What
Is SVD?
Recent advances in Simultaneous Voice and Data
(SVD) technology make it possible to exchange
documents with someone while talk-ing to them on
the phone. SVD is a modem technology that allows
you to talk while sending data over a single
analog phone line. Two types of SVD technology
exist today: a digital version (DSVD) and an
analog version (ASVD). Proprietary DSVD modems
have been shipping from a variety of vendors
since mid-1995.New Standards
In the past, SVD modems from different vendors
didn't necessarily talk to one another and
without defining standards, the market saw only
limited success. However, the ITU has recently
approved the V.70 standard for DSVD and proposed
the V.34Q standard for ASVD. Standards-compliant
SVD modems will soon follow, setting the stage
for mass market adoption of this new technology.
ASVD and DSVD
Despite the new standards, the differences
between ASVD and DSVD can be confusing. Both will
have ITU standards. Both allow you to talk while
exchanging data but are used in different ways.
The chart highlights the two technologies.
Costs
One important difference between ASVD and DSVD is
cost. DSVD requires speech compression silicon
which adds significant costs to a modem. ASVD
adds no significant costs to a modem. As a
result, most consumer SVD modems will support
ASVD only, and high-end "premium"
modems will support both ASVD and DSVD.
|
| FIGURE 1: Features
Comparison |
| Features |
ASVD |
DSVD |
| ITU Standard |
V.34Q |
V.70 |
| Modem Price Range |
$150 - $250 |
$250 - $400 |
| Voice Delay |
60 ms |
190 ms |
| Audio Range |
Speech and Music |
Speech |
| Time to Market |
Fall '96 |
Q1 '97 |
| Target Customer |
Consumers and Home
Office |
Corporations |
How is SVD
Used?
The concept of talking while exchanging data
satisfies a variety of communications needs. Two
application areas that will adopt SVD quickly are
application sharing and multiplayer gaming.
Sharing Applications
Application sharing with SVD allows business
professionals to view and mark-up a document
while talking with each other on the phone.
Telecommuters can exchange new ideas and gather
verbal feedback from colleagues. Consulting firms
can visually present documents and proposals to
remote customers without having to charge for
travel. Corporate office workers can collaborate
on a presentation even if they are not in the
same office.
Game Environment
SVD takes multiplayer gaming to a new level by
offering a new dimension - voice. Without SVD,
gamers can only compete silently. Imagine
taunting a distant opponent in a combat game as
you pull the trigger, or receiving flying
instructions from an expert while running a
flight simulator. Voice greatly enhances the
gaming environment.
|
