Aethra Electra Quick start guide

Brand: Aethra

Model: Electra

Type: Quick start guide

HD rollabout

for telepresence

electra

…like a folded piece of paper with video conferencing inside…

Electra is the new

HD rollabout

for telepresence

Top of the line for Aethra,

it has been designed by

Michele De Lucchi,

leading Italian designer.

Cutting-edge technology

without compromising

on elegance, for the new

generation of integrated

videocommunication systems.

When technology

meets design

electra

About Aethra

Leader in the global telecommunications

market, Aethra develops, manufactures

and markets a wide range of systems and

solutions in more than 65 countries.

Thanks to its innovation-based strategy

and the know how gained from 35 years

in the telecommunication market, today

Aethra is one of the main international players

in the videocommunication market, providing

its systems to companies, banks and

multinational corporations all over the world.

Aethra received the international award

“Videoconferencing Company of the Year

2006” (from Videoconferencing Insight,

January 2007). Aethra’s growth is due to strong

investment in R&D, to an accurate selection

of its partners and to a continuous expansion

on the international market, combined

with the development of high quality and

innovation- based technology.

Solutions, services and products

Aethra designs, develops and manufactures

products and solutions of excellence and

professional services for telecommunications

and videocommunication.

Excellence represents the heart of what Aethra

is and does both now and in the future:

• in technology, with ever-continuing

innovation and undisputed quality;

• in Italian design, with an internationally

recognisable style;

• in partner and client relations based on

maximum transparency, communication

and responsibility;

• in the people who work towards the

company’s evolution day by day, who

contribute to its successes and grow with

it professionally.

Research and Development

The internal R&D department is the heart of

Aethra’s philosophy. The company invests every

year around 12% of revenues in research and

participation in international projects.

The role of development is to create high quality

cutting-edge products, compliant to international

standards. Aethra is active member and partner

of: IMTC, ITU, ETSI, IEEE, DSL Forum, GIIF.

Design

Harmonious elegance and style emphasize the

functional simplicity of innovative technology.

Detail and essential design underline a cutting-

edge product and its high technological content.

The new rollabouts designed by Michele De

Lucchi with Angelo Micheli and Philippe Nigro

testify to Aethra’s choice of excellence in design,

with an internationally renowed style.

Photo:

Ottorino De Lucchi

* Courtesy of aMDL

Who is Michele De Lucchi*

Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara

and graduated in architecture in Florence. His

professional work has always gone side-by-side

with a personal exploration of architecture,

design, technology and crafts. During the period

of radical and experimental architecture he was

a prominent figure in movements like Cavart,

Alchymia and Memphis. De Lucchi has designed

lamps and furniture for the most well-known

Italian and European companies. For Olivetti

he was Director of Design from 1992 to 2002

and he has elaborated various personal theories

on the evolution of the workplace. He has

developed experimental projects for Compaq

Computers, Philips, Siemens and Vitra.

His architectural designs have mainly been for

office buildings, in Japan for NTT, in Germany for

Deutsche Bank, in Switzerland for Novartis, and

in Italy for Enel, Olivetti, Piaggio, Poste Italiane,

Telecom Italia. In 1999 he was appointed to

renovate some of ENEL’s (the Italian Electricity

Company) power plants. For Deutsche Bank,

Deutsche Bundesbahn, Enel, Poste Italiane,

Telecom Italia, Banca Popolare di Lodi, Banca

Intesa, Intesa Sanpaolo and other Italian and

foreign banks he has collaborated on the

evolution of the corporate image, introducing

technical and aesthetic innovation into the

working environments.

He has taken care of numerous art and design

exhibitions and has planned buildings for

museums such as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo

delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum

Berlin. Selections of his products are exhibited

in the most important design Museums in

Europe, the United States and Japan. In 2000

he was appointed Officer of the Italian Republic

by President Ciampi, for services to design and

architecture. His Studio, aMDL s.r.l., has its

offices in Milan and Rome.

The aMDL office: experience, philosophy,

and the approach to the project

The aMDL office was set up many years ago,

thanks to the fusion of many different kinds

of expertise; first mine, then subsequently

the singular skills of my colleagues in

the areas of design, architecture, graphics,

and communication. This reflects my general

philosophy: to enable the aMDL office to

meet the requirements of a world in evolution,

in all its many aspects.

