Video
conferencing is distanced communication using a two-way
connection of live video and audio. Parties at each end
of the connection can see and hear the other and the spoken
exchange of information happens in real time.
Connections
may be point to point, involving only two locations or,
via a centrally located Multipoint Control Unit (MCU),
as many as nine locations may be linked together. By linking
additional MCUs together, conferences of many users may
be assembled.
Video conferencing software has functionality beyond simply
connecting two sites. It allows moderated conference control,
as well as shared applications, digital whiteboard, file
transfer and text chat.
Initially, it was hoped that video conferencing would
supplant business travel and face-to-face education. Organizations
built specialized video conferencing rooms and paid high
telecommunication rates for a dedicated, high-quality
audio-visual link between these rooms.
Until now, video conferencing has not met its anticipated
success. Part of its lack of popularity has been due to
high costs along with the inconvenience and constraints
of video conferencing rooms. It is expected that desktop
IP (Internet protocol) video conferencing, with its low
transmission costs, convenient access and complement of
shared web applications will rekindle interest in the
benefits of video conferencing.
Participants in the BELLE Project meet through the IP
method using the Client Learning Environments, which are
custom designed to deliver better video and audio quality,
greater flexibility and more video conferencing features.
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Internet
Videoconferencing: Coming to Your Campus Soon! By
Robert S. Dixon. Educause Quarterly Vol. 23 No.
4 2000 pp 22-27. (PDF file)
A look at the current configuration and protocol standards
of videoconferencing, using Ohio State University as
an example of the practical use of video conferencing
in the academic setting.
Videoconference.com
A small but non-affiliated site on videoconferencing
with feature articles, glossary and editorials related
to the industry.
Specifications on the Multipoint
Conferencing Unit (MCU) (2.6MB PDF File )
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