Video Communication System

PCS-G50
PCS-G50P
Sony PCS-G50*1 – The Business Tool for
Visual Communication
To stay ahead of the pack in today’s tough market, businesses require powerful visual
communication tools like the PCS-G50. Sony has combined advanced audio and video
technologies with useful features to provide a visual communication tool for all businesses.
With the PCS-G50, long distance meetings can be held as if all parties were in the same
room, saving the time and trouble of traveling to distant locations for a simple meeting.
Providing you with a new and powerful means of communication, the PCS-G50 will be a
mainstay for your business.
The PCS-G50 boasts a maximum video transfer rate of 4 Mb/s over an IP network, and it
provides extremely high resolution video. By adopting the H.263 video codec/4CIF format,
the PCS-G50 produces image resolution comparable to that of standard TV broadcasts. It can
also switch to the H.264 video codec for higher throughput or revert to previous versions of
the ITU-T videoconferencing codecs to maintain compatibility with legacy systems.
As with other PCS Series models, the PCS-G50, with its internal MCU (Multi-Control Unit)
capability, supports simultaneous multi-point videoconferences with six (6) endpoints, and a
maximum of 10 endpoints when two PCS-G50 units are cascaded. The PCS-G50 bridges
mixed calls between an ISDN network and an IP network, and speed matches (by connecting
at the endpoint respective speeds) without lowering the performance of the entire system.
Other key features of the PCS-G50 include a site-name display function and the capability to
record audio and video to Memory Stick™ media. The PCS-G50 also incorporates features
such as data sharing, QoS support functions, an encryption function, and digital whiteboard
support, which are all available in other PCS Series models.
Effective visual communication is vital to move ahead in today’s business. With the feature-
rich PCS-G50, not only will your visual communication be effective, it will be affordable.
*1 Unless otherwise noted, "PCS-G50" in the following text refers to both the PCS-G50 and PCS-G50P.

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FEATURES

High-Quality Video/High-Speed
Network Connection

The PCS-G50 provides excellent picture quality over

both ISDN (H.320) and IP (H.323) networks and fully
supports the latest non-proprietary ITU-T H.264 video
codec standard for maximum customer confidence
and flexibility. When video encoding is in accordance
with the H.263 protocol, the PCS-G50 supports the
4CIF format at a maximum frame rate of 30 fps, and
when in H.264 protocol, it supports the interlaced SIF
format at 60 fields per second.*2 In addition, the
PCS-G50 can achieve a maximum bandwidth of 4
Mb/s with an IP connection, and up to 768 Kb/s with
an ISDN connection using an optional PCSA-B768S
ISDN unit. This combination of high-quality codec
and high-speed network support provides video
quality comparable to standard TV broadcasts.
*2 The PCS-G50P supports a maximum of 50 fields per
second in interlaced SIF format.

Multi-Point Videoconferencing at up
to 10 Sites Fig 1

Using optional MCU software, the PCS-G50 can be

configured to communicate with up to 5 remote Fig 1 Multi-point Videoconferencing at up to 10 Sites
videoconferencing sites (6 sites total) simultaneously
using either an IP (H.323 protocol) or ISDN (H.320
protocol) connection. It can also support
videoconferences in which the connections are a
combination of IP and ISDN using a unique bridging
function. And because the PCS-G50 has a
“speedmatching” function, it maximizes performance
by not reducing the higher speed connection to
match the lower speed connection, as is done with
some videoconferencing systems. Moreover, two
PCS-G50 units - each installed with the optional
MCU (H.323) software - can be cascaded with an IP
TOKYO LONDON NEW YORK
connection to support a maximum of 10
simultaneous sites. What is unique about the
PCS-G50 is that it provides high quality, H.264 CIF
video and clear MPEG-4 AAC audio, even in a multi- BERLIN
point videoconference. And of course, the PCS-G50
allows users to expand from a peer-to-peer
videoconference to a multi-point videoconference by
simply dialing up new connections.*3 BEIJING SYDNEY

*3 When adding a new endpoint on the same network (IP or

ISDN), the system will default to the lowest resolution
video standard of all endpoints. Fig 2 Site-Name Display

Site-Name Display Fig 2

During multi-point videoconferences, it can be difficult

to keep track of all of the participants; however, with
the PCS-G50 site-name display function, this is no
longer the case. The PCS-G50 can display anything
from company or branch names to geographical
locations on a monitor, allowing videoconference
participants to keep track of all parties.

