31 January 2011. The main innovations in Video Network Infrastructure products in 2010 were to extend the capability of the powerful MCUs launched in 2009 to enable: (a) the interconnection of multiple-screen Telepresence solutions of different vendors (Cisco, LifeSize, Polycom, RADVISION and Cisco/Tandberg systems); and (b) to enable connections to smart phones and tablet PCs. 

In January 2010, Cisco creates an open standard - the Telepresence Interoperability Protocol (TIP)- and offered to license it royalty free; LifeSize, TANDBERG and RADVISION signed up  TANDBERG demonstrated Telepresence interoperability between TANDBERG Telepresence and the Cisco CTS 3000. 

In September 2010, the International Multimedia Telecommunications Consortium (IMTC) took over ownership of the Telepresence Interoperability Protocol (TIP) from Cisco Systems and established a TIP Activity Group and an open standard web site. The TIP (Version 6 and Version 7) specifications are available from IMTC. These protocol specifications describe how to multiplex multiple screens, multiple audio streams, and an auxiliary-data screen into respective Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) flows using a multiplexing technique. 

 Available in October 2010, the RADVISION's SCOPIA Elite MCU with the new Telepresence Interoperability (TIP) feature of SCOPIA V7.5, provides connectivity to users with Telepresence systems from Cisco, Logitech/LifeSize, Polycom and Tandberg allowing them to view all meeting participants in a multi-party call, including those on traditional video conferencing systems.

Connectivity to mobile phones, smart phones and tablet PCs was made available on the following platforms in 2010: Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server, Compunetix  EVERGREEN MCUs, Polycom Open Collaboration Network, RADVISION SCOPIA Elite MCU with Mobile V2 and Siemens OpenScape Unified Communications suite.

There were two new MCUs released in 2010: The Compunetix, Inc. new line of video Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) known as the EVERGREEN™ family and the LifeSize Bridge 2200 - a new modular, 16-port MCU which  scales intelligently. The RADVISION's SCOPIA Elite MCU was enhanced as described above.

New appliances for video recording, streaming, content management and distribution in 2010 came from: LifeSize Video Center with the capability to instantly stream, record and auto-publish 720p/30; the Polycom video content platform based on the RSS 4000 and other appliances.

New solutions for NAT and firewall traversal for businesses in 2010 came from: LifeSize Transit™ Server with LifeSize Transit™ Client - a complete NAT and firewall traversal solution for businesses based on Paradial technology; the new Video Firewall Traversal Server (FTS) solution from UK systems integrator VideoCentric.

Here are the main events and new products launches of 2010 in chronolgical order:

In March 2010, Tandberg launched its new Tandberg Advanced Media Gateway which transcodes Microsoft's RTV video format to H.264 HD video; this enables a video link between Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2 Users and standard-based H.264 video users. 

In March 2010, Polycom announced the new Polycom video content platform for a video network that included:

- High Definition video recording and streaming using The Polycom RSS 4000

- Complete video content lifecycle management using the Polycom Video Media Center

- Broadcast quality video production using the new Polycom Recording Studio

- Network efficient video content distribution using the Polycom Video Edge

- Integrated digital signage solution using the Polycom Digital Signage

In April 2010. LifeSize Communications, a division of Logitech, launched LifeSize® Video Center that gives organisations the capability to instantly stream, record and auto-publish video in 720p/30 HD video, audio and data content, with unparalleled simplicity at a reasonable cost. In October 2010, LifeSize’s Video Center 1.1 software added new features such as integration into any LDAP server, enhanced reporting tools, and APIs to use with VBrick systems.

In June 2010, Compunetix, Inc., announced its new EVERGREEN™ family of video Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) known as the the Cedar™, the Cypress™, and the Sequoia™. A new video client called STix™(Soft Terminal by Compunetix) will compliment the new Compunetix MCUs. 

In July 2010, LifeSize  announced LifeSize Virtual Link™ to enables data sharing live or on demand with the use of a PC or Mac. The LifeSize Desktop™ updated Version 2.0 software now supports data sharing as well as 720p HD video.

In July 2010. Logitech International acquired the assets of Paradial AS, a Norway-based  provider of firewall and NAT (network address translation) traversal solutions for video communication. Most of Paradial's employees, including founders, will be part of Logitech's LifeSize division.    The acquisition allow Logitechand LifeSize to closely integrate firewall and NAT traversal across its video communication product portfolio.

 In July 2010, the new LifeSize Transit™ Server, which combined with LifeSize Transit™ Client, provides a complete network address translation (NAT) and firewall traversal solution for businesses, to ensure HD video calls can be made reliably both within and outside the organization.

In July 2010, LifeSize Control™, Version 5.0 video management software was released with new support for LifeSize Desktop and LifeSize Video Center, Google® calendar and scheduling integration, and user-customizable administrator settings and directories. 

In July 2010.  IPeak Networks will use new financing (1) to accelerate Internet Performance and Quality (IPQ) and VDI product development and (2) to ramp up the sales and marketing of its packet loss technology.

In September 2010, VideoCentric launched its new Video Firewall Traversal Server (FTS) based on a dual port Linux engine with a public IP address for the internet side and a private one for the LAN/VPN side. Cost was under $2,000.

In October 2010, LifeSize launched the LifeSize Bridge™ 2200 - a 16-port MCU based on a modular Full HD 1080p video architecture that enables organizations to take a building block approach, scaling video conferencing deployments as the demand for HD video conferencing grows.

In October 2010, RADVISION SCOPIA Elite MCU with SCOPI v.7.5 was launched with enhancements to enable links between Cisco, Logitech/LifeSize, Polycom and TANDBERG Telepresence systems and with HD VC systems

In October 2010, Lifesize announced the new LifeSize Bridge 2200 - a  modular, 16-port MCU which  scales intelligently and makes Full 1080p HD video accessible for organizations using multiparty video communications.

In December 2010, Siemens Enterprise Communications enhanced its OpenScape UC Server 2010-- a Unified Communications portfolio for the data center and virtualized environments released in March -- with a set of collaboration, mobility and video tools.

In December 2010, RADVISION SCOPIA Elite MCU with Mobile V2 was launched. This enables H.239 data collaboration between Apple® iPhone and iPad™ and standards-based HD videoconferencing and Telepresence systems.

There will be two tends to watch in 2011.

(1) Many vendors will be promoting their Unified Communications platform as a video network to connect any endpoint, located anywhere, over any network. 

(2) Most vendors will be enhancing their infrastructure solution so that smart phones and tablet PCs can become videoconferencing endpoints, the recipients of data sharing and the recipients video streamed broadcasts to hundreds of users for training, etc.