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Logitech Introduces ViewPort AV 100 for Business Desktop Video Communications; Logitech ViewPort AV 100 Integrates Camera, Microphone, Wireless Bluetooth Headset

Posted on: Monday, 7 February 2005, 06:00 CST

Logitech (Nasdaq:LOGI) (SWX:LOGN), the world's leading manufacturer of Web cameras, today announced the Logitech(R) ViewPort(TM) AV 100, the company's first product designed to bring video communications to the workplace PC. The Logitech ViewPort AV 100 gives developers and solution providers a versatile, high-quality audio and video device that serves as the foundation for a desktop video communications solution. The Logitech ViewPort AV 100, which is USB based, combines a premium Logitech video camera, an integrated microphone with acoustic echo cancellation, and a Bluetooth(R) wireless headset into a single, sleek console.

"Video conferencing has been around for years in the boardroom, but the technology had not reached a point where price, quality and ease of use made it viable for widespread use at the desktop," said Gina Clark, director of product marketing for Logitech's Video Business Unit. "This landscape is changing, as custom-designed products such as the Logitech ViewPort AV 100 address an eager corporate market with high-quality, versatile hardware at a very compelling price. We're working closely with a number of valued partners to help them deliver a variety of video communications solutions to businesses of all sizes."

Polycom is a preferred provider of solutions for the ViewPort AV 100. Logitech is marketing the ViewPort AV 100 with Polycom's PVX software video conferencing solution through select distributors and value added resellers to enterprise customers. The ViewPort/PVX solution extends Polycom's market-leading, conference-room-quality voice and video experience to the PC, delivering TV-like video quality at 30 frames per second with H.264 video compression, and near-CD quality audio using Polycom's Siren 14(TM) (14 kHz) sound, even over low bandwidth connections.

"Polycom is proud to be teaming up with Logitech to offer premium personal conferencing at the desktop," said Keith LeFebvre, vice president of product management and marketing for the Video Systems Division at Polycom. "The ViewPort and PVX are an unbeatable and innovative combination for customers at their desktop or using their mobile PCs who are looking for a great experience as they collaborate and share content with others in offices and conference rooms throughout the enterprise."

Logitech is also working with RADVISION and VCON to deliver video conferencing solutions using ViewPort AV 100.

"Desktop multimedia communications, both in the home and in the office, are moving from a niche application to a powerful, low-cost, high-quality way for people to communicate," said Yaron Bul, senior director of product marketing at RADVISION. "This revolution in communications has been enabled in a large part by the new generation of webcams, such as Logitech's new ViewPort AV 100."

"It's great to see an affordable business class webcam with the level of quality and sophistication that ViewPort AV 100 presents," said Andreas Wienold, worldwide vice president of sales and marketing at VCON. "The Logitech ViewPort AV 100 is clearly a great complement to our vPoint HD personal desktop video conferencing software. Combined with VCON's Video PBX (Media Xchange Manager), this integrated solution provides a unique platform for widespread desktop videoconferencing."

With the ViewPort AV 100, Logitech has made ease of use a priority, using a simple, innovative design. For example, the face of this stylish product contains only two buttons -- one to launch the conferencing application, and the other to block video and mute sound for temporary privacy during a conference call. The attractive design also incorporates a docking cradle to house and recharge the included Bluetooth(R) wireless headset. The Logitech ViewPort AV 100 offers the option of communicating through an embedded microphone for conferencing mode, or through the Bluetooth(R) wireless headset for privacy and increased mobility.

The Logitech ViewPort AV 100 has a 51-degree field-of-view -- wider than most consumer webcams -- allowing the caller to sit comfortably at a desk while making a video call, as automatic face tracking and zooming keep the subject framed. The ViewPort AV 100 will transmit high-quality video up to 30 frames per second, depending on the application and speed of the Internet connection.

Availability

The Logitech ViewPort AV 100 will initially be available to solution providers, VARs and system builders. Subsequently, it will be marketed as an enterprise solution through these system integrator channels. The Logitech hardware comes with a two-year manufacturer's limited warranty.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the Swiss Stock Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Logitech under license.

Source: Business Wire

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