LifeSize launches HD desktop conferencing software

LifeSize Communications on Monday rolled out high-definition video conferencing software designed to extend corporate telepresence systems.

LifeSize Desktop is designed to work with all webcams and a worker's PC. LifeSize Desktop delivers HD video at 720p in full 16:9 format with multiple applications running. The company claims that it can deliver HD video over any bandwidth, corporate VPNs and through firewalls.

In addition, LifeSize Desktop operates as standalone software. The LifeSize Desktop application, which will be available in the third quarter on Windows, is designed to ride shotgun with the company's existing video conferencing tools. Licenses will start at $199 with seats ranging from 1 to 100.

Polycom has a similar product, PVX, but without the high definition support.

Of course, the larger question is whether these tools will give Skype a run. In many corporations, Skype video conferencing is used on the cheap. Will HD matter?