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Flexible Display Patterns at all Sites Data-Sharing Capabilities/Digital
Whiteboard Support
In addition to conventional patterns of display – such
as showing the far-end site on a full screen or Data originated on your PC can be shared with your
displaying near-end and far-end sites in picture-in- videoconferencing counterparts, making
picture mode – a variety of other display patterns are communication even more effective. Any image that
available with the PCS-G50. Supporting both can be displayed on a PC can be sent or received*5 in
4-screen and 6-screen continuous-presence modes, native XGA resolution, allowing all parties to share
the PCS-G50 can display the most appropriate data during a videoconference. In addition,
pattern to match the number of sites that are information drawn up on a digital whiteboard*6 can
connected. In both full-screen and continuous- also be viewed in real time by all parties participating
presence modes, the following two display options in a videoconference or captured and stored for later
are available: reference.
*5 Sending data requires the optional PCSA-DSB1S Data
Voice Switching Solution Box (DSB); however, the DSB is not required for
The PCS-G50 defaults to voice switching, which receiving data
*6 Please contact your local Sony sales office for information
displays the far-end site that is actively talking on the
on compatible digital whiteboards.
monitor when the unit is in full-screen mode. In
continuous-presence mode, the site that is actively
speaking is displayed on the largest of the six sub Superb Sound Fig 4
screens, and the near-end site is displayed on the sub
screen where the original far-end site was. The PCS-G50 reproduces clear and natural-sounding
audio using MPEG-4 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
Fixed Site Fig 3 at 14 KHz. A built-in echo cancellation system
As its name suggests, the selected far-end site is minimizes unwanted echoes during a
continuously displayed on the monitor when the unit is videoconference.
in full-screen mode. In continuous-presence mode the The PCS-G50 is also compatible with a number of
selected far-end site is displayed in the largest of the six SONY external microphones and speakers, including
sub screens, and the other sites are fixed as well. unidirectional and omnidirectional models.
Professional A/V integrators will particularly
appreciate the power and flexibility of this system to
be customized for best application match.
For exceptional sound quality in rooms with
conference tables in a U-shape or in a classroom
layout, the optional unidirectional PCSA-A7
microphone is ideal. Up to 40 units can be daisy
chained to ensure that all participants sitting near a
If FAR 5 is talking If FAR 2 is talking microphone can be heard.
Fig 3 Voice Switching in Continuous Presence Mode To ensure clear sound quality in meeting rooms with
as many as 20 participants at a round or oval-shaped
table, the optional CTE-600 Communication
Transducer is ideal. The CTE-600 is comprised of six
Audiovisual (A/V) Recording to radially arranged unidirectional microphones and one
Memory Stick™ Media omnidirectional speaker. The system is designed to
pick up the active speaker's voice while minimizing
Capturing audio and video during a videoconference background noise, and to project clear sound quality
is important to keep a record of what was conveyed in all directions. Up to 4 CTE-600 Communication
during a conference. With the PCS-G50, audio and Transducers can be cascaded using the optional
video displayed on the main monitor can be CTE-A10 Expansion Adaptor.
recorded*4 directly to Memory Stick™ media in
MPEG-4 format and can be played back on any PC Stylish Design
using QuickTime® media player.
*4 AV recording is not supported when AES is active. Also, With its elegant design and optional stands for both
graphical data cannot be recorded. the camera unit and the codec unit, the PCS-G50
can fit into even the classiest of conference rooms.

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Fig 4 Superb Sound Easy-to-Use Remote Commander
Unit/Intuitive GUI

The PCS-G50 has a number of

features that make it easy to
operate. The cursor keys on the
Remote Commander unit can be
used to select and call any one of
three contacts, which are pre-
programmed and displayed in the
Launcher Menu. Up to 500
contacts can be stored in the
PCS-G50 common address book for
quick and easy dialing. In addition,
the unit supports a call history log,
which stores the last 32 incoming
PCSA-A7 (U-Shaped Conferenence Table) and outgoing calls so that the user
can readily select and dial a recent
contact.

