions of the VBX WorkFone Clients run under Microsoft Windows NT 4.0/SP6, Windows 2000, or Windows XP.

VBX Server and Codec Manager requires Windows NT4.0/SP6 when running integrated Osprey 1000 codecs in H.320 (ISDN) mode. Both can run under Windows 2000 and Windows XP when managing any combination of external 3rd-party codecs and when running internal Osprey 1000 codecs restricted to H.323 mode.

I already have several stand-alone videoconference systems in my facility. Can I integrate them into the VBX video network?

Sure. Most conference room videoconference systems from leading manufacturers including Tandberg, Polycom, PictureTel, and NEC use videoconference codecs that can be controlled and managed within the VBX user environment. VBX Codec Manager software lets you pool these codecs in a central location and use them in a shared, first come/first served arrangement. Any existing video displays, microphones, speakers, and cameras can remain in the conference room and integrated into the VBX environment. This arrangement offers two key advantages: the costly videoconference codec is now a shared resource with improved utilization (shared by more users), and the user experience for placing and receiving video conference calls is identical for all users in all conference rooms and at all desktops, no matter what brand of videoconference codecs are in use.

I decided to pool my videoconference codecs and manage them as shared resources via my VBX. Before, I could instruct my clients and customers to call a specific ISDN number dedicated to my conference room. With the codecs pooled, how can a customer reach me in a specific conference room?

There are two methods available to route incoming H.320 videoconference calls to specific conference rooms and desktop users.

If your ISDN circuits are switched by your telephone system (PBX), the PBX can usually be configured to send called party information to the VBX, which in turn routes, the call to the desired VBX video endpoint. This is identical to the way the PBX already routes incoming calls to your desktop or conference room telephone. Callers would directly dial your conference room as before; the PBX would accept the call, pass the conference room number over to the VBX server, and the VBX server will route the call to the intended location. This is not limited to conference rooms; you can assign a unique video phone number to any VBX user and receive inbound H.320 calls to directly to your desk!

Alternatively, you can set up a Video Attendant�an individual that receives and redirects as inbound video call much like a receptionist directs incoming calls. You can publish an ISDN / H.320 directory number that �rings in� to a video attendant. The attendant can then transfer the video call to any VBX video endpoint.

I have several 24-hour video sources (including the output of a number of DSS satellite receivers) that I want to make available to desktop users and permanently send to static video displays distributed throughout the facility. I understand that the VBX considers these sources as Named Broadcasts that users can select by name. How do I configure a broadcast source?

1. First, create the broadcast source (i.e., VCR, DVD, camera, DSS feed, etc.) and assign it a convenient, descriptive name.
2. Using VBX Administrator, select the User Directory window.
3. Click Add.
4. Select �Device� from the User Type drop-down list.
5. Assign the device a video ID and a name.
6. Click OK.

Next, you will need to identify the source as a broadcast. In the VBX Administrator environment this is known as placing a broadcast call.
1. Go to the Place Call window.
2. Select the Broadcast radio button.
3. Click to select the device from the Directory.
4. Click Add.
5. Click Place Call.
6. Verify the broadcast.
7. Go to the Call Status window.
8. Verify the new broadcast is listed.

All authorized VBX clients can now see this broadcast name in their Broadcast directory. You can also permanently assign endpoints to view this channel�see the next question, below.

I have several television sets and flat-panel displays around my facility that have no nearby user to control what video channels are displayed on them. How do I permanently assign a VBX broadcast channel on these displays?

Each display is set up as a User via the VBX Administrator User Directory window. Here�s how:

1. First, designate the display as a Device in the User Type field.
2. After creating the user, go to the Call Status window. Click to select the desired broadcast channel.
3. Click �Modify�.
4. Click �Add�.
5. Click to select the display from the list.
6. Click �OK�.

I want one or more of my video displays to periodically cycle through any or all available broadcast channels. Can I do that with the VBX?

Yes. We call this Surveillance Mode, and any endpoint controlled by a WorkFone Client can automatically cycle between a number of VBX broadcast channels.

Here�s how to setup surveillance:
1. In the VBX WorkFone client applet, click �Options�.
2. Select the Surveillance Tab.
3. Select which broadcasts to view by selecting the checkboxes to the left of the broadcast titles.
4. Select the cycle time (how long the cycle pauses on each broadcast).
5. Select the Enable Surveillance checkbox.
6. Click OK.

To end the surveillance, click Hang Up on the WorkFone client.

I like the VBX Global User Directory feature that lets me simply click on a user name to connect to anyone on the VBX video network. But I usually call only a select few users over and over. Can I set up my own Personal Directory?

Yes, you can create a Personal Directory Book which contains only the names you choose. To setup a Personal Directory Book:
1. Click the �Directory� button near the bottom of the WorkFone client
2. Click �Books�
3. Select �New Book� from the menu.
4. Type the name you wish to use for your Personal Address Book.
5. Click OK.

You can also use the WorkFone Recall button to bring up a short list of recently called numbers.

Can I set up a Personal Directory Entry?

Yes. To setup a Personal Directory Entry:
1.To place an entry into the new address book, click to select the address book.
2.Click Add to the left of the directory listings.
3.Select the Call Type from the drop down listing. The Call Type determines the required data.
4.Complete the information in the window.
5.Click Apply or OK to save the data

I misplaced the power supply for my VBX Transceiver. What is the proper voltage so I can source a replacement locally?

Generation I VBX Transceivers require a 6 volt DC power supply capable of delivering at least 400milliamps. The DC connector center must be negative with respect to the outer shell. The transformer unit�s specs are: Input: 120V AC, 60Hz, 7.8W Output: 6VDC, 400mA Generation II transceivers, identified by the addition of a power indicator lamp and a smaller power connector, require a 9V AC power source capable of sourcing at least 500 milliamps. Since GenII transceivers use AC power there is no polarity requirement on the connector.

The VBX Administrator application occasionally displays "Not Responding" in the Task Manager on VBX Servers running Windows NT that also contain Osprey videoconferencing codecs. Why?

This happens when the NT operating system on the VBX server is attempting to generate a sound�typically associated with displaying an error message or other message box. Since there is no sound card in the VBX server, Windows NT tries to utilize the Osprey-1000 as the primary sound card. Since the Osprey-1000 is not designed for this purpose, the system temporarily displays "Not Responding" in the Windows NT Task Manager. To prevent this from occurring, set the VBX Server to "No Sounds" in the Multimedia icon under Control Panel. This setting must be made for each log on account used on the VBX Server since it is a user preference setting.