QUINCY, Mass., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BT (LSE: BT.A; NYSE: BT) today unveiled a network of three high definition (HD) telepresence video conferencing demonstration centers where customers can compare telepresence systems before they buy.

The new centers, in London, New York and Denver, showcase the HD telepresence video conferencing technology of BT's partners, Cisco, Polycom and TANDBERG as well as BT's industry leading software applications. The centers also showcase BT Global Video Exchange, an award-winning service that allows Cisco TelePresence connections between different companies.

Other customers around the world, including those in Asia Pacific and Latin America, can learn about and use video conferencing at BT offices in their regions.

The first of their kind, BT's 'Showcase Network Centers' allow organizations to try out new conferencing technology and support services free of charge before making a financial investment. The customer can experience equipment from all of the major manufacturers in use on the BT global network, along with BT's robust support services.

The centers demonstrate how BT's services combined with manufacturers' telepresence solutions are easy to use and manage, which in turn will mean increased use and a faster return on the customer's investment.

BT is now the number one video conferencing provider in the world and is ideally placed to take advantage of analysts' predictions that telepresence will be the strongest growth area in the video market in 2009.

Jeff Prestel, general manager of BT Conferencing's Video Business Unit, said: 'High definition video and telepresence are taking conferencing to the next level, and BT is uniquely positioned to help customers with video conferencing around the world.

'Our focus is on implementing tailored end-to-end enterprise solutions for customers that are easy to use, reliable and cost-effective in nature. Our global Showcase Network Centers provide customers with the ideal opportunity to experience this, and compare telepresence and video conferencing equipment and services.'

With socially responsible organizations striving to advance their business while reducing their environmental impact, the use of telepresence and HD video conferencing reduces organizations' carbon footprint, reduces travel costs, increases productivity, and improves employee work/life balance.