Undoubtedly, the most important professional

experience, which helped to form my way

of thinking, was in Olivetti. The architect at

Olivetti was responsible for the overall “value”

of the company’s image, and it was there that

I learned to take an interest in everything.

Today in the aMDL offices, we work mainly

on planning professional spaces, offices,

and all areas where productivity is of

the utmost importance.

Looking beyond an individual’s area of

specialization, I would say that there are many

recurrent themes within our work that remain

constant. One of these is certainly mankind,

and the life of mankind that is constantly

transforming itself: it is impossible to create a table

or a computer or a printer if you don’t know how

it will be used, or when and why. In addition,

there are also more simple themes; for example

technology and craft, represented by the industrial

and the manual, repetitiveness and uniqueness.

We always see the same themes slowly evolving

as mankind’s sensibility evolves; and today we

are being steered towards a new view of nature

and the environment. This is what makes our

work interesting; having to think about real,

concrete objects, while at the same time having

to reflect on how the air and space that we live in is

evolving, and what changes the future may bring.

This is the job of design: to make technology

look beautiful, human, useful, practical,

necessary and fundamental for mankind and

today’s lifestyle - to solve the great problems of

our era. The Aethra rollabout is a perfect project

for us, with its combination of technology and

the environment. This is the really stimulating

part: the possibility to work on technology

surrounded by “air”, which is of course

the most precious of materials.

The challenge is to eliminate the clutter and

to make the space appear as pure, beautiful

and airy as possible. Aethra is very involved

in this process: in communication for example,

it has eliminated the encumbrance of

the means of transport, thereby generating

the ideal working conditions.

(Michele De Lucchi, 2007)

aMDL office

Milan

Ideal for medium and large conference rooms,

auditoriums, show rooms and meeting rooms,

it is becoming an increasingly indispensable

work tool. Communicate and cooperate

with colleagues, customers and partners,

overcoming distances, for strategic meetings or

operative working sessions, for distance learning

and quality control. For every multimedia

communication requirement, in your company

or organization, for groups of people.

Ideal for meetings and conferences, to add

value to your events and remote locations.

The system can be placed wherever you may

need to collaborate in an simple and effective

way. The small wheels on which it is mounted

allow it to be moved easily and to be adapted

to different environments - thanks to the rubber

wheels, movement is smooth and noiseless.

Besides flexibility, Electra stands out for the

modularity and the integration of an optimised

solution. It is a complete system, integrating in a

single cabinet a plasma screen, a High Definition

camera, a HD codec, and multiple interfaces,

allowing addition of further peripherals.

Thanks to an integrated MCU, it allows other

participants on different networks to connect

in multipoint videoconference, with the highest

versatility and interoperability.

The distinguished and elegant design, together

with the selected materials and the ergonomic

lines, enrich the cutting-edge technology.

Amplified speakerphones integrated in

the system provide a superior class audio,

while thanks to the powerful HD video every

What is a rollabout?

An elegant and professional solution

for videocommunication

detail, however small, is transmitted on

the plasma screen. You can appreciate the

real performance of this next generation

videocommunication system by taking a look

at the expressions and gestures of the person

you are speaking to or the smallest parts of

a project or a product transmitted by camera.

The eye for detail regards not just the video

display, but also the location where the

videoconference takes place.

The Electra structure has been designed to

hide the unsightly cables connecting different

interfaces. The new elegant graphic interface

makes the system easy to configure and

manage, by overcoming technological barriers

and creating a technology that is user-friendly,

immediate and intuitive.

electra

The principles that guided the creation of

the new Aethra rollabout: Electra

Objects made from a combination of

technology and furnishings are perfect for

creating elements of design and architecture,

and unite the skills and the expertise of

industry with mankind’s desire to consume

space. The principles of the ‘Electra’ project are

fundamentally the elimination of clutter and the

creation of an object with a strong personality.

The elimination of clutter can be achieved in

two ways: firstly through minimalism, i.e. the

creation of an object which is as volumetrically

pure, simple and geometrically identifiable

as possible. And secondly through agility,

flexibility, mobility and practicality, i.e. an object

in which the function of all the components is

clear. Our aim was to create an object, which is

totally familiar, and which belongs to a world

of things we already know, because familiarity

with technology makes everything easier to

understand, more normal and more endearing.

(Michele De Lucchi, 2007)

Flexible solution

Complete system with a 50” plasma monitor

on an attractive rollabout stand for meeting

rooms of any size.

