MANUFACTURER RESPONSE

Cisco SX20 Quick Set

Page 3, Fan Noise

The SX20 system includes a rather noisy Vari-Speed cooling fan which at times was noticeable both locally and at the remote site via the system microphone.  

Cisco:

During normal operation, the fan speed will vary according to the cooling needs of the SX20, as was observed.  However, the level of noise will not usually exceed 55dB as an approximate value on our largest C Series codecs.  The SX20 is much quieter and usually runs at around 31dB measured at 4 inches, altho the level may go higher during periods of high cooling.

We always recommend placing the microphone at a distance from the codec unit.  Typically this is 7 feet or more in a small conference room.  Because of the Inverse Square Law, the level of noise from the codec drops off significantly.  If the mic is placed close to the SX20, then yes, noise will be heard at the far end.

Page 8, Camera Performance

Two precision PTZ (Pan Tilt and Zoom) 1080p HD cameras with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 60 frames per second were supplied for evaluation with 4x and 12x zoom lenses and horizontal viewing angles of 70 and 72 degrees respectively. A lens hood was included with the 12x to reduce flare. If ceiling mounted (i.e. upside down), the camera images will automatically switch to the correct vertical orientation when the CODEC is turned on. 

Both cameras produced some noticeable mechanical noise and the 12x camera at times struggled to find focus at the lower light levels.

Cisco:

The PrecisionHD 12X 1080p Camera has an optical zoom of 12X.  The glass is of very high quality, as is evidenced by the heft of the camera.  So yes, there is a mechanism to move the optics in order to provide optical zoom, rather than digital zoom, which is not as high quality.  Minimizing noise during operation was a primary design factor; however some noise cannot be avoided.

Regarding auto-focus, it is always a challenge in robotic camera design to effectively target zones in which to focus.  Low light, or highly reflective surfaces such as a whiteboard, can provide significant challenges for robust auto-focus.