H.261 video translation (packets <--> streams)

T.120 data sharing

Extensive logging capability

Configured and maintained at the local server console, or through LiveManager via SNMP

LiveGateway lets LiveLAN and NetConference H.323 Multipoint Server users place and receive calls to/from H.320-compliant desktop and group systems such as PictureTel's Live50, Live100, Live200 desktops, SwiftSite, Venue and Concorde as well as other vendors' H.320-compliant systems. Through LiveGateway, LiveLAN users can even call an H.320 MCU (multipoint control unit) such as PictureTel's Montage and Prism and participate in an H.320 continuous presence multipoint conference. LiveGateway also supports T.120 data collaboration on supported endpoints.

Using a single, full length ISA/EISA board, LiveGateway installs into any Windows NT 4.0 TCP/IP server or workstation. You can install up to four gateway boards per platform, as determined by the hardware configuration (CPU speed and RAM) of your server.

With LiveGateway installed and connected to your ISDN network, LiveLAN users as well as other H.323- compliant users can directly dial the ISDN video numbers of any H.320 user using LiveLAN's dial pad. In turn, H.320 users outside the LAN can call LiveLAN users using either DTMF dialing or via an operator station. LiveGateway also gives LiveLAN users at different sites the ability to call each other across ISDN. This is ideal for situations where the routed link between these sites is low-speed, or heavily congested.

With LiveGateway, LiveLAN users and other H.323 users can participate in audio, video, and data calls with any H.320 videoconferencing system inside or outside their own LAN.

LiveGateway also supports the PictureTel 330 NetConference Multipoint Server Software product. When NetConference is used with LiveGateway, users of NetConference can place calls to H.320 users or place calls to a NetConference conference room by specifying the conference room's Terminal ID.

Upgrading your version of LiveGateway

It is not necessary to deinstall previous versions of LiveGateway. All configuration information from previous versions will be maintained. However, if you are upgrading from an earlier release of LiveGateway (before version 3.0), you may need to enter a gateway prefix and a dialing prefix.

Contents of Server Product Kit

Each LiveGateway server product kit contains the following items:

LiveGateway Hardware Installation Guide.

LiveGateway CD-ROM (contains the software and online help, the online version (HTML format) of the installation guide, an Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF version of the installation guide, and the release notes).

LiveGateway full-length ISA/EISA board.

ISDN cable.

LiveGateway Bootup diagnostic diskette.

If your kit doesn't have all of these items, please contact your PictureTel sales representative.

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PictureTel 3.1 appendix Upgrading your version of LiveGateway, Contents of Server Product Kit

3.1 specifications

PictureTel 3.1 is a landmark software release that revolutionized the realm of video conferencing and remote communication technology in the late 1990s. Emerging from the need for effective and efficient communication in professional environments, PictureTel 3.1 combined innovative technologies and user-friendly features to facilitate high-quality video interactions.

One of the standout features of PictureTel 3.1 is its advanced video compression technology. By utilizing the H.261 standard, it enabled high-quality video transmissions over low-bandwidth connections, making it accessible for a wider audience. This capability paved the way for organizations to implement video conferencing without needing extensive infrastructure investments. The software's ability to dynamically adjust video quality based on available bandwidth ensured smooth sessions, minimizing interruptions and enhancing user experience.

Additionally, PictureTel 3.1 introduced a user-friendly interface that emphasized simplicity and ease of use. This intuitive design allowed users to initiate and manage video conferences effortlessly. The software supported a variety of input devices, including USB cameras, which expanded its compatibility across different hardware platforms. Users could easily connect to meetings with just a few clicks, which was revolutionary for companies looking to adopt remote communication solutions.

Another hallmark of PictureTel 3.1 was its robust multi-point capabilities. This meant that multiple participants could join a single conference, facilitating collaboration among teams dispersed across different locations. The software supported various layouts for video feeds, allowing users to customize their viewing experience according to their preferences and requirements.

Moreover, PictureTel 3.1 integrated seamlessly with existing telephone systems and other communication tools. This capacity for interoperability meant that organizations could combine traditional voice communication with modern video conferencing, creating a holistic communication experience. Features like screen sharing and document collaboration further enriched meetings, providing teams with the tools necessary for effective communication and teamwork.

In conclusion, PictureTel 3.1 exemplified the potential of video conferencing technologies during its time. Its innovative features, including advanced video compression, user-friendly interface, robust multi-point capabilities, and seamless integration with existing systems, set the foundation for future advancements in remote communication. As organizations increasingly embraced remote work and global collaboration, PictureTel 3.1 played a critical role in transforming how businesses communicate, paving the way for modern video conferencing solutions today.