Cisco has extended its high-end virtual meeting offering, developing systems that can either be used from a desk, or by dozens of participants.

Its TelePresence System 500 provides a high-definition video system that can be used for conferences from employees' desks. It includes a 37-inch display, camera, and a special microphone array and speakers, in an effort to provide a life-like video conferencing experience.

Cisco's original TelePresence offerings were supposed to overcome users inherent discomfort with video conferencing sessions by providing a real-life meeting experience. Specially equipped rooms were built so that colleagues on the other side of the planet could contribute to meeting and participants could see the colour of their eyes.

Its new TelePresence 3200 takes that idea a step further, tripling the number of people that can take part in the meetings. The system can be configured for either 12 or 18 participants and includes a new codec with improved file sharing capabilities.

"TelePresence puts you into the meeting in every important sense. With our recent developments in intercompany and interoperability with video conferencing and an expanded portfolio of solutions, we've dramatically increased the uses for and value of TelePresence," said Charles Stucki, vice president and general manager, TelePresence Systems business unit, Cisco in a statement.

Prices for the TelePresence System 500 start at £17,300 ($33,900) and £173,000 ($340,000) for the TelePresence 3,200. Both are expected to ship in Q3 2008.