CSI:NY Turns to TelePresence for Collaboration - on TV and in Second Life
Investigators use high-definition video with life-size images to collaborate with other agencies
March 28, 2008
By Jenny Carless, News@Cisco
The forensic investigators on the popular CBS television show CSI:NY use the latest high-tech tools to help them solve crimes. So it's no surprise that they're turning to Cisco TelePresence - a high-definition video technology with life-size images that creates an immersive face-to-face meeting experience - to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies around the country.
In next Wednesday's (April 2) episode of CSI, detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) needs to work quickly with the local police officials and FBI to help solve a new case. He will use Cisco TelePresence to bring everyone to a virtual table, allowing all three organizations to share critical information in real-time without ever leaving their jurisdiction.
Cisco solutions integration in CSI:NY is the result of close collaboration among the show's creator, Anthony Zuiker; CBS, and Cisco. According to Zuiker, the Cisco TelePresence integration is one of the show's first ventures to place technology at a deep level within the plot.
Integrations like this one benefit both the television program and the company whose products are incorporated into the story line with a "cool" factor. In this case, the CSI investigators will be seen using the very latest in virtual meeting technology to improve collaboration across organizations.
Cisco benefits from the opportunity to demonstrate its innovative virtual meeting technology to a wide audience.
"Integrating Cisco solutions into television, film, online and entertainment platforms including gaming is key to Cisco's media strategy and allows us to help audiences build a deeper connection with Cisco," says Diane Dudeck, senior director, Cisco Worldwide Media. "It also generates tremendous buzz and extends the reach of the brand globally."
In addition to Cisco TelePresence appearing on CSI:NY, Cisco Unified IP Phones, Cisco TelePresence and Cisco Digital Signage applications have been integrated into the CSI Crime Scene game in SecondLife's virtual world. The game has attracted a record number of 60,000 registered users.
Zuiker announced the SecondLife game in the fall of 2007 at the Virtual World Conference, using SecondLife virtual world video content that featured TelePresence. The CSI SecondLife experience, which helps enable users to do something beyond purchasing basic items, is one of the first applications to offer a more user-friendly interface.
Integrating Cisco products and services into the CSI:NY experience, both on television and in SecondLife, introduces Cisco to many potential new customers in a novel and entertaining way while giving users an opportunity to engage with the latest communication technology.
Jenny Carless is a freelance writer based in Santa Cruz, CA.