Traditionally, the term video conferencing services has basically meant telephone communication with video added. As a society, we’ve been introduced to it since the original Star Trek series. But in the real world, it’s taken many years to become a reality, and for a reason: Transmitting live video over phone lines — or, more recently, IP networks — is no small matter, given the user’s expectations who are now accostumed to the idea of DVD-quality video.

In the past few years, a handful of firms have begun to address this issue and companies offering high-definition (HD) videoconferencing promise reliable, easy-to-use and -deploy systems suitable for serious business use, have begun to appear.

With its HD videoconferencing system, Austin, Texas-based LifeSize caters to firms with thinner pocketbooks (it’s retailing at about $11,000) or that prefer more mobile options. This new level of technology offers 1280 pixels by 720 lines video (with a 512 Kbps line), improved audio quality and cutting-edge hardware and software. “Codecs” code and decode compressed AV streams in real-time, making videoconferencing very much like “being there”.

LifeSize Room consists of a codec that looks like a long, skinny stereo component; an HD pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera; a disc-shaped LifeSize Phone; a remote control; and cables to connect it all to your display. Up to four remote sites can connect via LifeSize; an optional external bridge can connect as many as 24 parties.

LifeSize Team targets small- to medium-size organizations, and is the younger sibling of the LifeSize Room system. The two are very similar in terms of basic features and quality. The difference lies in LifeSize Room’s support for dual-monitor configurations, serial control, and a few other added connection options, as well as the ability to act as a multi-point bridge to connect up to four parties. LifeSize Team, on the other hand, supports three-way videoconferencing.

Overall, I’m a big fan of LifeSize Room. Its mostly consistent video quality surprised me each time I placed a call. Its price tag is the system’s true value point, as the system’s affordability makes videoconferencing far more achievable for smaller enterprises.

However, if you’re looking for the best possible videoconferencing experience, and you have a room that can be remodeled and dedicated to videoconferencing, as well as the cash to make it all happen, you may want to consider a higher-end system, such as LifeSize Team or LifeSize Conference.