Jabra launches real-time intelligent video solution "Jabra PanaCast" and strengthens foothold in huddle rooms

ORLANDO, Fla., June 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Jabra, the leading provider of UC sound solutions, today announces Jabra PanaCast, engineered to be the world's first smart Panoramic-4K Plug-and-Play video solution. This real-time immersive intelligent vision system offers 180-degree panoramic vision, which ensures everyone in the room is seen. Jabra PanaCast provides unique value for huddle rooms and spaces, delivering wall-to-wall video, audio and data, which is critical for modern video collaboration.  

The announcement follows the recent acquisition of Altia Systems. Jabra's portfolio has always focused on solutions that enhance productivity through improved concentration, conversation and collaboration. With Jabra PanaCast, Jabra combines its 150-year expertise in sound with industry-first video technology to deliver the most collaborative huddle room experience to date.

Jabra PanaCast is the world's first intelligent panoramic video collaboration device with three 13 megapixel cameras, working together as one via core technology embedded in the built-in Jabra PanaCast Vision Processor. The multi-camera array solution offers a full 180-degree panoramic field of view, delivering a naturally immersive experience – a key element in building trust, driving higher engagement and ultimately achieving better business outcomes faster. The panoramic video enables everyone to participate equally, fostering healthy discussion and true collaboration – despite not being in the same room.

Wall-to-wall coverage
Jabra PanaCast's leading-edge cameras and microphones, fourth-generation stitching technology and Intelligent Vision software work as one to ensure optimal performance. Now any room can be used to video conference with wall-to-wall coverage in Panoramic-4K video. Jabra PanaCast enables companies to make use of their full meeting spaces, eliminating the approximately 40 percent room wastage seen with conventional camera solutions.

Intelligent resource management
Jabra PanaCast's built-in people detection technologies provide the possibility of system-wide business intelligence by capturing accurate usage and occupancy information. As AV and IT become increasingly integrated, the need for accurate data and metrics increases. The upcoming Jabra PanaCast API will allow developers and partners to query the system for real-time information, such as people count data.

The advanced AI utilizes a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to count the number of people in the field of view, up to 36 feet (12m) away, and provide numeric data that organizations can use to inform decisions on calendar management, room utilization and resource management, or to automate facility assets' power management, such as TV monitors, lights, videoconferencing equipment and more. The technology will be available through the Jabra PanaCast API built for the Windows operating system and can be used for large areas like classrooms, auditoriums and general gatherings.

René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra, said: "We have always valued the importance of sound and personal interaction in every product within our Jabra portfolio. The introduction of Jabra PanaCast shows our commitment to enable businesses to achieve optimal collaboration and productivity through both sound and video technology. Now is the time to bring remote workers and huddle room participants closer together through the addition of high-quality, plug-and-play video to your huddle rooms."

Bringing the huddle room to life
Jabra's leading conference speakerphone series "Speak" can be integrated with PanaCast to further optimize the UC experience, enabling users to hold meetings wherever they may be without having to compromise on clear audio quality. Jabra's unique technology boasts an omni-directional microphone and HD Voice – providing 360-degree coverage and picking up sounds from any angle.

Jabra PanaCast provides unique value for huddle rooms and spaces, ticking all the boxes critical for modern video collaboration. It easily mounts on a digital display or on a wall with available mounting hardware. The USB based connection allows connection to any compatible device for instant setup and mobile meeting capability.

The solution is compatible with popular cloud-based solutions including Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, Cisco WebEx, Slack, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Unify Circuit, BlueJeans and more, so workers can plug-and-play in seconds with their existing collaboration services by simply plugging the device into the computer USB port.

"We want to challenge the market in both video and audio solutions with a solution that offers the best in audio, video and data. And the first responses are promising: users report a four-time growth in video-based meetings and a nearly 20 percent reduction in meeting duration," Svendsen-Tune said.  

Key features and specifications:  

• Simple plug-and-play operation with no software required via a single USB cable
• 180-degree, panoramic view seamlessly integrates video from three cameras with real-time dynamic stitching embedded in the onboard Jabra PanaCast Vision Processor
• Naturally inclusive and immersive experience supports equal participation from everyone during conference calls
• Crystal clear sound that picks up every voice in the room with Jabra Speak series
• Zero percent wasted space with industry-first, multi-camera array system
• Intelligent Vision (AI) products sense, anticipate and adjust automatically so workers can focus on their meeting and discussion
• Industry-first Intelligent Zoom autonomously and continuously optimizes the field of view to include everyone in the conversation
• Jabra PanaCast Vivid 2.0 automatically adjusts the video properties to optimize the video experience under varying light conditions
• The upcoming open and standards-based API provides data for companies and ecosystem partners to build value-added services that can help optimize workflows, automate room/calendar management and enable green energy initiatives, such as automatically turning off unused equipment (smart building capabilities enablement)

For more information, please go to: www.jabra.com/panacast 

Pricing and availability:
Available from the end of August 2019. Jabra Panacast: USD 895 / EUR 895

About Jabra
Jabra is a leader in engineering communications and sound solutions – innovating to empower both consumers and businesses. Proudly part of the GN Group, we are committed to letting people hear more, do more, and be more than they ever thought possible. Through sound, we help transform lives. Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on 150 years of pioneering work. This allows us to create integrated headsets and communications tools that help professionals work more productively; and wireless headphones and earbuds that let consumers better enjoy calls, music, and media. Jabra employs approx. 1,100 people worldwide, and reported annual revenue of DKK 4,7bn in 2018. The GN Group, founded in 1869, operates in 100 countries and delivers innovation, reliability, and ease of use. Today, GN employs 6000 people, and is Nasdaq Copenhagen listed. GN makes life sound better. www.jabra.com  

© 2019 GN Audio A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Audio A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

SOURCE Jabra

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