Remote Commander Unit

PCSA-A7 (Classroom Layout)

Launcher Menu

CTE-600 (Oval-Shaped Conference Table)

Phone Book

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Memory Stick™ Support*7 QoS (Quality of Service)
Enhancement Functions
Private phone books can be created and stored on
Memory Stick media. By simply inserting the When holding a videoconference over a network, a
Memory Stick media into the PCS-G50, the unit common concern is how to maintain video and audio
automatically recognizes and activates the private quality when the performance of the network is
phone book, thereby eliminating the need to re-enter changing. The PCS-G50 provides three advanced
contact information to place a call. Memory Stick functions to enhance QoS over a network:
media has a number of other uses, such as storing
captured images, PC-generated data, and digital Forward Error Correction (FEC)
whiteboard drawings. The media can also be used for The PCS-G50 employs an FEC function that corrects
installing and updating software. errors in transmission at the receiving end. If a
*7 In addition to Memory Stick, Memory Stick PROTM and transmission error occurs, the PCS-G50 can repair the
Memory Stick DUOTM with an adaptor can be used. data and accurately reproduce the original audio and
video.
Secure Videoconferencing – Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES) Adaptive Rate Control (ARC)
The adaptive rate control function automatically
Secure videoconferencing over a network is possible varies the video data transfer rate to meet changing
because the PCS-G50 supports AES Encryption, a NIST network conditions. It also selects the most
(National Institute of Standards and Technology) appropriate frame rates, which helps prevent audio
standard for encrypting electronic data used in and video breakup.
commercial applications including
telecommunications. When a videoconference is Real-time Auto Repeat Request (ARQ)
initiated with the AES feature active, video, audio, The real-time ARQ function recovers lost IP packets.
and graphics are encrypted for the duration of the This is achieved by buffering the packets at the
videoconference. Because of this feature, companies encoder and resending any that are lost. This feature
can hold sensitive meetings, negotiations, and other helps maintain audio and video quality, and helps
similar interactions with confidence that they will not prevent picture collapse even under high network
be compromised. traffic conditions.

SAMPLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

PCSA-DSB1S PCSA-B768S PCSA-B384S PCSA-M0G50

Data Solution Box ISDN Unit (6 BRI) ISDN Unit (3 BRI) H.320 MCU Software
PCSA-M3G50
H.323 MCU Software

PCSA-SP1 PCSA-A7 PCS-A1 PCSA-A3

SIP Software Echo-cancelling Microphone Omnidirectional Microphone Unidirectional Microphone
(4 mics per package)

CTE-600 EVI-D70/EVI-D70P EVI-D70/EVI-D70P EVI-D100/EVI-D100P

Communication Transducer Communication Communication Communication
Video Camera (white) Video Camera (black) Video Camera