Multiple network connectivity

Supports 768 kbps over ISDN BRI and 4 Mbps

over IP, as well as connections up to 2 Mbps

over ISDN PRI, or over leased lines (X.21, V.35,

RS449, G.703).

Multipoint conferencing

The built-in mixed mode MCU, with its

Continuous Presence feature, can connect

up to 9 sites with video or audio-only in

mixed mode. Convenient dial-out and dial-in

(Meet Me) configuration, easily enables

participants to join conferences in progress.

Wideband audio

The first system to support both 14-kHz (ITU

and ISO) wideband audio codecs adopted in

videoconferencing.

electra

Choose the colour of your Electra

On our web site www.aethra.com we offer

a dedicated area, where a variety of simulations

allow you to enjoy the pleasures of our stylish

design. Change the point of view, choose

the right colour for your location and magnify

the details to truly appreciate the attention to

materials and ergonomy.

Sorrento Lime White Ivory Grey Pearl

6 off-the-rack

colours

Amaranto Navy Ebony

electra

Quality means care for details

(that are not a detail)

Electra is entirely assembled in Italy, almost

hand-crafted, to ensure attention to details.

A minimal and essential design, drawing

pure and ergonomic lines, highlights

the simplicity of shapes.An all-in-one system,

with a flexible configuration but without

additional external modules, simplifies and

clears spaces. When your location is neat and

stylish, it’s easier to work better and focus on

what is essential, your business.

The next generation technology is both user

friendly and working environment friendly.

more optional

colours

Elegant leather coloured covers

The precious coverings in coloured leather

add elegance and prestige to your offices and

meeting rooms. You can choose between 6

basic colours, but you have also an unlimited

choice based on your requirements: just ask for

your customized colour, and your Electra will

perfectly fit to your location. Furthermore, if you

want to give a fresher or just a different image

to your offices and meeting rooms, you can

replace the leather cover. Covers can be easily

changed in just 10 minutes.

HIGH DEFINITION IS REAL. REAL LIFE

• High Definition is not just technology, it’s a

concept embracing Video, Voice and Content

aimed at evolving the way we communicate

while making videoconferencing a true real-

life experience.

• HD Videoconferencing is the perfect solution

in many fields: it cuts decisions-time and

involves your partners quickly and effectively.

HD offers a high-quality system with a very

rapid ROI (Return On Investment), while

greatly increasing productivity. On average,

it can take as few as 4 videoconferencing

sessions for the equipment to pay for itself

in terms of costs saved on travel expenses.

You can benefit even more from improved

efficiency investing in HD systems.

• Reduce costs and increase productivity, speed

up decision-making and shorten time to market,

improve one-to-one relations with customers

and partners. Find effective ways to achieve

these goals and you’ve met one of the most

important challenges facing businesses today.

To keep costs low and customer satisfaction

high, companies are increasingly employing

staff in loco to coordinate major markets

located far from the company base.

As a result, businesses often find themselves

juggling a network of remote workers

and struggling to communicate and

collaborate effectively. With High Definition

videoconferencing technology, it appears

the solution to remote face-to-face

communication has arrived.

• HD videocommunication allows the creation

of a professional communication network,

globally integrating audio, video and

data. Thanks to a telepresence effect, HD

videoconferencing is the ideal solution for

those meetings that can be an issue in terms of

time and costs. High Definition makes remote

meetings involving and engaging. Thanks to

high fidelity audio and video resolution, you

can view images without loosing any detail,

improving visual and acoustic perception as if

you were in the same room.

• HD broadens the traditional applications

of videocommunication: view graphs,

documents, projects and products in every

tiny detail, and benefit from non-verbal

communication, capturing every expression

and reaction, for the highest quality

communication.

• HD is a new era in visual communication.

It is the natural evolution of traditional

videoconferencing systems: from 352 x 288

pixels (standard CIF format) to 1280 x720

pixels. In terms of mega pixels per image

that’s a shift from 0.101 in CIF to 0.922 in

HDTV: more than 9 times better!

Truly appreciate the difference at the optimal

1 Mbps, and see a significant improvement

in quality even at lower bandwidths.

• HD is the new generation video technology.

HD resolution is 9 times (9xCIF) the quality

of traditional videoconferencing systems.

