Top 10 SIP Video Conferencing Platforms

2019. GoToMeeting has improved its interface and speech recognition


LogMeIn has released a new version of its popular video conferencing system, GoToMeeting. It features a completely redesigned user interface, unified across devices. The developers have also improved audio quality, promising high quality even on slow internet connections. For capturing the results of video meetings, new features include real-time notes and speech recognition, allowing users to read video conference logs as dialogue. Meeting organizers can now create branded virtual meeting rooms and gather their teams for communication and collaboration at any time. Integrations with Office 365, Outlook, Google Calendar, and Slack have been updated.


2009. Adobe Connect Pro Adds Universal Voice Chat



One of the leading web conferencing services, Adobe Connect Pro, has added a new feature that allows to integrate an existing voice communication solution, possibly provided by a third-party provider, into a web conference. Companies typically already have high-quality VoIP connections for internal use, so it makes sense to use this connection when conducting web conferences. The new feature will record the audio connection provided by an external provider. Furthermore, Adobe Connect Pro now allows users using the service's own VoIP channel to join such conferences. It was also announced that Adobe Connect Pro now supports up to 80,000 concurrent conference participants, and an iPhone version will soon be available.


2008. Sony Introduces PCS-XG80 HD Video Conferencing System

Sony has introduced the new PCS-XG80 series of HD videoconferencing systems. Distinguishing features include support for the highest resolution on the market: 1080i 30 fps, 720p video support up to 60 fps, a radio remote control, a built-in streaming server and the ability to record video to Memory Stick, support for wideband stereo audio, the ability of the HD camera to work in low-light conditions, support for SIP/H.239 for two streams with 720p and 30 fps video, the ability to connect to IP surveillance cameras during video conferences, and a built-in 6-port server with cascading capabilities. Unlike the older PCS-XG90 model, aimed at the broadcast market, the PCS-XG80 is compatible with existing SD videoconferencing systems. The estimated price is from 7,000 euros; for this price, the package includes a codec, an HD camera, two microphones, and a remote control.

2007. TANDBERG Video Communication Server Adds Support for SIP and H.323

TANDBERG has introduced a new version of TANDBERG Video Communication Server, which includes the new FindMe application, providing automatic call forwarding for personal and group calls. The system also supports call control and an application for transmitting data through corporate firewalls, which now operates not only on H.323 but also on SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). As a result, customers can now maximize their investment in H.323-based equipment and pave the way for a smooth migration to SIP. While H.323 remains the industry standard for videoconferencing services, the use of the popular SIP protocol allows a significantly wider range of customers to access these services. Thus, the functionality of a wide range of modern systems and future technologies can be expanded with the ability to receive popular video traffic transmitted over SIP.


2004. Avaya and Polycom launch low-cost IP video telephony system

Avaya and Polycom announced the launch of a jointly developed IP videophone for PCs, called Avaya Video Telephony Solution: Desktop Edition. The product, as announced, "combines broadcast-quality video and office telephony functionality with a single, easy-to-use interface that allows business users to initiate video conferences from their desktop or laptop PC." The solution includes four components: a new version of the Avaya IP softphone (IP Softphone R5.1); a Polycom ViaVideo II v5.1.1 video system, consisting of a camera, microphone, and a specialized multimedia processor connected to a PC USB port; an integration module, Avaya Integrator for Polycom Video; and a video telephony system registrar (Avaya Video Directory Server). A distinctive feature of the new system is the establishment of a communication session using a regular phone number, which is entered from the keyboard in a special window.


2000. Avaya's video conferencing system now supports SIP/H.323

Avaya has expanded the functionality of its MCU (MultiPoint Conferencing Unit) video conferencing solution by adding video transmission over IP. The new version of this solution, Avaya MCU 7.1, increases the flexibility of video conferencing by allowing the use of H.323 IP and H.320 ISDN terminal equipment in a single session. This is the first IP/ISDN video conferencing solution capable of supporting speeds up to 768 kbps while maintaining image quality in accordance with the H.263 standard (a high-performance video algorithm). MCU 7.1 is also the first multipoint conferencing device. Audio-only participants can connect to the conference via either a regular PSTN line or Internet telephony. Avaya MCU release 7.1 can be configured as an H.323/H.320, H.320 only, or H.323 only conferencing system. The system is available in 12, 64, or 96-party configurations.