Gigaconference II: Codian Shows HD Conference Bridge

Codian, which makes video conferencing products, is demonstrating its new HD videoconference bridge (MCU 4500 series), which is serving as the central MCU (multipoint conferencing unit) platform for the "Internet2 Gigaconference II High-Definition Videoconferencing Event" this week in Chicago.

Besides having a really long title, the confab is being sponsored by the Internet2 consortium. Gigaconference II is a demo of HD H.323 video conferencing endpoints, according to the group's Web site, with an emphasis on interoperability in "real-world academic applications."

Global participants are using a Codian MCU 4500 to connect with an array of HD systems from various manufacturers to demonstrate multivendor connectivity.

Based in San Jose, Calif., Codian said its MCU 4500 series is designed to deliver HD full-motion, "continuous presence video conferencing," while simultaneously supporting conferences with mixed SD-HD endpoints. The MCU system is primarily geared toward telemedicine, distance learning and Internet2 projects.