The latest systems exhibited at Telepresence World 2007 in San Diego

Telepresence systems were on display at Telepresence World 2007 last week (4-6 June 2007) at the University of San Diego, San Diego, California. Telepresence World 2007 brought together industry leaders, researchers, and end-users from around the world to experience, discuss, and compare telepresence solutions and technologies. According to an article in ‘Wired’ magazine there were 330 attendees who might buy the Telepresence systems.

Telepresence systems were exhibited by Cisco, DVE-Digital Video Enterprises, HP - Halo Collaboration, Polycom, Telanetix and Teliris. They each had different features and different groups of users in mind.  And the systems of different vendors are not yet interoperable

Telepresence systems are more expensive to install and operate than traditional video conferencing systems. They provide a more realistic meeting experience at a high price. The video and audio quality can be matched by high definition videoconferencing systems using large display screens. But the eye contact and dedicated rooms or suites make Telepresence feel more immersive.

So what is Telepresence? In the words of Anne Meltzer, the Editorial Director of the TelepresenceWorld.net Web Portal, “Telepresence combines the use of high-definition (HD) video and audio, life-size displays, dedicated networks, and customized surroundings to more closely replicate an in-person experience.”

Some of the most important features of the new telepresence systems include: Good eye contact which is essential for good communication, facilitated in some systems by the use of hidden eye-level cameras; and a customized “suite” or room outfitted with optimized lighting and acoustical materials and multiple HD displays positioned to approximate face-to-face encounters, with a separate screen for data display.

DVE’s co-founder and CEO, Steve McNelley defines Telepresence as “eye contact”. To create a telepresence experience, one needed appropriate conversational distances, true eye contact, and life size images of far end meeting participants. Participants at a remote site then feel they are present in the same room. Telepresence can then provide the necessary perceptual feedback cues that humans require to mentally process an event as natural and multi-dimensional.

Although the applications of telepresence are varied, so far business conferences and meetings have been the main use.

Tom Szabo, CEO of Telanetix, speaking at the Show said he felt that Telepresence today is still largely a communications tool used between C-level employees within a company or between companies. Some of the biggest opportunities for improving business efficiency comes from getting Telepresence into the hands of mid-level employees like product developers, film production crews, and similar groups who do a lot of collaborative decision making throughout their business days. Sales are generally limited when sold as a C-level solution, but that number explodes when sold as solutions deeper within organizations.

Aaron McCormack, CEO of BT Conferencing saw effective telepresence solutions as systems that act as “human middle-ware” and are extraordinarily intuitive for end users. There are more and more globally dispersed work teams. Telepresence solutions allow distributed teams to communicate quickly and efficiently compared to previous forms of remote conferencing.

Mark Barounos, President and CEO of Hemisphere Expo Services, Inc., the organizers of TelePresence World 2007 told us: “The reception of this new event by vendors and visitors alike was enthusiastic. It put Telepresence onto the radar of many people for the very first time.”

Mark also told us that next year, Telepresence World 2008 will be held in London.

Source: www.VCInsight.com