True-to-size and high performance, it offers

high fidelity, clarity and efficiency, making

it an invaluable alternative to face-to-face

meetings. Thanks to wideband audio and

the life-like quality of High-Definition video,

participants can appreciate the true value

of body language and other forms of

non-verbal communication.

Welcome to the new era of High Definition videocommunication

EXPERIENCE TELEPRESENCE EFFECT FOR AUDIO AND VIDEO

Lights, shades, depth of images amplified by real sound effect

High Definition conferencing introduces

the “human factor” into videoconferencing

sessions and creates a more natural

environment, perfect for improving

interpersonal relations and increasing

productivity.

• To keep up with HD image processing,

very powerful and efficient codecs are

required. The latest widely adopted

video codec is the H.264, which is also

known as MPEG-4 part 10 and AVC

(Advanced Video Codec).

To give an overall feeling of “quality”,

wideband audio codecs (14kHz) have

also been coupled with HD images:

(ISO) Low Delay Advanced Audio Coding

(MPEG-4 AAC-LD)

(ITU) G.722.1 Annex C

electra

The High Definition camera

Superior level performance image capture.

Great for all the applications where detail is not a

detail. From a non verbal gesture to the smallest

object, experience the life-like resolution.

Quality of communication enhancing the quality

of collaboration and interaction.

An exclusive product

On the left side of the rollabout is a small card:

the Electra card, signed by “Michele De Lucchi

design” and numbered.

Tell everybody that your Electra is an unique

piece of art and design.

The back side of the rollabout

The box has been designed to include and hide

all cables, while supporting the structure.

The empty spaces allow insertion of new

modules (DVD recorder, Hard disk,... ) for new

functionalities, thus improving the flexibility

and the scalability of the system.

Aethra Companies

Aethra, Inc.

155 South Miami Avenue, Suite 300

Miami, FL 33130 USA

Tel.: +1.305.375.0010

Fax: +1.305.375.0655

Video ISDN: +1.305.577.3524

Video IP: 66.243.113.80

Email: [email protected]

Aethra México

Paseo de la Reforma 76, Despacho 701- C

Colonia Juárez, Delegación Cuauhtémoc,

C. P. 06600, México D. F.

Tel: + 52 55 5705 5574

Fax:+ 52 55 5546 5133

Email: [email protected]

Aethra Ameris Telecomunicações Ltda.

Avenida Paulista, 807 - 17° Andar - cj-1714

Cerqueira César 01311-915 São Paulo - SP BRAZIL

Tel./Fax: +55 11 3251 2565

Video: +55 11 3266 7969, +55 11 3284 7103,

+55 11 3284 4942

Email [email protected]

Aethra Technology Co. Ltd

1F, A Block, Tsinghua Hi-Tech Park

Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial North Area

518057 Nanshan District,

Shenzhen CHINA

Tel.: +86.755.26.03.00.01-6

Fax: +86.755.26.03.03.66

Video ISDN: +86.755.26.03.01.18

Email: [email protected]

Aethra Offices

Aethra - France

20, rue Jean Rostand

91893 Orsay Cedex FRANCE

Tel.: +33 1 69 33 10 79

Fax: +33 1 69 35 09 73

Video ISDN: +33 1 69 33 17 24

Video IP: 82.232.89.32

Email: [email protected]

Aethra - China

Beijing Global Trade Center Tower

B 2101, 36 North Third Ring East,

Dongcheng District,

Beijing, 100013 CHINA

Tel.: +86.58.25.65.35/36/37/38

Fax: +86.58.25.65.39

Video ISDN: +86.58.25.65.86/87

Video IP: 218.247.167.194

Email: [email protected]

Aethra - Shanghai

10H, Kaili Mansion

No. 432 HuaiHai (W) Road

Shanghai, 200052 CHINA

Tel.: +86 (21) 52.58.71.77

Fax: +86 (21) 52.54.00.96

Video ISDN: +86 (21) 52.54.00.25

Video IP: 220.248.32.254

Headquarters

Aethra S.p.A.

via Matteo Ricci, 10

60126 Ancona ITALY

Tel.: +39.071.2189.81

Fax: +39.071.88.70.77

Video ISDN: +39.071.2189.704/701

Video IP: 213.26.189.5

Email: [email protected]

Code 071021003GB Rev. 1 (03/08)

www.aethra.com

Aethra Electra Quick start guide

Aethra Electra Quick start guide

Aethra Electra Quick start guide

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