CTE-A10 PCSA-STMG70 PCSA-STCG70

Expansion Adaptor Codec Stand Camera Stand

7
SPECIFICATIONS
Video Remote Commander
Signal system PCS-G50: NTSC Format Wireless SIRCS
PCS-G50P: PAL Interfaces (Communication Terminal)
Standards H.261 (Annex D), H.263 (Annex D,F), H.263+ (Annex J), H.263++ Video D-Sub 15-pin Dedicated Camera I/F x1
(Annex U,W), H.264, MPEG-4 SP@L3, H.239 (Video and Presentation S-video or Composite input x1
Data support)* (switchable with conversion connector)
Resolution SQCIF (128 x 96, reception only), QCIF (176 x 144), S-video output x2 (for main/sub monitor)
CIF (352 x 288), 4CIF (704 x 576, H.263 only), Interlaced SIF Composite output (AUX)
(H.263, H.264 only) RGB output
Frame rate Max. 30 frames/s (H.261, H.263, H.263+, H.263++, H.264, and Audio Line input RCA
MPEG-4 SP@L3) AUX input RCA (bypassess echo cancellor)
Interlaced SIF Mode (PCS-G50: 60 fields/s, PCS-G50P: 50 fields/s) External analog microphone input, Mini-jack (Plug in power) x2
Bit rate Up to 4 Mb/s in H.323 (Incl. audio)** External digital microphone input x2
Up to 768 Kb/s in H.320 (Incl. audio) when configured with the Line output RCA x2 (one mixed output)
PCSA-B768S Network 10Base-T/100Base-TX
Up to 384 Kb/s in H.320 (Incl. audio) when configured with the External ISDN Unit I/F
PCSA-B384S Control SIRCS IR Out x2
Audio Wired SIRCS In (Control-S)
Bandwidth and coding G.711: 3.4 kHz at 56/64 Kb/s RS-232C
G.722: 7.0 kHz at 48/56/64 Kb/s DSB I/F Dedicated D-Sub 15
G.722.1: 7.0 kHz at 24/32 Kb/s (H.323) RGB I/F RGB output
G.728: 3.4 kHz at 16 Kb/s Memory Stick Memory Stick slot
G.723.1: 3.4 kHz at 5.3/6.3 Kb/s (H.323) Digital whiteboard Dedicated connector
G.729: 3.4 kHz at 8 Kb/s (H.323) Interfaces (Camera Unit)
MPEG-4 AAC (mono) 14 kHz at 64/96 Kb/s (H.323) Video IR for DS150
at 48 Kb/s (H.320) Terminal Dedicated 23-pin
Echo cancellation Noise Suppressor included AUX camera 8-pin Mini-DIN
Automatic Gain Control included General
Graphics Operating temperature 5 °C to 35 °C
XGA 1024 pixels x 768 lines (H.263), with PCSA-DSB1S Operating humidity 30% to 70%
4CIF 704 pixels x 576 lines (H.261 Annex D and H.263) Storage temperature -20 °C to +55 °C
Picture in Picture Storage humidity 25% to 75%
Sub screen size 4.3" (256 x 192), One of four corners Power Requirements PCS-G50: AC 120 V, 50/60 Hz,
ITU-T Standards (excludes audio/video standards) PCS-G50P: AC 220 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
H.320, H.323 Power Consumption DC 19.5 V, 5 A
H.221 Communication Terminal 420 x 66 x 256 mm (16 5/8 x 2 5/8 x 10 1/8 inches),
Bonding Dimensions (W x H x D) excl. projections
H.281 FECC Camera Unit 131 x 141 x 130 mm (5 1/4 x 5 5/8 x 5 1/8), excl. projections
H.225.0 Dimensions (W x H x D)
H.242 Remote Commander 47 x 43 x 195 mm (1 7/8 x 1 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches),
H.243 Dimensions (W x H x D) excl. projections
H.245 Communication Terminal 4.6 kg (10 lbs 2 oz)
T.120 Mass
Network Protocols Camera Unit 1.0 kg (2 lbs 3 oz)
TELNET (Server) Mass
HTTP (Server) Remote Commander 180 g (6.3 oz), incl. batteries
FTP (Server) Mass
SNMP (Agent) System Components and Supplied Accessories
DNS (Client) Communication Terminal
DHCP (Client) Camera Unit (includes dedicated 3 m camera cable)
RTP/RTCP Remote Commander
TCP/UDP AC Adaptor/Power Cord
ARP Omnidirectional Microphone
SIP IR Repeater x2
Multipoint Capabilities Manganese Battery for Remote Commander x2
Up to 6 sites (H.320/H.323)*** Operation Manual CD-ROM (Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portugese,
Up to 10 sites (H.320/H.323)**** Simplified Chinese)
Lip Synchronization Operation Guide
Manual On/Off Quick Connection Guide
Camera Unit Cable Connection Guide
Image device 1/4 type CCD Worldwide Warranty Booklet
Horizontal resolution NTSC: 470 TV lines, PAL: 460 TV lines Audio Cable (1.0 m)
Focal length 3.1 to 31 mm (F1.8 to 2.9) S-Video Cable (1.5 m)
Focus Auto/Manual Mini DIN 7-pin to RCA Conversion Connector
IRIS Auto
Zoom ratio x10 Optical zoom (x40 with digital zoom) * The Optional PCSA-DSB1S Data Solution Box is required to send presentation data.
Pan angle -100° to +100° (Max. 100°/sec) ** When the H.261 video standard is used, up to 2 Mb/s is supported.
Tilt angle -25° to +25° (Max. 125°/sec) *** Requires optional MCU software. IP/ISDN Bridging is possible.
Preset Up to 6 positions **** Requires optional MCU software. Connections between base units must be IP (H.323).
S/N More than 50 dB IP/ISDN Bridging is possible.
Others Back light compensation
Auto white balance

Distributed by ©2005 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate.
Sony, IPELA, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo,
and the Memory Stick logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Some images in this brochure are simulated.

MSD2005-427(10273V1)WEL0010 Printed in Hong Kong