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VNCI (Video Network Communications Inc.) have worked with military clients, including the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, to provide integrated video networks that allow for the delivery of video, voice, and encrypted data over the network. According to Maguire, VNCI provides TV (analog)-quality video over the network, but does so via a patented method that employs the unused bandwidth on existing phone lines. This capability, he says, has proven quite a selling point for companies that want to provide networked video, but can't, because (as in many old government buildings) they have old wiring that would be very disruptive to improve, or cannot justify the expense of rewiring. Via a gateway, the system can deliver quality video anywhere using ISDN or IP. Price, he says, is a major factor in VNCI's success. VNCI's solutions start at about $3,000 per seat as compared with $15K to $30K for ISDN or IP networked-video solutions. And most importantly, Maguire stresses, "your security infrastructure is already in place." According to Danrian Germain, director of communications for Anystream, they wouldn't have missed this show. She says, "It is clear that the economy is off and the funding is going to the government." It seems significant that, in a year of low conference attendance and alarming last-minute booth-space cancellations, Gov Tech was able to expand its show floor. While conference session attendance seemed lighter than last year, the show floor traffic was steady and exhibitors praised the targeted quality of the attendees. Anystream released version 2.0 of its Agility streaming automation software at the show. Germain thinks that the new edition, with a lower cost and more flexible configuration options than its predecessor, is well timed for Gov Tech release. The product's key strength, according to Germain: "It automates and distributes a lot of content volume without a lot of people." Germain also believes this will be a strong year for streaming solutions across the board, because, "post-9/11, people are looking for ways to communicate without getting on planes." Judging by their new releases at the show, projector makers are still banking on business travel. Toshiba introduced a three-pound data/video DLP projector. Pauline Trader, Toshiba's product brand manager, says the digital imaging division is also focused on offering complete solutions, such as control rooms and security solutions to the government sector. Sharp, enthusiastic about its new "Be Sharp" advertising campaign aimed at corporate and consumer presentation markets, introduced the XG-C40XU, a 10.6-pound projector. They also highlighted several Notevision portable projectors. Janet Yardley, the company's marketing manager, says, "The government is one of our key markets, especially training and briefing rooms. They need units to be reliable and portable." She also says that Sharp has some wireless network-accessible projectors planned for springtime release. Even Christie Digital, best known for its bright, behemoth 3-chip DLP-installed projectors was showing off its most-portable units to date—in the 8-12 pound category. According to Frank Weathers, the company's business development manager, "We are now in a position to meet road- warriors' needs." However, Weathers says the company has remained focused on delivering the highest quality digital video. For many mission-critical government applications, he says, "the image must be perfect, the color has to be on, and there can't be artifacts in the image." As such, Christie's portables provide native 1280 resolution and employ DILA technology. While a fan of the quality of DLP output, Weathers says, "DILA will give DLP a run for its money for small size combined with high resolution. It has allowed us breadth of product line that lets us compete in more markets." Undoubtedly, however, streaming was the star of the show. VBrick's Mike Savic says that the company's streaming solutions are targeted at education and training, corporate streaming, and video surveillance. As Savic put it, "People are trying to reduce travel, but maintain the quality of communication"—and streaming solutions help facilitate both. All across the floor, signs of the times were evident—with everything from desert camouflage-painted network appliances to live streaming video from Afghanistan, not to mention Masergy's ex-military sales team. But Masergy, who provides "guaranteed" video traffic delivery via its Multi-Protocol Lavel Switching (MPLC) backbone and control systems, was doing more than cashing in on the hype. Twelve-year infantryman, ex-marine, and current Masergy sales director Chris Carr said that streaming is not just the hot topic of the moment, but in fact offers real solutions for government and military applications. He cites the training of geographically widespread troops in the use of new equipment. "For resident units, its easy to put on a seminar. And the military could spend money to fly trainers all over the world." But streaming, he says, would allow for more troops to be trained in far less time. Masergy's Murphy adds, "Today, video is just an entry point. Video is strong because of the recent events, but we want to provide long-term solutions that allow the customer to control whatever is important to them."
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