Skype Ends Desktop API Support Affecting Cloud Video Providers

I thought this was an interesting change made by Skype in January. I see little mention of it on the Web. Blue Jeans has Skype still listed as a endpoint but their knowledge base refers to using the browser instead. See screenshot.

This poses an interesting question assuming that Skype is a dominate consumer video platform, if domination is the path to interoperability what happens when the dominate player changes their API and no one else can play? A while back Kevin Kieller from nojitter.com suggested the path to interoperability is through market domination but I am not sure this is what customers had in mind. Maybe the reason I see little traffic on the topic is because it had little to no affect on what company's are doing although I am betting it was used as a selling point.

If you’re a Blue Jeans or other cloud video MCU customer has it affected you?

http://www.nojitter.com/post/232200411/market-dominance-as-a-path-to-interoperability

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VoIPNorm

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Setting up the Cisco SX20 PrecisionHD 1080p 2.5x Camera

Most people are probably well aware of the SX20 series codecs but very few might know about some of the camera options that exist for it. The PrecisionHD 2.5x is a fairly new option that has been available for less than a year. I thought since I have one for testing I would take a closer look at the camera and put together some helpful info in a post.

Below is the typical mounting option for the 2.5x camera:

 

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Below are some high level spec’s:

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Here are a few high level points around the SX20 cameras in general and also more specifically the 2.5x camera:

  • All of the SX20 cameras can be mounted right-side up or upside down.
  • The 12x and 2.5x cameras will auto-sense when mounted upside down, and will automatically invert the image and reverse pan and tilt. (A camera reboot is required.)
  • The 4xS2 camera does not auto-sense. Instead, use the web interface, API, or TRC5 remote control to change the settings:

xConfiguration Cameras Camera 1 Flip: <Auto/Off/On>

  • The cameras should always be mounted level – not pointing up or down.
  • The SX20 camera – 12x, 4x, or 2.5x – will automatically upgrade if a new software image is available after upgrading the SX20

Camera Use Case

Project Workplace has a good depiction of the use case for this camera. See link below:

http://www.cisco.com/assets/sol/tp/workplace_app/index.html?page=scenario&city=sydney&room=3/

Typically this camera would serve a much smaller room space. The good thing with the mounting option is that it puts the camera closer to eye level which improves the viewers perspective of where your looking. It gives the feeling of eye to eye contact.

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Camera Mounting

Below is the setup for mounting the camera.It is a pretty easy setup once you understand that optimal mounting is upside down!

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I took a few close ups of the camera and how I have it positioned. My setup isn't perfect due to my screen size but with a larger screen positioning the camera would have been easier.

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Setup Tips

The following applies to setting up the SX20 with any camera using the web interface, API, or remote control menus:

Optimal Definition Profile: default is Medium (SX20 only)

  • In poor lighting, set this value to Normal,
  • With excellent lighting, set this value to High. This will increase the resolution at a given bandwidth

Controlling the frame rate: This value controls when the codec will transmit 60fps, rather than 30fps

  • If you want to transmit 720p60, change this setting to 1280_720c
  • If you want to transmit 1080p60, leave this setting at default
  • If you want to transmit only 30fps at all times, change to “Never”

See the screenshot below of these settings:

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USB Port use

The USB port is currently not in use. This feature is planned for a future release (per the release notes).

Premium Resolution Option Key:

Premium resolution is an option key that is available when you purchase the SX20.

  • Required for transmit and receive resolutions higher than 720p30
  • 576p60, 720p60, 1080p30, and 1080p60 all require the PR option key.
  • Locally displayed resolutions are not affected by this option key. The SX20 can display up to 1080p60 locally.

TC 7 Release Notes

http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/telepresence/endpoint/software/tc7/release_notes/tc-software-release-notes-tc7.pdf

PrecisionHD Camera data sheet

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/collaboration-endpoints/telepresence-precisionhd-cameras/data_sheet_c78-669051.html

Project Workplace

http://www.cisco.com/assets/sol/tp/workplace_app/index.html?page=home/

VoIPNorm

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