Microsoft Licenses Advanced PictureTel Conferencing Technology

Microsoft has licensed audio processing technology from PictureTel to improve the performance of Windows-powered PCs and TV set-top boxes used in videoconference or speakerphone applications. The second-generation patented technology licensed from PictureTel—called Integrated Dynamic Echo Cancellation (IDEC II)—makes videoconference and speakerphone applications more usable by minimizing common frustrations such as echo and background noise.

In recent months, Microsoft has launched several videoconferencing initiatives, including an enhanced version of NetMeeting, the Exchange 2000 conferencing server, and a partnership with AT&T to provide TV set-top boxes with videoconferencing capabilities. However, as it ventures into new markets such as videoconferencing and VoIP telephony—including speakerphone applications—Microsoft is confronted with complex technical issues that threaten to discourage consumers from making use of the technology.

The issues include “echo” that arises in long distance communications, background noise picked up by a microphone that intrudes on a videoconference or speakerphone call, and signal-to-noise problems in which the speaker’s voice is not loud enough to rise above background noise. All three issues arise because participants in a videoconference or speakerphone call tend to use a microphone and speakers instead of a telephone handset. PictureTel’s IDEC II provides solutions for all three of these issues.