Press release: Race Communications announces VTEL Galaxy video conferencing systems.

Race Communications, a leading Russian system integrator, announced in October a new family of videoconferencing systems (VCS) Galaxy from VTEL (USA), one of the world's largest manufacturers of equipment and software for videoconferencing.

Galaxy's high-performance cabinet systems are designed to make a real breakthrough in VCS technology. For the first time, a graphical user interface (GUI) integrated with specially designed remote controls is used. Controls and accessories are designed to meet the requirements of ergonomics and functionality. Racks and mobile tables for the processor unit, monitors and accessories are made by professional art designers in a single futuristic style, which creates increased comfort when working with the Galaxy system. In general, during a videoconference session, a user-friendly atmosphere is created, which is unattainable when using the means of previous generations of videoconferencing. "The Galaxy system provides real virtual communication and discussion of documents," said Leonid Lopatin, Managing Director of Race Communications.

For the first time, an ergonomic remote control integrated with the new Vtouch is used to control the VCS system. The remote control keys correspond to the most frequently used functions of the Vtouch GUI, which allows the conference participant to use the keyboard or mouse less often.

The Galaxy system is equipped with a keyboard with a built-in touch panel. Using the panel, you can make notes on electronic and "hard" documents (displayed by a documentary camera), write comments in a natural form. The remote control and keyboard with touch panel are equipped with IR ports and give the user complete freedom of movement in the conference room.

The user interface has become much more convenient. For example, address book entries are accompanied by "photos" of subscribers, the creation of presets is simplified, the information content of the call status is increased, etc.

Powerful integrated presentation tools allow you to include a PowerPoint file in the conference, play a fragment of audio or video recordings from a VCR, CD-ROM or DV discs, etc.

The Galaxy family consists of four models - 725, 755, 2500 and 5500 - which differ in performance and functionality. Deliveries of Galaxy systems will begin in December 1999. VTEL will also release software upgrade tools for the current line of cabinet systems.

Galaxy products together with other VTEL equipment - SmartStation PC expansion cards and SetTop Box stand-alone set-top boxes, as well as HS2000 telemedicine systems - form a complete solution for video conferencing in such application areas as banking, project and production management, coordination of national and international companies, telecommunications services, telemedicine, remote training, etc.

Race Communications specializes in system integration in the field of corporate and telecommunication systems. The company offers solutions based on products and technologies of the world's leading manufacturers of network and computer equipment and software: VTEL, Motorola ING, PairGain, Cisco, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, RAD Data, MultiTech, Eicon, Elteco, APC, Novell, Citrix, Patton Electronics, etc. For more information about Race Communications, please call (495) 785-0770, on the Web server www.race.ru or by email corp@race.ru