Good PC-based video conference control tools? [closed]

I'm looking to improve the user experience in our video conference rooms, by simplifying the things users do all the time (setting up a call, muting and unmuting, panning and zooming between a few room-appropriate presets) and totally taking away the functions that we don't use or that are more likely to ruin the experience (changing the brightness of the TV, using the VNC presenter mode).

The rooms each have Tandberg Edge or MXP video units, I'm not looking at PC-based solutions like Skype or iChat.

The classic way to do this would be to plunk down huge money for an AMX or Crestron panel. This does have some advantages, and I am considering that approach, but in my initial investigation, that looks expensive, inflexible, and proprietary.

On the other hand, the Tandberg video units I'm looking to control are very thorough XML API (PDF), so some of the integration magic that Crestron and AMX consider to be a value add, I could reproduce at mashup speeds.

Anyone aware of an Open Source or Commercial product that takes advantage of the readily available web APIs, some simple touch screen PCs, and builds a product that is more like skinning an AJAX web app, and ideally more cost effective than the proprietary panels?

Solution 1:

I've setup a bunch polycom equipment, they have very high quality hardware. Wonderful conference call equipment too. But they need a slew of open ports for communication and management and lastly their pc software leaves much to be desired.

Since breaking partnership with the company we used to communicate with, when video calls come up we've turned to skype. Every single factory, warehouse, and office we've worked with has it or is willing to get it. Unlike the costly polycom equipment and its video quality is outright amazing.

Unless you have a need for advanced features (multiple endpoints for example - which we've solved with multiple machines), a laptop with a camera with skype can take you very far.

You might find this blog post about video conferencing with skype from Leo Laporte useful.