Launched at the start of 2008, the Polycom HDX Series was rolled out to provide organisations with a much improved HD Video Conferencing experience, which included breakthrough advances in the technology such as Lost Packet Recovery, making waves across the Video Conferencing market. Many users were thrilled with the new offering, with a high quality interface and simplistic collaboration that Polycom believed helped them offer the deepest and broadest portfolio of advanced video collaboration solutions available on the market at that time. The Polycom HDX Series has been made end-of-life as of August 2016.
The Polycom HDX
In 2012, Polycom introduced the new RealPresence Group Series systems, with the aim of improving the experience even further – higher quality video & data resolution, the addition of features such as Polycom VisualBoard and SmartPairing technology, and better integration with other non-standards compliant systems & solutions, such as Microsoft Lync & SVC.
The Polycom RealPresence Group
With the recent announcement of the Polycom HDX series being made end of life, it’s no longer a matter of if you should choose the Group Series, but when. So what’s the difference (and similarities) between the two?
The HDX & Group: So how do they compare?
Both the HDX and Group systems provide professional quality video, audio and data conferencing, with features including People + content, Lost Packet Recovery, and H.264 high profile support, with innovative technology that provides a UltimateHD quality resolution at 50% less bandwidth. Both solutions are also Microsoft Lync compatible and qualified, although this does require added licenses or infrastructure, depending upon the required integration.
Let’s take a look at differences between two sets of comparable room based systems; The HDX 7000 vs the Group 500, and the HDX 8000 vs the Group 700.
Group Series |
HDX Series |
 The Group Series interface |
 The HDX Series interface |
Group Series Microphone Array |
HDX Series Microphone Array |
|
Group Series Remote Control |
HDX Series Remote Control |
The Group Series |
The HDX Series |
|
| Key Features | ||
| Resolution | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Maximum Call Speed (Point-to-Point) |
6 Mbps | 2 Mbps |
| Microsoft Qualification | Lync 2013/Skype for Business Qualified | Lync 2010 Qualified |
| Embedded Multipoint | Group 500: Up to 6 sitesGroup 700: Up to 8 sites |
HDX 7000: Up to 4 sitesHDX 8000: Up to 4 sites |
| Interoperability | IP, RTV, H.264 High Profile/SVC | IP, ISDN, RTV, H.264 High profile |
| Cameras | EagleEye IV and EagleEye III Camera Compatible | EagleEye III Camera compatible |
| Video | ||
| Video Inputs | Group 500: 3 inputsGroup 700: 7 inputs |
HDX 7000: 3 inputsHDX 8000: 4 inputs |
| Video Outputs | Group 500: 2 outputsGroup 700: 6 outputs |
HDX 7000: 2 outputsHDX 8000: 3 outputs |
| Audio | ||
| Audio Inputs | Group 500: 4 inputsGroup 700: 9 inputs |
HDX 7000: 5 inputsHDX 8000: 6 inputs |
| Audio Outputs | Group 500: 2 outputsGroup 700: 2 outputs |
HDX 7000: 1 outputHDX 8000: 2 outputs |
| Audio Standards | Polycom StereoSurround 22 kHz bandwidth with Siren 22 technology |
Polycom StereoSurround 22 kHz bandwidth with Siren 22 technology |
| Acoustic Technology Innovations | NoiseBlock Technology Auto gain & suppression Live music mode Instant adaption Echo Cancellation Audio error concealment Siren Audio Lost Packet Recovery |
Auto gain & suppression Instant adaption Echo Cancellation Audio error concealment Siren Audio Lost Packet Recovery |
| Content | ||
| Content Transmit | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Content Receive | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Additional Features | ||
| EagleEye Producer | Yes | No |
| EagleEye Director | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Control | Yes | Yes |
| UC Board/Visual Board | Yes | Yes |
| SoundStation IP 7000 integration | Yes | Yes |
| Lost Packet Recovery | Yes | Yes |
| API support | Yes | Yes |
| Audio only line (POTS analogue) | No | Yes |
In summary, the Polycom HDX Series has been a great solution for many customers, and still provides some features including ISDN/POTS that are key to organisations in government, judicial and public sector organisations. However, with a much improved look and feel, a more simple to use experience that is consistent across the whole Polycom portfolio, and better integration with solutions such as the Polycom Producer and Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business, the Polycom RealPresence Group Series provides the next step for organisations looking to greatly improve video conferencing and collaboration across their organisation.
More Information
VideoCentric have a number of available promotions that are suitable for organisations looking to upgrade from the Polycom HDX or VSX endpoints to the Polycom RealPresence Group series, including trade-in programmes and free Microsoft Skype for Business Connectivity, with the RealAccess Solution. Contact us today to find out whether you can qualify for this offering, or to arrange a demonstration of both systems side by side, so you can see for yourself the benefits and features now available.
- The Polycom RealPresence Producer: At-a-Glance
- The Polycom HDX 7000 Series product page
- The Polycom HDX 8000 Series product page
- The Polycom Group Series product page
