Technical Details

Videoconferencing is the combination of audio, video, and data feeds and digital communications technology that enables live, real-time interaction between two or more locations.

Unlike audio/video streaming, which is a one-way broadcast to multiple viewers, the primary use for videoconferencing is two-way, site-to-site communication.

Videoconferencing is often used by people who gather in a classroom or conference room to interact with others via the Internet, ISDN, or local networks for online collaboration. It is available in a growing number of specific locations on campus using either fixed or portable systems..

Our bridging system allows many sites to connect simultaneously using whatever technology is available to them (such as ISDN phone lines and Internet connections).

The two-way, real-time communication of videoconferencing is ideal for:

• Meetings between two (or more) geographically distant locations
• Conferences where interactive Q&A is desirable
• Consulting
• Panel Discussions
• Courses
• Interviews

CIT can assist with setting up temporary videoconferencing programs, and can aid in the design and implementation of permanent videoconferencing rooms. Videoconference Request Form

How does videoconferencing work?

	1. The content is acquired. This content can can be audio or video feeds from a data video projector, video camera, or PC. The content is acquired live in real-time.
	2. Data is digitized and compressed. The audio and/or video data is processed by special hardware and software into the desired format for broadcast. The data is also compressed to use less bandwidth, for a higher speed of data transfer across the Internet or other network.
	3. Data is served via the Internet or ISDN lines.
	4. Data is received, and decompressed. The content is received from the network, decompressed, and played back at each location.
	5. The content is played back. The content, audio and/or video feeds are played back in real time on a data video projector, video monitor, or PC.