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Apple VideoPhone Kit
The Apple VideoPhone Kit is an all- in-one package for conferencing and working collaboratively over the Internet or an Ethernet network. It’s easy enough for home use, yet powerful enough for business needs.
With just a 28.8-kilobit-per-second modem and standard Internet access, you can use a Macintosh system to audioconference with far-away friends and relatives over the Internet—all for the price of a local phone call. The software’s Shared Whiteboard lets you share scanned family photos, children’s drawings, and letters while you conference. Use the included color video camera to send live pictures or “video faxes” to others in your conference. You can also type messages or send files while you’re talking. The Apple VideoPhone Kit has multimedia communications tools that everyone in the family can use.
With higher-speed network access, such as an ISDN link to the Internet or a connection to an Ethernet network, the Apple VideoPhone Kit becomes a valuable business productivity tool. Use its full-color video camera to hold “face-to-face” meetings with business associates, without the time and expense of business travel. With the included Timbuktu Pro software from Farallon Communications, everyone participating in a videoconference can view and mark up the same spreadsheet, graphics file, or text document.
One-button calling makes video- conferencing almost as easy as using a telephone. You also get automatic access to an online directory of conferencing sites around the world. And the integrated AppleGuide assistance software explains the kit’s capabilities while you’re using it.
The camera provided with the Apple VideoPhone Kit has several uses in addition to videoconferencing. With the included Apple Video Player software, you can capture still frames and video from the camera and save them for later playback on your computer. Because the camera can be focused to within 3 inches of the lens, it can take close-up pictures of three-dimensional objects and documents to enhance presentations and web pages.
Unlike most conferencing soft- ware today, the Apple VideoPhone Kit permits cross-platform conferences with users of Mac OS, Windows, and UNIX software–based computers, via Netscape Communications’ CoolTalk conferencing products.
Features
Versatile
- Enables audioconferencing and collaboration with limited video over the Internet with a 28.8-Kbps modem
- Adds full videoconferencing and document-sharing capabilities with a faster network connection (128 Kbps or higher)
- Lets you capture pictures and video as well as conduct videoconferences
Interoperable
- Works cross-platform with Netscape Communications’ CoolTalk audioconferencing software for Windows, UNIX, and Macintosh systems
- Supports internationally recognized audio and video standards
Comprehensive
- Includes System7.5.5 and Farallon Timbuktu Pro software at no additional charge
- Comes with a full-color analog camera that includes close-up capability
- Provides complete video capture and playback software
Easy to use
- One-button Call feature lets you establish audio- and videoconferences in a snap
- Integrated AppleGuide software provides step-by-step assistance while you use your software
- Online directory service access is built in, providing fast lookups of conferencing- capable sites
Technical Specifications
Apple VideoPhone software
- Audioconferencing capability permits real-time conversations over any network connection of at least 28.8 Kbps
- Videoconferencing capability typically provides 10 to 20 frames per second with an ISDN or Ethernet connection (videoconferencing is also available at limited frame rates with connection speeds below 128 Kbps)
- Shared Whiteboard feature allows sharing and annotation of text, images, and sounds
- Chat tool lets users type messages back and forth while conducting an audio- or videoconference
- File Transfer feature permits transfer of any size file over the network while a conference is in session
- Address Book stores frequently called numbers
- Integrated online directory service access allows easy conferencing with others worldwide
- One-button Call feature simplifies the process of establishing a conference
- Integrated AppleGuide online assistance software provides step-by-step help
Timbuktu Pro software
- Documents can be viewed and edited from remote sites
- Edits can be saved on the original document for later review
QuickTime Conferencing system extension Network protocol
- TCP/IP
Network protection features
- Flow control for real-time media
- Low bit-rate audio and video coding algorithms
Video input formats supported
- NTSC
- PAL
- SECAM
Audio and video compression standards supported
- ITU-T H.261
- JPEG
- Apple Video
- MACE
- GSM
- H.263
- RT24
Color analog video camera
- 320-line, high-resolution color
- Automatic focusing
- Manual focusing for extreme close-ups (down to 3 inches)
- Tilt adjustment
- Built-in camera stand
System requirements
- One of the following computers:
- Performa 5400 or 6400 series
- Power Macintosh 6100, 7100, 7500, 7600, 8100, 8500, or 8600 series (except the Power Macintosh 8100/110)
- Built-in video input and output capability
- 16MB of RAM (24MB recommended to use Timbuktu Pro)
- Apple System 7.5.5 software (included)
- An Internet connection of 28.8 Kbps or faster, or an Ethernet network connection
- A connection of at least 28.8 Kbps for audioconferencing with some video
- A connection of at least 128 Kbps for videoconferencing