Motion Media mm745 videophone is TCP/IP based

By Bernard Cole
iApplianceWeb
(01/29/03, 01:14:00 PM EDT)

Aust near Bristol, UK -- Claiming it is the world's first  Internet-basedvideophone, Motion Media Technology LLC has just released the IP-based mm745,built around the Wind River VxWorks RTOS and a dual processor architecture consisting of the Equator video processor and a Motorola PowerPC.

The dual processor combination allows it to run at roughly four times the speed of a typical desktop computer and initially support data rates of between 128kbps and 2Mbps, extending to 10Mbps in the future. The mm745 can set-up video calls in only ten seconds, taking less time than making a 384K ISDN call where the typical call set-up time is around 30 seconds.  The mm745 has a delay lower than that of a mobile telephone so natural conversation flows.

The unit allows users to simultaneously communicate face-to-face, access Web information and personalised software, and send and receive emails via Internet-based accounts. It also supports an open development environment to allow Motion Media Technology to partner with application providers wanting to provide third party applications on the phone to further differentiate the product.

The mm745 comes with a 12" fold-away screen, a powerful dual processor system and a hands free full-duplex acoustic echo canceller. It has been designed so that just by touching or clicking on the phone book icon on the screen, users gain access to an unlimited phonebook stored on the system, online directories, such as those found on corporate intranets, and video and audio meeting services provided by third parties.

The unit is is designed to be compatible with other H.323-based videoconferencing equipment, multi-point conferencing systems and network hardware like gateways and gatekeepers. In addition to an integrated web browser, other features include additional auxillary ports to allow connection of  TV, mic, VCR, PC, or custom audio and video peripherals.
 
Where ordinary telephones operate using a 3.5kHertz bandwidth, the mm745 makes use of 7kHz for increased clarity as well as full duplex acoustic echo cancellation. The latter allows handsfree bidirectional conversation with the far end as though in the same room. Most handsfree echo cancellation codecs permit speech in one direction only, which leads to delays and clipped speech when one person interrupts the other.

For more information on this product, go to www.motion-media.com.

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